Quakes tie the Rapids, Continue winless streak

By Randy Leighton

July 12, 2008
 
 



Santa Clara, CA - The Colorado Rapids and the San Jose Earthquakes both were looking to improve their standings in the western conference today. Colorado had just beaten the New York Red Bulls last week in impressive fashion with a 4-0 win, and they hoped to continue that momentum today. San Jose needed to put up some offense and start scoring some goals to break their five game winless streak.

The first half saw no goals, and a combined seven shots on goal for both teams. The Quakes only had three shots on goal, while Colorado put on four.

San Jose’s Kei Kamara almost snuck a goal in the 10th minute as he intercepted a sloppy pass from the Colorado defense, as he slid in and kicked it toward Colorado goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul. Coundol fumbled it a little, but held on and stopped the shot.

Just a minute later, Colorado forward Conor Casey fought hard to win a long pass up the middle and put a shot on Joe Cannon that looked like it would score. Fortunately for the Quakes it went just wide to the left post.

The second half started out at the slow pace of the first, but picked up dramatically in the 62nd minute as Ryan Johnson of the Quakes broke their drought with an exciting header goal from a Ramiro Corrales free kick.

Ryan Johnson said about his goal: “I beat my defender to the ball, sometimes they are in front of you and sometimes they are not. It just depends on who wins the battle, and I won the battle this time. I tried to get my head to it before the ’keeper came out, I got a good piece on it and got it in the net.”

Colorado was not to be out done, eight minutes later Conor Casey of the Rapids put a crisp header into the Quakes net and tied the game. It did look like Casey committed a foul to get open, and it created some controversy. Coach Frank Yallop of the Quakes had some heated words for the referee about the play, and found himself sent off the field.

Conor Casey on his goal: “I think they thought it was a foul. I have no idea. It happened pretty quickly. We were there battling and I got there first.”

The rest of the second half saw no more goals, but certainly saw tough play and many fouls. This tie gives San Jose (3-10-1) and Colorado (6-9-1) 1 point to add to their totals, neither team making the progress it wanted to move up in their division.

 

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