~ Photo credit: SJ Earthquakes

~ By Pearl Allison Lo

~ The Colorado Rapids’ Kevn Doyle’s brace singlehandedly sent San Jose home for the rest of the season with a 2-1 win Thursday.

Doyle broke a five month drought with a career-high two goals in two different scenarios. He last started on September 3.

If the Quakes were looking for any consolation, it could be that they lost to the team with the best MLS record, who are now at the top of the Western Conference table. The Rapids are now 11-0-5 at home on the season.

San Jose’s Chris Wondolowski had a game-high and tied a season-high with six shots and three shots on goal for the second time in last three games. However, the Quakes’ playoff drought now extends to four years. They finish 8-11-13.

Doyle had his first score in the 38th minute. Dominique Badji passed to a free Marc Burch who set the ball up for a diving Doyle.

Badji almost became the star of a play as he got past goalie David Bingham. However, that was not enough as Bernardez took two touches, one with each foot, for a goal line clearance in the 45th minute..

In the 49th minute, San Jose had an ample opportunity to tie the game. Wondolowski had a free kick as he sent the ball along the grass through the wall. Howard stopped the attempt then fumbled. The rebound then went to Henok Goitom nearby, who skied the ball.

Wondolowski broke through on the penalty kick in the 57th minute. This came after after he missed a penalty kick September 28, as he broke through goalie Tim Howard.

After Bingham made a stop against Doyle, he was not nearly as close with Doyle’s second attempt. The Rapids were awarded a penalty kick and Doyle went straightaway as Bingham went to his right to give Doyle a brace in the 73rd minute.

Later, another Quakes player acted as goalie again. Bingham boldly went straight to Caleb Calvert, who had the ball and stopped his first touch. On Calvert’s ensuing second touch, Marvell Wynne was in net to head the ball away.

Game notes: This loss marked an end to a 14-game win streak over Colorado as Bingham experienced his first loss versus them. It was just the second time in over 30 meetings San Jose gave up more than one goal to them. Next up for the Quakes is their home finale against the Vancouver Whitecaps. It will be Fan Appreciation Day and starts Sunday at 2pm.