Josef Martinez's goal in the 14th minute was the only goal the visiting San Jose Earthquakes needed Saturday night as they helped their playoff hopes with a 1-0 victory over Western Confeference leader San Diego FC.

San Jose (10-14-8, 38 points) jumped from 11th to ninth in the West table, landing it in the conference's final playoff spot with two matches left. It travels to Vancouver on Oct. 5 and hosts Austin on Oct. 18.

The Earthquakes tightened up considerably on defense, an issue for them throughout the season. In fact, they allowed 10 goals in their previous three fixtures, all losses. But they limited San Diego to three shots on frame, although it outshot them 19-7.

San Jose got just two shots on CJ dos Santos but one was Martinez's 129th career MLS marker. Cristian Arango sent h

See Full Page