SAN DIEGO — Josef Martínez scored early within the first half and a stingy protection led by goalie Daniel made it rise up because the San Jose Earthquakes edged first-place San Diego FC 1-0 and moved right into a playoff spot on Saturday evening.
Martínez used an help from Cristian Arango — his seventh — within the 14th minute to attain for the thirteenth time this season, tying him with Arango for many objectives on the staff. It’s additionally probably the most objectives Martínez has scored since he totaled 27 in 2019 whereas taking part in for Atlanta United.
The Earthquakes (10-14-8) and FC Dallas at the moment are tied for the ultimate playoff spot within the MLS’ Western Convention with 38 factors, however Dallas has a match in hand whereas the Quakes have simply two remaining matches.
“I give our guys a lot of credit. It was a great effort. It wasn’t pretty,” San Jose coach Bruce Enviornment mentioned. “It was an ugly win, but we’ll take it. We’ve had a lot of pretty losses this year, so I’m really happy to have an ugly win.”
Ronaldo Vieira #37 of the San Jose Earthquakes and Jeppe Tverskov #6 of San Diego FC change phrases through the second half at Snapdragon Stadium on Sept. 27, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photograph by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Pictures)
The ugly recreation in entrance of 29,437 followers at Snapdragon Stadium could have been by design, although.
“We definitely wanted to change the pace of the game,” mentioned San Jose defender Daniel Munie. “We know they like to play quick, play fast and we wanted to slow them down.”
Considered one of San Jose’s few mishaps on protection practically led to a game-tying purpose within the thirty seventh minute by San Diego FC, however Onni Valakari’s try from point-blank vary was vast proper.
Daniel completed with three saves for his fifth clear sheet this season for San Jose and the staff’s first shutout since Could 28, a 1-0 loss in Los Angeles in opposition to the Galaxy.
Enviornment singled out defenders Munie, and Reid Roberts and Max Floriani for enabling San Jose to snap its three-game dropping skid.
“The performance by the three of them, starting with Munie and then Reid, Floriani. It was quite good,” Enviornment mentioned. “This is not an easy team to beat at home on their home field. I give our guys a lot of credit. It was a great effort.”
San Diego (17-9-6) has two matches remaining in its first common season and is tied with Vancouver atop the Western Convention with 57 factors. The Whitecaps, nonetheless, have a match in hand.
The Earthquakes journey to play Vancouver on Sunday they usually’ll achieve this with momentum on their aspect.
“We’re going against another good team next Sunday in Vancouver, a difficult venue to play in, but I think we’ll go there with a lot of confidence that we can win the game,” mentioned Munie.
Josef Martinez #17 of the San Jose Earthquakes celebrates after scoring a purpose in opposition to San Diego FC through the first half at Snapdragon Stadium on Sept. 27, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photograph by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Pictures)
Max Floriani #25 and Daniel #42 of the San Jose Earthquakes have a good time after the sport in opposition to San Diego FC at Snapdragon Stadium on Sept. 27, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photograph by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Pictures)
