~ Photo credit: San Jose Earthquakes

~ By Pearl Allison Lo

~ San Jose kept their playoff hopes alive with an even 1-1 score against the Vancouver Whitecaps Sunday.

The Quakes now sit in sixth place, as they spoiled the Whitecaps’ attempt to clinch first place in the Western Conference with just their second positive result on the road.

Vancouver’s Yordy Reyna scored in the first half and San Jose’s Valeri Qazaishvili aka “Vako” scored in the second half.

The Quakes have scored in each of their last three outings with all different results. The Whitecaps have also had different results in their last three matches.

San Jose held most of the possession time, 59% to 41%.

Goalie-wise, the Quakes’ Andrew Tarbell had five saves, facing six on target including three against Fredy Montero. Vancouver’s Stefan Marinovic had four saves, facing five on target including three against Vako.

The remarkable saves started in the 26th minute with Tarbell facing Brek Shea.

A full field play initiated by Montero opened up scoring with multiple great passes from Cristian Techera and Jakob Nerwinski to Reyna up front in the 29th minute. Reyna has scored in his last two 90 minute games played and has points in his last three of the same length.

San Jose’s stay in the hunt goal came by way of Darwin Ceren and Chris Wondolowski. Vako has goals in his last two MLS games and points in the last three. Wondolowski also now has points in his last three games.

Game notes: The Quakes won both of the two regular season series games. San Jose’s Decision Day matchup will be next Sunday at 1pm versus Minnesota United FC.