SOCCER: Paul Rothrock scores first goal on Quakes all season, Sounders win 1-0

Paul Rothrock scored his second goal of the season midway through the first half, helping the visiting Seattle Sounders secure a 1-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday.

Goalkeeper Andrew Thomas made seven crucial saves to earn his third MLS clean sheet of the season, as Seattle (3-1-0, 9 points) notched its second straight road win in MLS and third consecutive victory across all competitions.

Rothrock’s goal was the first conceded by San Jose (3-1-0, 9 points), who had been aiming to remain perfect through four games alongside LAFC and Vancouver.

Despite outshooting Seattle 24-7 overall, and 8-4 in shots on target, the Quakes were unable to capitalize, even with former RB Leipzig and Tottenham star Timo Werner making his first start for the club.

Rothrock had also scored late in Thursday’s 3-0 rout of Vancouver during Leg 1 of Seattle’s CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 series. Three days later, he broke the deadlock in the 20th minute against San Jose.

The play was set up by Jesus Ferreira, who delivered a precise through ball from the center circle to put Rothrock behind the San Jose defense. Rothrock took two touches to control the ball before finishing across the body of the advancing goalkeeper Daniel and into the far left corner.

San Jose had chances to equalize in the second half. Preston Judd had two one-on-one opportunities, but Thomas denied the first in the 61st minute and partially blocked the second in the 74th minute before defender Antino Lopez cleared the ball off the line. In the 83rd minute, Thomas also tipped Niko Tsakiris’ effort over the crossbar.

Seattle appeared to extend the lead in the 86th minute when Cody Baker struck from the edge of the penalty area. However, after video review, the goal was ruled out due to Albert Rusnak being offside and obstructing the goalkeeper’s view.

Seattle now prepares for its next match, buoyed by Rothrock’s scoring form and Thomas’ continued reliability in goal.

—Field Level Media/Reuters