MLS: Cristian Espinoza, JT Marcinkowski lead Earthquakes past Sounders

Date:

Share post:


Cristian Espinoza had a goal and an assist as the San Jose Earthquakes defeated the visiting Seattle Sounders 2-0 Wednesday night in an MLS match.

Miguel Trauco added a highlight-reel goal as the Earthquakes (8-7-8, 32 points) snapped a five-match winless streak (0-2-3). Backup goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski, playing for the suspended Daniel, made two saves in posting the shutout.

Seattle goalie Stefan Cleveland, getting his second straight start with league shutout leader Stefan Frei in the concussion protocol, was credited with one save. The Sounders (10-8-5, 35 points) had a two-match winning streak come to an end.

Trauco’s tally in the 65th minute gave the Earthquakes a two-goal advantage. Espinoza’s corner kick from the right wing found an open Trauco just past the semi-circle at the top of the penalty area. Trauco’s left-footed volley rocketed into the side netting inside the right post, leaving Cleveland no chance.

Though Seattle held possession for nearly 60 percent of the first half, the Earthquakes took a 1-0 lead.

San Jose’s Jeremy Ebobisse took a pass just inside the top of the 18-yard box and was tripped up as he spun back toward the center of the pitch by Sounders defender Yeimar Gomez Andrade. Espinoza hammered the penalty kick into the lower left corner of the net in the 19th minute.

Marcinkowski made both of his saves in the first half. In the seventh minute, he made a diving stop on a 12-yard shot by Heber after Seattle had a swift buildup down the left wing on the counterattack. In the 22nd, Marcinkowski held his position next to the right post to stop a sharp-angled shot from Nouhou Tolo following a corner kick.

Cleveland made his lone save in the 46th minute as Espinoza stole a pass just inside his own half of the field and attempted a shot from the midfield line. Cleveland, who was near the top of the 18-yard box, scrambled back to make the stop.

Jack Skahan appeared to give the Earthquakes a two-goal lead in the 47th minute when he put a 10-yard shot from the right side of the penalty area into the net, but he was ruled offside.

–Field Level Media

spot_img

Related articles

MLS: Atlanta United sign homegrown D Dominik Chong Qui

Atlanta United announced the signing Friday of homegrown defender Dominik Chong Qui through 2028 with an option for...

MLS: Longtime Sporting KC G Tim Melia announces retirement

Goalkeeper Tim Melia announced his retirement from professional soccer on Thursday. Melia, 38, spent 10 seasons with Sporting Kansas...

WWC: Women’s World Cup coming to U.S. in 2031, UK in 2035

The United States is on track to host the 2031 Women's World Cup, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced...

CONCACAF: CONCACAF Champions Cup: LAFC blank Inter Miami

Nathan Ordaz fired home a 24-yard shot early in the second half, leading host Los Angeles FC to...

FREE

Get the most important breaking news and analyses for Free.

Thank you for subscribing

Something went wrong.