SEATTLE — Two goals by Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Cristian Roldan prevented the San Jose Earthquakes from gaining ground in the Western Conference playoff race after a 3-0 loss to the Sounders on Sunday evening at CenturyLink Field.
San Jose (7-9-5) came into the game one point behind the Sounders for the conference’s sixth and final playoff berth but left Seattle four points back of the Sounders as they approach the second-to-last month of the regular season. The Earthquakes were looking to rebound from their 5-1 loss to the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday and had opportunities in the first half before Roldan put Seattle ahead soon after the halftime break.