By: Joe Lami

SANTA CLARA, CALIF.–

Coming into Saturday night’s contest, the San Jose Earthquakes had been struggling tremendously on defense conceding ten goals in the last three matches. They were able to turns things around, as they earned a 1-1 draw with supporter shield contenders Real Salt Lake. The draw marked the first time since August 2 that the team managed to earn points at home, and the first since July 23 at Buck Shaw Stadium, as the August 2^nd matchup was held at Levi’s Stadium.

The Earthquakes started strong, as they hopped on the board in just the 14^th minute of play. Chris Wondolowski set up the play of the left side, taking on two defenders before passing back to Sam Cronin, who gathered himself and ripped one low and right with the left foot to put the Quakes up early.

Wondolowski had another great chance just moments later in the 18^th minute. Tommy Thompson headed the ball over to Wondolowski just inside the 18-yard box, where he took a one-touched shot that just missed left of the net of putting San Jose up 2-0.The missed opportunity would come back to haunt San Jose, as Real Salt Lake would tie the game on a penalty kick in the 34^th minute. Jordan Stewart made a diving play towards the ball to attempt to clear, however he fouled Olmes Garcia on the play apparently to set up the penalty kick. Earthquakes’ Captain, Wondolowski commented on the foul “that wouldn’t have been a foul in the midfield, that wouldn’t have been a foul in the box, that wouldn’t have been a foul anywhere,” clearly frustrated on the call. Salt Lake took advantage of the opportunity, as Javier Moralez would get the penalty past Jon Busch. Moralez approached the ball and made a few stutter steps to throw off Busch’s timing before nailing into the bottom left corner. With the goal, Moralez continues he dominance over San Jose, scoring his eighth goal against the club in just 14 games played.

The Quakes did their best to try and equalize late in the game, with the best chance coming in the 81^st minute, when Tommy Thompson got a chance. However, Salt Lake defenders would get back to cover. Earthquakes’ coach Mark Watson was quite impressed with the play of Tommy Thompson “He’s well beyond his years and has obvious talent. He’s done well in every game he’s played for us”.

Though, San Jose couldn’t earn the victory, they still get a much needed point in a race for the playoffs that’s starting to look dimmer and dimmer by the day. However, the locker room still believes there’s a chance at the playoffs, “We completely believe that we still can get in the playoffs, we do have games in hand,” added Watson. The Earthquakes are going to need to become desperate for points, as the season starts to draw to a close. They’ll have to wait a week before they get back of the pitch, where they travel to Portland, who’s eight points ahead of San Jose, and in the last playoff spot. However, San Jose does have two games in hand.

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