August 14, 2015: San Jose Earthquakes defender Clarence Goodson (21) gets ready to head the ball into goal to score in the 53rd minute, during the MLS soccer game between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Colorado Rapids at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California, USA.
After a six match MLS winless streak, the San Jose Earthquakes defeated the Colorado Rapids 1-0 in front of another sold out home crowd at Avaya Stadium.
Both teams struggled in the first half as neither side managed to get much offense going early. The first attempt on target didn’t come until the 22’ when Quincy Amarikwa was fed a pass in the box from Shea Salinas and his shot deflected off of keeper Clint Irwin and out for a corner.
In fact the Rapids didn’t manage to register a shot on target until the start of the second half as all 3 of their first half shots missed their mark.
In spite of the lack of offense, Colorado still managed to have the advantage in possession, duels won, and passing accuracy throughout the match.
The first half was plagued by sloppy play from both sides and a dearth of quality chances. When the head referee finally blew his whistle to end the half, the players left the field to a number of audible boos from the home crowd.
Most importantly and concerningly in the first half was the exit of Jordan Stewart in the 27’. Stewart seemed to plant his left foot to turn, only to collapse to the ground, immediately clutching the back of his ankle. Stewart eventually had to be helped off field, unable to put any pressure on his left leg as Shaun Francis entered the match in his place. Coach Dominic Kinnear fears that Stewart suffered an Achilles Tendon injury and even after the win there was a noticeable somber tone to the locker room due to his absence.
Minutes into the second half, Colorado would get their best chance on goal when Dillon Powers beat keeper David Bingham to a cross in the box and put his header off the front of the crossbar, forcing San Jose to scramble in defense.
The Quakes kept their composure though and a minute later countered with the only goal of the match in the 53’. Amarikwa found the ball at his feet in the left side of the 18 yard box and placed a perfectly weighted ball across the box to the head of Clarence Goodson who put the ball off the inside of the post and in. This marked the second goal of the season for Goodson who is now the only defender in MLS to have two game winning goals to his name.
Even with the lead, San Jose couldn’t seem to settle into the match as they strove to score an insurance goal while not giving up an equalizer. Having newest signing, Anibal Godoy, in the starting lineup proved to be a huge help as the defensive midfielder had a fantastic game after arriving in San Jose at 10 am that morning. Godoy expressed after the match that he felt extremely comfortable in the squad and was more than happy to start even without any time with the club.
As time ran out, neither team managed to find much of an attack and San Jose gladly settled for the 1-0 win and extremely valuable 3 points. San Jose now sits only 3 points back of 6th place Seattle and have a game in hand, and are only 2 points behind 7th place Houston.
The Earthquakes now travel to Kansas City on Wednesday and then to D.C. on Saturday before coming home to start a run of 7 home games in 8 matches.
San Jose Earthquakes
Colorado Rapids
