Quakes break the losing streak and win at home

By Randy Leighton

May 22, 2008
 
 



Santa Clara, CA – The San Jose Earthquakes broke their 4-game losing streak with a win against the Houston Dynamo tonight. This was their first win of the season for their fans at the home stadium. This was the first game back in the Bay Area for the Dynamo since they moved away from San Jose to Texas.

The Quakes offense was unquestionably led by Ryan Johnson tonight. This was his first start of the 2008 season as a forward, and he did much to prove he should stay in that position. His energy, speed, and quick attacking on the ball lead the Quakes to a 2-1 victory tonight.

In the 32nd minute, the Quakes had a dramatic attempt on goal as Ryan brought the ball up the left side of the field and crossed the ball over to a waiting Kei Kamara. Kamara dropped down and hit a low header right to the goal post. Even though the goal didn’t go in, it energized their offense even more and the fans showed their support.

The Dynamo defense, lead by Pat Onstad in goal, were able to stop any goals from going into the net the rest of the first half, as it went into halftime 0-0.

The second half saw two teams that started attacking and showing they wanted some goals. The Quakes hit the mark in the 66th minute.

Ronnie O’Brien hit a pass right toward the front of the goal, finding Ned Grabavoy who headered it backwards and found Kei Kamara. Kamara dropped the ball quickly and fired a quick shot low to the goal, which went right through Onstad’s hands.

In another 15 minutes of play, the Quakes struck net again. Ryan Johnson shot the ball at Pat Onstad, who stopped it but could not hold on to it. Seeing a rebounded shot, Ivan Guerrero jumped on it and punched it into the goal. This was his first net of the season.

The Dynamos were far from giving up, and in the 87th minute, Brad Davis connected with Brian Ching, who delivered a well placed shot into the right side of the net. This brought the score back to 2-1, in favor of the Quakes.

With some last minute substitutions to solidify the defense, the Quakes were able to stop the pressure from the Dynamo and hold on to their 1 goal lead.

Coach Frank Yallop said, “The first 20 of this game helped us get the result; I thought we came out with great energy and we were ready to play."

Asked about the rivalry between the teams, or if coming back to San Jose had any effect on the teams, the coach of the Dynamo, Dominic Kinnear, said, “I don’t think it was a distraction to our preparation," and he added, “Overall I think you can’t say too much, I don’t think we had a good game tonight."

 

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