Earthquakes and FC Dallas Play to a Draw By Randy Leighton May 3, 2008     San Jose, CA – The San Jose Earthquakes wanted to win their first game at their home opener at Santa Clara Buck Shaw stadium. FC Dallas had something else in mind. Both teams could not deliver goals to the net, and the match ended 0-0. San Jose started the game off with a strong offense, taking it to the FC Dallas defense early. In the first 20 minutes it was all San Jose controlling the ball and making shot attempts on Dallas goalkeeper Dario Sala. FC Dallas forward Kenny Cooper got his first shot attempt in the 26th minute. He brought down a long pass and took the shot near the goalpost but could not put it in the net. He had more than one opportunity in the first half to take shots on goal, fighting for position and taking long passes from his midfielders. Before the first half ended, the Quakes made a few strong attempts in the last five minutes, including a nice cross from Ivan Guerrero #23 which the goalie reflected away into another attempt to get a shot off by the other awaiting Earthquakes players. The second half of the game yielded as many goals as the first half. That would be zero. In the 48th minute, Kenny Cooper had a shot right at Cannon, but it had nothing behind it, and Cannon easily stopped it. There was not much in the way of offense for the Dallas the rest of the second half, but they did make a strong attack in the 62nd minute that could have yielded a goal. The Earthquakes offense was strong and controlling in the second half, impressive for a team that is “new” this year. Unfortunately, in this game, being the stronger side doesn’t always get you the goals. When asked about their inability to score again, SJ Earthquakes coach Frank Yallop said, “I thought we outplayed them. Our general play was better than theirs. I think it should have warranted a goal, but it didn’t.”

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