Sunday July 27th, 2008
MLS - Match 18

Buck Shaw Stadium, Santa Clara, CA

 

- Match Report	- Ben's advice
- Reactions	- Atmosphere
- Statistics

Sunday July 27, 2008

San jose threatened the Red Bulls in the first minutes.. Photo: Nap - The Project FC

The San Jose Earthquakes played well and dominated most of the game today, but it was still not enough to take the three points. They showed good intentions right after the kick off and created two good situations in the Red Bulls' box in the first two minutes. Unfortunately, on a counter attack, Eric Denton wanted to pass the ball back to Joe Cannon. His header lobbed the goalkeeper and ended up in the top right corner of his own goal. (0-1, 4')

 

The Quakes had a good reaction. They remained calm, took back the control of the game and naturally equalized 9 minutes later. After a good move in the box, Scott Sealy could shoot at goal. Jon Conway managed to deflect the shot but the ball came back in the 6-yard box into Darren Huckerby's feet who just had to push it into the net (1-1, 13').

Darren Huckerby scores his first goal for the Earthquakes - Photo: Nap - The Project FC

The initial mistake was repaired and, against a less than impressive opponent, San Jose still had a lot of time to win the game. They had a lot of chances to do so before the end of the first half, probably the best half the Earthquakes played since the begining of the season, but a little something was missing at each tentative.

Both teams needed points but, after the break, they came back with different strategies. While San Jose was decided to attack and try everything they could to win, New York was waiting for counter attack opportunities. They had some but the Quakes' defense remained solid and San Jose had the best opportunities in the first part of the seond half but, again, couldn't finish.

The heat then made things difficult for both teams who were taking advantage of every break in the game to come by their benches and drink. The Quakes continued to attack and New York continued to try to place quick counters in the last fifteen minutes, but energy was lacking and, finally, Mr. Salazar blown the final whistle before anyone could make a difference.

Despite the good general performance shown today, the result is disappointing for the Earthquakes who needed the 3 points.

They still need to find a way to finish their chances and one of the ways to do so could be to hire another striker. That's what Yallop suggested after the game (listen to reactions below).

Ryan Johnson is not a true striker, but he's bringing a lot of intensity in the game and, he's been a very important player for the team in the past months. Replacing him would be a difficult and risky decision...

Thierry Heumann (email)

For players' reactions, more about the atmosphere at Buck Shaw and a video of the San Jose Ultras after the match...Click Here

- Match Report	- Ben's advice
- Reactions	- Atmosphere
- Statistics

 

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