San Jose Earthquakes’ winless streak stretches to seven after Timbers rally with late goal
SAN JOSE — Paul Marie came off the bench to spark the Quakes with a tying goal in the 50th minute, but San Jose’s winless streak was extended to seven as Jonathan Rodriguez scored on a header in the 72nd minute to lift the Portland Timbers to a 2-1 victory on Wednesday night at PayPal Park.
The Quakes (3-13-2) sit in last place in the Western Conference.
Cristian Espinoza had two chances for the Earthquakes in stoppage time, but his first sailed just over the crossbar and his second narrowly missed at the near post.
“The game is cruel,” Quakes coach Luchi Gonzalez said. “Because too many times we’ve been in leads or been in good momentum so it could have or should have or deserve to be winning while we’re creating. I love the excitement our guys play with in the attack and courage.”
Evander also scored for the Timbers (6-7-6), who won their fifth straight.
The Earthquakes were without midfielder Carlos Gruezo, who is playing for Ecuador in the Copa America. Ecuador opens the tournament on Saturday against Venezuela at Levi’s Stadium.
Earthquakes goalkeeper Jacob Jackson, making his first start of the season, failed to clear the ball and Evander took advantage, gaining control and scoring his eighth of the season in the 22nd minute.
Jackson started last month’s San Jose’s 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 matchup against Sacramento, a 4-3 defeat in extra time where he made five saves — several at point-blank range.
Marie pulled the Quakes even in the 50th minute with a hard strike from the top of the box into the upper corner. He came into the game as a substitute in the first half when Carlos Akapo left with an injury.
“We played really well until the 70th minute, and then they had half a chance and they scored,” Marie said. “I think that’s the little moments that we need to take care of. I didn’t think they had that much on us, but it was the little details that beat us 2-1 tonight.”
Up next for the Quakes is Saturday night’s game at Los Angeles Football Club at BMO Stadium.
— Espinoza and Jeremy Ebobisse started Wednesday’s match, extending their MLS-leading consecutive games played streaks to 93 and 92, respectively.
— The Quakes are now 6-22-10 against the Timbers in MLS regular-season play and 6-5-6 at home.