Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

By Alexandra Evans

SAN JOSE — For their third match of the 2018 season, the San Jose Earthquakes took on the visiting Club Léon, to whom they fell 1-0.

Quakes captain Chris Wondolowski came close to a breakaway goal just over a minute into the first half before he was called offsides. After receiving a smooth pass from Quincy Amarikwa, Magnus Eriksson attempted a shot with much force at the net at the seventh minute, which went over the bar. Léon’s Landon Donovan, a former Earthquake, broke the scoring silence at the 19-minute mark when he struck the ball past Quakes starting goaltender Andrew Tarbell.

The board remained scoreless for the remainder of the match with both teams having subbed out several starters from the 46th minute to the 74th minute and received numerous good scoring chances accompanied by good defense. Léon took home the 1-0 victory.

Donovan, who scored the game’s only goal (the game-winner), is known to be the greatest American men’s soccer player. He was on a loan with San Jose from 2001 to 2004 and helped lead the Quakes to MLS Cup wins in 2001 and 2003.

The Quakes will return to Avaya Stadium on Saturday, March 31 to face New York City FC. Kick-off is at 4:45 p.m. PDT.