PORTLAND, Ore. – The San Jose Earthquakes fell to the Portland Timbers 2-1 on the road on Wednesday night at Providence Park in Portland, Ore. Forward Matthew Hoppe made his first MLS start and scored his first goal for San Jose and forward Cade Cowell became the youngest player in MLS history to earn 100 MLS appearances.
The first half saw goalkeeper Daniel make a diving save against a Timbers’ free kick save in the 25th minute to keep the game scoreless until just before halftime. The Quakes conceded a late goal in stoppage time to end the first half down 1-0.
Portland would double their lead at the start of the second half, but San Jose would pull one back in the 60th minute from Hoppe. A volley from the right side by Cristian Espinoza was initially blocked by Portland’s goalkeeper David Bingham, but Hoppe followed-up the deflection to fire a shot into the net cutting the lead to 2-1.
The Earthquakes will now return home to host Nashville SC on Saturday, Sept. 23, presented by Roku. Kickoff from PayPal Park is slated for 7:30 p.m. PT and will be streamed globally on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app, as well as on local radio via 560 AM The Spread (English) and 1370 KZSF (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Earthquakes now hold an 10-10-10 record (40 pts.) during the 2023 MLS regular season and currently sit tied for sixth place in the 14-team Western Conference, but only four points from third place.
The Quakes now holds a 6-17-10 record against the Portland Timbers, including a 0-13-4 record away from home.
Forward Cade Cowell earned his 100th MLS appearance after being subbed on in the 59th minute, becoming the youngest player to earn 100 league appearances in history.
Forward Matthew Hoppe scored his first goal of the season and of his MLS career.
Hoppe earned his first start in his MLS career. He made his club debut this season against Sporting Kansas City on Aug. 26.
MATCH INFORMATION
Portland Timbers 2 – 1 San Jose Earthquakes
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 – Providence Park, Portland, Ore.
Attendance: 21,518
Scoring Summary:
POR (1-0) – Cristhian Paredes (Bryan Acosta) 45+3’
POR (2-0) – Evander (unassisted) 58’
SJ (2-1) – Matthew Hoppe (unassisted) 60’
Misconduct Summary:
SJ – Paul Marie (caution) 32’
SJ – Carlos Gruezo (caution) 35’
POR – Cristhian Paredes (caution) 41’
SJ – Cristian Espinoza (caution) 90+2’
POR – David Bingham (caution) 90+9’
PORTLAND TIMBERS: David Bingham; Claudio Bravo, Dario Zuparic, Zachary McGraw, Juan Mosquera; Bryan Acosta, Evander (Yimmi Chara 64’), Cristhian Paredes (C); Franck Boli (Felipe Mora 64’), Sebastian Blanco (Antony 64’), Santiago Moreno (Dairon Asprilla 78’)
Substitutes not used: Hunter Sulte (GK), Miguel Araujo, Marvin Loria, Larrys Mabiala, Eric Miller
SHOTS: 19; SHOTS ON GOAL: 6; FOULS: 12; CORNER KICKS: 6; SAVES: 1
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel; Paul Marie (Ayo Akinola 86’), Tanner Beason, Rodrigues (Jonathan Mensah 62’), Carlos Akapo (Miguel Trauco 59’); Jackson Yueill (C), Carlos Gruezo (Niko Tsakiris 59’), Jamiro Monteiro (Cade Cowell 59’); Matthew Hoppe, Cristian Espinoza, Jeremy Ebobisse
Substitutes not used: JT Marcinkowski (GK), Judson, Daniel Munie, Tommy Thompson
SHOTS: 6; SHOTS ON GOAL: 2; FOULS: 9; CORNER KICKS: 5; SAVES: 4
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH LUCHI GONZALEZ
On tonight’s result against the Portland Timbers:
“We knew it was going to be difficult, this is a hard place to get points. We knew that coming in. We embraced it in our prep. We talked about enjoying it. Enjoying this environment and the pressure of these last games. I thought we could be better in the attacking third. We scored a rebound goal. We need more of those and a little bit more determination and final action that I know we have in us.”
On the next steps ahead of Saturday’s match against Nashville SC:
“We don’t have a lot of time. We need to have a short memory and move on quickly. We need to improve in our areas against Nashville, which we have a great opportunity at home to improve. Nashville is a very good team, they just beat [Sporting] Kansas City at Kansas City, which shows their ability to get results home or away. We know we are going to play a strong opponent, but let’s move on quickly and focus on the next opportunity.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES FORWARD MATTHEW HOPPE
On tonight’s performance against the Portland Timbers:
“First off, I am happy to pick up a start and get a goal. At the same time, the team comes first. We wanted more from that game. We wanted to win. It’s unfortunate that they got the first goal like that. I think we pushed them hard towards the end and have a lot of positives from that game. We got in a lot of good positions; we just have to get that final product and keep developing as a team.”
On earning his first start with the Earthquakes:
“It was my first time connecting with the team like that, so it was nice to get some touches in with them. There are some good takeaways from today, and we just have to look forward to next game.
