SAN JOSE — Same as it ever was.
The San Jose Earthquakes, in their 30th year of existence, beat DC United, also in its 30th year, 6-1 on Saturday at PayPal Park in San Jose.
Chicho Arango, Josef Martinez, Cristian Espinoza and Amahl Pellegrino scored the goals for the Earthquakes as Major League Soccer celebrated its 30th year with an anniversary game. The two squads previously contested MLS’ first-ever game at Spartan Stadium on April 9, 1996, exactly 29 years ago to the day.
The San Jose Clash won 1-0 on that day, getting a late goal by Eric Wynalda to seal the victory over the visitors from DC. On Sunday, Martinez easily outscored every player combined in that 1996 game, netting an early goal and two late ones to seal the contest.
Christian Benteke scored the lone goal for DC United in first-half stoppage time. The Earthquakes improved to 4-3-1 this season, while DC dropped to 1-3-3.