By Matthew T.F. Harrington

ISI photos: San Jose Earthquakes and New England Revolution deadlock to a 0-0 draw at Avaya Stadium on Wednesday night

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Earthquakes saw a valuable three points slip away Wednesday night at Avaya Stadium with the Quakes settling for a nil-nil draw with the visiting New England Revolution. With only nine games remaining in the regular season the Quakes are locked with the Portland Timbers for the sixth and final playoff spot with 32 points.

Right on their heels are the Seattle Sounders (31 points) and Vancouver Whitecaps (30 points) pushing for the final berth in postseason play. The Revs, likewise, are trying to move up to the top of the table. They sit in eight place in the Eastern Conference, two points behind D.C. United (29 points) for the East’s last playoff spot.

The Quakes were dealt an early blow when forward Quincy Amarikwa had to be subbed for in the 34th minute with an injury. His replacement Chad Barrett failed to produce much in terms of offensive pressure, leading Quakes boss Dominic Kinnear to sub in Henok Goitom in the 76^th minute.

The match itself was quite chippy, with the two teams combining for 28 fouls. Anibal Godoy, Darwin Ceren and Simon Dawkins all received yellow cards for the Quakes while the Revs’ Gershon Koffie and Teal Bunbury were also booked.

San Jose managed only seven shots, with one actually hitting the target of New England keeper Brad Knighton. David Bingham was forced to make saves on 3 of New England’s 12 shots on net.

The Quakes hit the road Saturday to face another team struggling to stay relevant in the East. San Jose faces the Columbus Crew, dead last in the division with 23 points, Saturday at 4:30 pm.