SAN JOSE — Diego Valeri’s free kick from 25 yards out sailed past the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell and into the top right corner with two minutes remaining.
The Earthquakes (1-2-5) narrowly missed their first shutout of the season and failed to score themselves for the first time in eight MLS matches. Despite a game that seemed destined for a scoreless draw, the Portland Timbers (3-2-3) escaped with a 1-0 win on Saturday night in front of 17,850 at Avaya Stadium.
“Trying to save it,” a defeated Tarbell said at his locker after the game.