Portland Timbers Overcome Two-Goal Deficit to Defeat San Jose Earthquakes in Thrilling Comeback

In a match filled with drama and excitement, the Portland Timbers managed to overturn a two-goal halftime deficit, defeating the San Jose Earthquakes 4-2 at Providence Park. Key performances from Jonathan Rodríguez, Evander, and Felipe Mora played pivotal roles in this thrilling encounter.

Second-Half Surge

The Timbers found themselves in a challenging position at halftime, trailing 2-0 after goals from San Jose's Amahl Pellegrino and Hernán López in the 31st and 34th minutes, respectively. However, Portland’s resilience shone through in the second half.

Jonathan Rodríguez netted a brace, Evander added a penalty kick goal and an assist, and Felipe Mora secured the game-winner with a penalty kick in the 90th minute. San Jose ended the match with ten men following the ejection of Bruno Wilson.

Historic Comeback

This victory marked only the second time in Timbers' history that they have come back to win after trailing by two or more goals, with the first occurrence dating back to June 26, 2016, against Houston Dynamo FC. Portland also became the first MLS team since March 31, 2018, to score four unanswered goals after trailing by 2-0 or more.

Key Performers

Evander continued his impressive season, recording his fifth goal and fifth assist. The Brazilian midfielder has been in fine form, contributing four goals and four assists in his last six matches. Felipe Mora also scored his fifth goal of the season, equaling Evander's tally. Mora has now scored in consecutive matches, following his goal against Seattle on May 12.

Forward Jonathan Rodríguez was another standout performer, scoring twice to bring his season total to four goals. His brace was the 57th in Timbers' club history. Santiago Moreno, with his sixth assist of the season, and Kamal Miller, with his first career assist for Portland, were instrumental in the team’s success.

Scoring Recap

SJ - Amahl Pellegrino, 31st minute: Jeremy Ebobisse's powerful diving header was saved by Maxime Crépeau, but Pellegrino was quick to react, scoring with a header.

SJ - Hernán López, 34th minute: López won the ball at midfield and lobbed a shot from outside the box into the goal.

POR - Evander (penalty kick), 74th minute: A handball by San Jose's Bruno Wilson led to a penalty, which Evander converted.

POR - Jonathan Rodríguez (Evander, Kamal Miller), 80th minute: Miller's precise pass found Evander, who assisted Rodríguez for a well-placed shot.

POR - Felipe Mora (penalty kick), 90th minute: Mora converted a penalty following a VAR review of a collision in the box.

POR - Jonathan Rodríguez (Santiago Moreno), 90+10 minute: On a counterattack, Moreno found Rodríguez, who scored to seal the victory.

Match Statistics and Notes

• Portland took 23 shots, the most since October 27, 2021, also against the Earthquakes at Providence Park.
• The Timbers are unbeaten in 21 straight home matches against San Jose in all competitions.
• Portland has scored in each of their last 16 matches at Providence Park.
• Evander and Felipe Mora have each scored five goals this season, with Mora scoring in back-to-back matches.
• Jonathan Rodríguez's brace brought his season total to four goals, marking the 57th brace in club history.
• Kamal Miller recorded his first career assist for Portland.

Looking Ahead

The Timbers will close out a three-game stretch in seven days when they face Minnesota United FC on Saturday, May 18, at Allianz Field. The match kicks off at 5:30 pm PT and will be available on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.

Portland Timbers (3-6-4, 13pts) vs. San Jose Earthquakes (3-9-1, 10pts)
May 15, 2024 – Providence Park (Portland, Ore.)

Scoring Summary:

• SJ: Pellegrino, 31
• SJ: López, 34
• POR: Evander (penalty kick), 74
• POR: Rodríguez (Evander), 80
• POR: Mora (penalty kick), 90
• POR: Rodríguez (Moreno), 90+10

Misconduct Summary:

• SJ: Wilson (ejection), 72
• POR: Miller (caution), 82
• SJ: Yarbrough (caution), 90

Lineups:

POR: GK Crépeau, D K. Miller, D Mabiala (Rodríguez, 45), D Zuparic, M Asprilla (E. Miller, 45), M Evander (Fogaça, 90+2), M Chara, M Mosquera, F Antony (Paredes, 63), F Mora (Ayala, 90+10), F Moreno

SJ: GK Yarbrough, D Costa, D Wilson, D Rodrigues, D Akapo, M Tsakiris (Yueill, 56), M Gruezo, M Pellegrino (Marie, 81), M Lopez (Beason, 75), M Espinoza (Munie, 81), F Ebobisse (Judd, 75)

Referee: Pierre Luc-LauziereAttendance: 19,113