Preston Judd scored his team-leading 16th goal in the 70th minute, and the host San Jose Earthquakes salvaged a 1-1 draw against MLS-best Nashville SC on Saturday night to clinch a berth in the MLS Cup playoffs.
Judd’s tally canceled out Hany Mukhtar’s 34th-minute goal, his 16th of the season for Nashville, which was seeking to clinch its first MLS Supporters’ Shield with a victory.
With Vancouver winning earlier Saturday, Nashville (20-3-7, 67 points) needs one more point to secure the honor with four matches remaining. The Coyotes also remain seven points short of the MLS single-season record, set by Miami in 2024.
San Jose (13-8-9, 52 points) extended its unbeaten run to nine matches, including six draws, while remaining fourth in the Western Conference, one point ahead of Houston and two ahead of LAFC.
The Quakes deserved the draw against elite opposition, outshooting Nashville 13-6 despite holding slightly less than half of the possession.
They were rewarded with Judd’s 70th-minute equalizer, the 27-year-old’s fifth goal in his last six matches and the most productive season of his five-year MLS career.
The goal came off a set piece from about 35 yards out on the right flank.
Eduard Lowen delivered the initial service, sending a right-footed, outswinging ball toward the top of the penalty arc. Judd got his body in front of defender Daniel Lovitz, then leaned backward while running to redirect a glancing header off the side of his head and inside the far post. Goalkeeper Brian Schwake remained rooted to his line.
Nashville’s Elias Saad came closest to finding a winner after Judd’s equalizer. Defender Dave Romney blocked Saad’s best attempt in the 80th minute, and goalkeeper Angus Gunn saved a later effort in second-half stoppage time.
Mukhtar opened the scoring in a sequence that showcased Nashville’s persistence.
Fullback Andy Najar initiated the attack, with Sam Surridge also involved as Quakes defenders Dave Romney and Reid Roberts both tried unsuccessfully to clear the danger.
Mukhtar eventually gained control of a loose ball on the right side of the penalty area. Gunn saved his half-volley from a tight angle, but Mukhtar connected with the rebound on a first-time volley that overpowered the goalkeeper and nestled into the roof of the net.
