The only story line left in the 2018 season for the San Jose Earthquakes remains Chris Wondolowski’s pursuit of Landon Donovan and the all-time MLS goal scoring record. In his last chance to tie or break the record in front of his home fans, Wondo was held off the scoresheet, and for what it’s worth, so was everyone else who played in the match as the Quakes and Colorado battled to a 0-0 draw on Sunday Afternoon at Avaya Stadium.
By virtue of Orlando City’s dramatic victory over Columbus, the Quakes knew by kickoff that they had clinched the Wooden Spoon trophy as the last place team in MLS. Still the Quakes came out with one of their most inspired efforts of the season. Playing in a 4-4-2 diamond, Quakes Manager Steve Ralston inserted Wondolowski into the starting lineup and gave him the armband. The new shape give the Quakes the opportunity to take the game at the Rapids.
“The performance was really good by the entire group, said Ralston, “I thought we possessed them, they sat deep and unfortunately we couldn’t break them down in the final third.”
The final third proved to be the Quakes undoing. Despite out shooting Colorado 20-6 and putting 13 corners and 33 crosses into the box, San Jose was never able to put one past Colorado keeper Tim Howard.
“We had enough possession that should have put one in the back of the net.” said Wondolowski. “We didn’t test Tim enough and those were some pretty easy saves for him.”
Leading the way with 8 of the Quakes 20 shots, the buzz when the ball hit Wondolowski’s foot anywhere near the goal was palpable, including two consecutive shots from the top of the box in the 54th minute that were good looks, but never troubled Howard.
WIth Decision Day looming on Sunday, both the Quakes and the Rapids will have the opportunity to effect the final standings in the Western Conference. The Quakes travel to Seattle to take on the Sounders while the Rapids return home to take on FC Dallas.
San Jose Earthquakes
Colorado Rapids
