It was a memorable night for Quakes goaltender Jon Busch. On his 37th birthday and 13th year in MLS, Busch earned his 100th career win as his team defeated the Eastern Conference leading Sporting KC (11-8-6) at Buck Shaw Stadium in San Jose. The Earthquakes (9-10-6) and their impressive home field advantage came out victorious Sunday night to earn a much needed three points to keep their playoff hopes alive with just 9 games left in the regular season. The Quakes extend their home unbeaten streak to 14 games.
On his bobblehead night, Chris Wondolowski headed home his eighth goal of the season in the 55th minute for the lone goal of the match, as the Quakes came away with a 1-0 victory. Clarence Goodson and Victor Bernardez controlled the Quakes defensive third all night and gave KC barely any chances. Sporting KC, playing without stars Kei Kamara and Graham Zusi, were held to just nine shots on goal, all of which were easily controlled by Busch.
With the win tonight, San Jose moves up one spot in the standings, now sitting in seventh place and just two spots out of playoff contention. Sporting KC remains in first in the East, now sharing the lead with the New York Red Bulls.
The Earthquakes next match will be next Saturday, August 24th against FC Dallas, whom they now are tied with in the standings with 33 points.
Extra Time — The 1906 Ultras continued their silent protest for the first few minutes of the game, but after holding up “Lift the Ban” signs, sang their hearts out to remind the front office just how much they mean to the team and its’ fans. After the match, Jon Busch led the Ultras in chants to celebrate the win.
(image courtesy of Jon Todd)
