Sports Radio Service


		Earthquakes earn first home win and shutout By Pearl Allison Lo April 17, 2010

	Joe Cannon earned his 100th career win, Chris Wondolowski scored the game winner and rookie Ike Opara scored his second goal in as many games as the Quakes broke the New England Revolution's 2-game win streak to win 2-0 Saturday. San Jose now has their first winning record since 2008. In the 57th minute, Wondolowski took a pass from Ryan Johnson, and as goalkeeper Preston Burpo came forward, took a shot to the opposite side for his first goal of the season. Joey Gjertsen also aided on the play as Wondolowski slid on his knees to one of the corner flags and raised his hands in celebration as the Quakes captured the 1-0 lead. "Where do I start?" Coach Frank Yallop exclaimed. "...One of the best performances since I've been back...I feel that if we can play like that, most of our home games, we'll be fine." The Revolution's Joseph Niouky received a yellow card for a reckless tackle in the 16th minute on the Earthquakes' Brandon McDonald. About not scoring on chances in the first half, Yallop talked about regrouping and "...doing the same thing we did in the first half." Off a corner kick by San Jose's Bobby Convey, rookie Ike Opara headed in his second goal of the season in his second straight game, right within the left side of the net, in the 72nd minute, as the Quakes pushed the lead to 2-0. Opara described it as "another great ball by Bobby Convey," who had also assisted with his goal last game. In the 77th minute, Wondolowski was alone with his defender nearing the goal, but missed on the connection with his teammate. Johnson had the ball in the 83rd minute, and an excellent chance as Burpo collided with Johnson's defender far ahead of the goal, but as both Johnson and Burpo raced back to get to the ball and the net, Johnson's kick hit a Revolution foot. San Jose's Ramon Sanchez came in for Johnson in the 92+ minute. Johnson, who had had his face down to the grass in goal, had suffered a facial injury, but is okay now. As the game ended, Earthquakes' goalkeeper Joe Cannon bowed in front of the crowd and pumped his fist in celebration. Later, he faced the fans once again clapping in appreciation before then kneeling down and praising the crowd. Cannon described it as "being in the moment" and emphasized, "...the guys have worked really hard for this (the win and the shutout)." Wondolowski's remarks about the game included, "We're a close team..." and "I thought our defense played outstanding." Game notes: The Revolution's Shalrie Joseph did not play... On April 19, the Ultras, the loudest supporter group at games, will have been supporting the Earthquakes for 7 years... Last Tuesday, San Jose rookie Steven Beitashour visited Horace Cureton Elementary School to emphasize an active lifestyle and a healthy diet as part of Amway's Global Kicks for Kids program... Earthquakes' Scott Sealy was also re-signed after returning from playing in Israel and will be eligible for selection after receiving his International Transfer Certificate... San Jose is in sole possession of third place in the Western Division and New England is tied for second behind Kansas City... The Earthquakes travel to the Home Depot Center to play Chivas USA next Saturday at 7:30pm.