Photo: Yi-Chin Lee/Houston Chronicle The Dynamo (10-10-8) failed to score for a second consecutive game – the first time that has happened this season in the San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 shutout of the Dynamo at Avaya Stadium in San Jose on Saturday night

By London Marq

SAN JOSE–As the long season draws to a close the matches are getting more crucial for the San Jose Earthquakes. On a cool night at Avaya Stadium the Earthquakes hosted the Houston Dynamo as they fight for playoff positioning. With 36 points entering play, they sit one point out of playoff contention.

Not surprisingly the Earthquakes came out firing early. They need to when at home if they want to be taken seriously. After missed shots by Vako and Urena, it looked as if it might be a long night for the Quakes, but they were relentless. Ball movement in the scoring third was solid and proved fruitful. An accurate cross came into the box from Sarkodie on the right side and found Hoesen. Hoesen, in traffic, very accurately slotted it into the bottom corner. The Quakes fought hard and did their due diligence to hold off Houston from equalizing. At the end of the 90 minute mark, they would walk off with a much needed, well deserved win 1-0.

A truly momentous victory, the win moves them from sevnth place in the standings to fifth. The Quakes, since acquiring new manage Chris Leitch midseason, have proved to have resilience. While they have had their losses, the Quakes are matching up well with other teams in playoff contention. This is experience that they will need if they want to make a run in the playoffs, and maintain their strength in the seasons to come.

The playoffs are not a guarantee. With five games left in the season anything can happen. The schedule is on the Quakes side, with three of those games taking place at Avaya Stadium. Marco Urena stated before the match, “If we want to make the playoffs, we have to win at home”. He’s not wrong and they will have their chance. If nothing else, remainder of the season will be filled with drama.

The next match will be on September 23rd, an away game against D.C. United.