Photo credit: @OregonianSports

By Pearl Allison Lo

The unbeaten and winless streaks continued for the Portland Timbers and San Jose Earthquakes Saturday as Portland won 2-1 at Providence Park on Saturday night.

It was not that clear cut though with the Quakes making it close at the end of the game.

The Timbers’ unbeaten streak amped up to 11 and San Jose’s winless streak extended to nine. The Quakes have still yet to win in Portland.

As San Jose started the second half with a test against the toughest team in MLS, it was a downhill first half that though they did not materialize, ended with some positive notes.

In his first outing since he returned from playing for Panama in the World Cup, Harold Cummings picked up a yellow in under a minute.

Vako got the Quakes’ first shot in the 11th minute.

However, Vako also initiated a turnover which led to Samuel Armenteros’ goal in the 14th minute. Armenteros had a season-high eight shots and tied a season-high with his two goals.

San Jose was forced to make an early substitution when rookie Kevin Partida was taken out in favor of veteran Shea Salinas in the 23rd minute.

The next minute, Armenteros nearly had another goal at the near corner post, but goalie Andrew Tarbell was able to deflect the ball with his face.  

The Quakes’ next shot came from Wondolowski in the 29th minute.

Another unexpected substitution for the Quakes came when Danny Hoesen had to leave in favor of Quincy Amarikwa in the 33rd minute.

Armenteros had a more skillful attempt on net with a bicycle kick that went wide in the 44th minute.

San Jose had late pressure in stoppage time. After a handball by Anibal Godoy, who also returned from Panama World Cup action, Vako missed and the Timbers blocked two more attempts by Godoy and Vako. The intensity could be seen by Vako chewing on his shirt.

Armenteros finished the first half with five shots, Vako with three, and the Quakes only one shot on target.

Armenteros doubled his score in the game in the 53rd minute. It seemed like it was a mix of defenders trying to catch up with Armenteros, overrunning him and confusion including Tarbell in net.

San Jose kept with it though and Amarikwa’s persistence kept the ball on their side. As he passed to Florian Jungwirth, Jungwirth slid the ball in diagonally for an 87th minute goal.

With a hand to his mouth after, Salinas had a close attempt in the 92nd minute.

Tarbell also joined his teammates in front of net in their last second efforts to tie the game.  

Up Next: The Quakes will next head East to take on the Montreal Impact Saturday at 4:30 pm PDT.