Sadly for the Earthquakes and their fans, this past Saturday’s match against the LA Galaxy resulted in the 12th straight winless game for the boys in black and blue. LA showcased their newest marquee striker Robbie Keane, captain of the Irish National team and long time EPL player. He proved his worth early by scoring the lone goal that lasted until the 90th minute, when the Galaxy’s Mike Magee made it 2-0.
The only positive note was the Earthquakes technically performed better than the number one (single table standing) Galaxy by dominating possession, pass accuracy and attempted shots on goal. The new pairing of rookie Rafael Baca as the attacking center midfielder and veteran Ramiro Corrales as the holding midfielder caused doubt. Yet, both players shined proving that if a team controls the center midfield, more changes can be generated.
As San Jose improves in their backline defense, midfield control and attack, the problem with the forwards finding the back of the net hasn’t yet been corrected. Chris Wondolowski had another flop of a night. Partnered with Khari Stephenson, they weren’t able to produce any goals. For the first time I can remember, Wondolowski was substituted. In the 70th minute, Simon Dawkins, who is better as an attacking center midfielder than a forward, came in for Stephenson. San Jose’s newest addition, the Ecuadorian Edmundo Zura, made his debut in replacing Wondolowski. Unfortunately we never saw one image of Zura during the telecast nor have the front office released a photo of him in an Earthquakes kit, granted he arrived the day before the match.
Can Zura be the goal-scoring savior? We’ll find out when the Earthquakes face Toronto this Saturday in Canada. To have a chance to reach the playoffs, the Earthquakes must win their next two matches.We’ll be watching and hoping for wins.
Go Earthquakes!
(image courtesy of sjearthquakes.com)
