sjearthquakes.com photo: San Jose Earthquakes Danny Hosen (9) boots the ball in the loss to the DC United in Washington DC 4-0 on Saturday night

By Daniel Dullum
Sports Radio Service
Saturday, September 23, 2017

D.C. United striker Patrick Mullins torched San Jose with a four-goal match Saturday, leading United past the Earthquakes 4-0 in MLS action at RFK Stadium.

The Quakes were outshot 14-10 as San Jose entered the match trying to stay alive in the MLS Western Conference playoff hunt in a battle with FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake. San Jose is seeking its first postseason appearance since 2012.

Mullins scored his first goal of the season in the 57th minute, and finished off his hat trick over the next 11 minutes.

In the 88th minute, Mullins finished off his big night by scoring on a free kick. His 31-minute scoring spree was the fastest in league history. In order, Mullins scored his goals left foot, header, right foot, free kick.

It was D.C. United’s first victory against the Earthquakes since 2014, when they defeated San Jose at RFK. An announced crowd of 25,229 watched Mullins’ exploits.

Mullins tied the D.C. record for scoring three goals in a game with three other players, and it was the first time in team history that a player scored four goals in a half.

The Earthquakes had chances early, as they tested D.C. keeper Steve Clark with seven shots in the first half. Clark earned a shutout in his first start for United.

The Quakes return home for their next match on Wednesday, when they host the Chicago Fire at 7:15 p.m.