Preston Judd Scores Two Goals as Earthquakes Beat Timbers 3-1
In a Saturday night showdown, Preston Judd scored twice and Eduard Löwen added a goal and an assist as the San Jose Earthquakes defeated the Portland Timbers 3-1. The win pushed the Earthquakes’ unbeaten streak to six matches, while the Timbers fell into a fourth consecutive loss.
By Felo News Desk · Published
In a high‑scoring clash at the Earthquakes’ home ground, Preston Judd delivered a standout performance by finding the net twice, while teammate Eduard Löwen contributed a goal and an assist to secure a 3-1 victory over the Portland Timbers. The win not only gave San Jose a decisive win but also extended their unbeaten run to six games, a streak that has seen them avoid defeat in the last half of the season.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
Preston Judd opened the scoring just four minutes into the game with a well‑placed header that slipped past goalkeeper James Pantemis. The 27‑year‑old, who has already tallied 15 goals this season, continued his strong form by adding a second goal in the 29th minute, this time from a volley off Paul Marie’s flick. The early double set the tone for the Earthquakes, who dominated possession and created several chances in the first half.
Eduard Löwen, who joined San Jose in a trade with St. Louis on August 26, made an immediate impact. He scored the second goal for the Earthquakes in the 24th minute, turning a perfectly‑placed entry pass into a first‑touch shot that found the top corner. Löwen’s contribution was not limited to scoring; he also provided an assist for Judd’s second goal, showcasing his versatility in both creating and finishing opportunities.
Portland’s Struggles and Resilience
The Timbers entered the match with a difficult run, having lost their last three games and remaining winless over four consecutive matches. Their defense was tested early, with San Jose’s offensive pressure forcing several mistakes. Despite the early setback, Portland managed to pull a goal back in the 86th minute through David Da Costa, a late effort that kept the scoreline close and added drama to the final minutes.
Goalkeeper James Pantemis, who has been a key figure for the Earthquakes, made five saves in the match, including a crucial stop in the second half that preserved the team’s lead. His performance helped the team maintain composure after the Timbers’ late push.
Player Performances and Statistics
- Preston Judd – 2 goals, 1 assist, 15 goals in the season (career‑high)
- Eduard Löwen – 1 goal, 1 assist, first goal for San Jose
- Earl Edwards Jr. – 7 saves (career high), 13-8-6 record for the season
- James Pantemis – 5 saves, key defender for San Jose
- David Da Costa – 1 goal for Portland, late equalizer
Implications for the Standings and Future Matches
The victory keeps the Earthquakes in a strong position within the Western Conference, as they continue to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. Their unbeaten streak adds confidence to the squad, especially as they prepare to face Colorado on October 10. For the Timbers, the loss extends their winless streak, raising questions about their defensive organization and attacking efficiency as they look to regroup for their upcoming match against Kansas City on October 10.
With the season drawing to a close, both teams will be looking to secure favorable results. The Earthquakes aim to maintain their form and finish the regular season on a high note, while the Timbers must find a way to break their slump and secure a win to improve their playoff prospects.
What Happens Next?
San Jose will travel to Denver to face Colorado on Saturday, October 10, where they will seek to extend their unbeaten run further. Portland, meanwhile, will host Kansas City on the same day, hoping to reverse their fortunes and climb the standings. Fans can expect another intense match as both teams look to secure vital points in the final weeks of the season.
As the season approaches its conclusion, the Earthquakes’ recent form will be a key factor in their playoff aspirations, while the Timbers will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities and find a consistent scoring rhythm to avoid further losses.
Key facts
- Preston Judd scored a brace, extending his season tally to 15 goals
- Eduard Löwen contributed a goal and an assist, marking his first goal for San Jose
- The Earthquakes’ 3-1 win extended their unbeaten streak to six games
- Portland Timbers suffered a fourth straight loss, remaining winless over four games
- Goalkeeper James Pantemis made five saves to preserve the lead
- Both teams face upcoming matches on October 10 that could impact playoff standings
Why it matters
The match underscores the Earthquakes’ growing momentum and the Timbers’ ongoing struggle, both of which are critical for their playoff ambitions and overall season trajectories.
Frequently asked questions
What was the final score of the match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Portland Timbers?
The San Jose Earthquakes won 3-1 over the Portland Timbers.
How many goals did Preston Judd score in the game?
Preston Judd scored two goals.
Which player scored the only goal for the Portland Timbers?
David Da Costa scored the lone goal for the Portland Timbers.
What was the impact of this win on the Earthquakes’ unbeaten streak?
The victory extended the Earthquakes’ unbeaten streak to six consecutive games.
Sources
- [1] winnipegfreepress.com — originally reported as “Preston Judd scores 2 goals, Earthquakes beat Timbers 3-1, extend unbeaten streak to 6 games”
