Portland, Ore. – The San Jose Earthquakes wrapped up their appearance at the Rose City Invitational with a 1-0 win against Portmore United at Providence Park on Saturday.
Cordell Cato’s goal in the 39th minute was the difference as San Jose finished the tournament 2-1-0 with a pair of 1-0 wins. The Earthquakes dominated the run of play, out-shooting the Jamaican squad 20-10.
Clarence Goodson nearly opened the scoring in the 25th minute. Shea Salinas whipped a corner kick into the mix where Goodson leapt for a powerful header that Portmore United goalkeeper Kemar Foster dove to save.
Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi was the next player to force a save from Foster. Cordell Cato created the chance with a nifty move near the edge of the area, crossing to the near post where Pierazzi pounded a diving header that would have found the net if not for another diving effort from Foster.
Minutes later, Victor Bernardez continued San Jose’s assault on Portmore United’s goal. This time, Bernardez rose to win a header off a Salinas free kick, directing his shot on target, but right at Foster.
Cato broke the stalemate in the 39th minute with a tap-in from close range. Bernardez played a corner short to Salinas, who then beat his man with a touch to his right and sent a cross to the far post. Adam Jahn went up for the header for San Jose, but his attempt at goal deflected off a Portmore United defender and to the feat of Cato.
The Earthquakes had their first golden chance of the second half in the 72nd minute as Sam Cronin found Chris Wondolowski free on the right side of the box. Wondolowski took a touch and then unleashed from 15 yards out, but the shot was straight at Foster.
The Earthquakes close their preseason against Sacramento Republic FC on Wednesday, March 5 at CSU Stanislaus’ Warrior Stadium. Kickoff is 7 p.m. PT with tickets available at the gate on matchday.
