After beating LA on Saturday, most seemed to accept that the San Jose Earthquakes were the best team in MLS so naturally, they lost in their next match. The Portland Timbers topped the Quakes, 2-1, on Tuesday to continue the trend of MLS' best going down as soon as they get the crown.
Portland Timbers Vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 2012 MLS: Does Anyone Want To Be No. 1?
It seems like every time a team establishes themselves as the best in MLS they follow it up with a string of losses. It happened to the Galaxy early in the season, then at various points to Sporting, Seattle and Salt Lake. Now it is the Earthquakes’ turn.
Portland struck first on a quick counterattack. After a Quakes giveaway near the Timbers' goal, the home side broke quickly. Franck Songo'o got it on the right and raced almost the length of the pitch before spotting Danny Mwanga coming across to the near post. With the Timbers breaking so quickly, there was plenty of space and Mwanga was able to get free to redirect Songo'o's cross for the opening tally.
Just before the hour mark, Portland added to their lead. David Bingham, who was starting for the injured Jon Busch, couldn't hold onto a ball when challenged in the air by Futty Danso. The ball came free and was bouncing towards the goal where Jack Jewsbury was able to get to it just before a San Jose defender and rap it in for the second goal.
Alan Gordon gave San Jose hope of another miraculous comeback late when he was able to redirect a shot in to cut Portland's lead in half, but it wasn't to be. The curse of being touted as MLS's best bit the Quakes.
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