There's Hope: San Jose Earthquakes Battle DC United

(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for New York Red Bull)

As the abilities of the struggling San Jose Earthquakes came into question Saturday night (at least by this writer), it appeared that the 'Quakes rose to the occasion against one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, DC United.

Unfortunately, the game began with a turn of bad luck for the 'Quakes when an early penalty kick was given after a poor foul by the Earthquake's left back, Michael Zaher inside the 18 in only the third minute. With only themselves to blame, San Jose dug themselves a one-goal hole right off the bat after a good finish by DC star, Christian Gomez.

After the teams traded isolated chances, another miscue, albeit unlucky, by Mike Zaher dropped a blocked DC United shot into the lap of Christian Gomez alone with San Jose keeper Joe Cannon in the 21st minute. Finishing nicely, Gomez scored his second of the game, putting DC up 2-0 pretty early.

After some sporadic attacks coming from both sides in the ensuing first half, a slew of chances came for the 'Quakes from some good crosses from former Norwich star, Darren Huckerby, and the always involved Bobby Convey.

Finally, after a fortunate deflection from Earthquakes forward Cornell Glen, Ryan Johnson used his great offensive presence in the air to cut the DC United lead in half. What followed was a emotional celebration to the south end of the stadium from Johnson, effectively re-igniting the recently silenced crowd.

Continuing his dominance in the aerial game, Johnson created himself another shot at a header at the back post, only six yards out. The whole stadium came to a hush as the 'Quakes forward took a tough fall after a collision with United defender. Johnson limped off the field with what seemed to be a sprained shoulder, the crowd only hoping it was nothing serious.

Another penalty mishap arose in the 62nd minute, only this time in favor of San Jose, when a cross from wing Darren Huckerby was batted down by the United back, Rodney Wallace. The penalty kick, granted Cornell Glen, the San Jose team a shot at an equalizing goal.

In another emotional feat, 'Quakes fans watched as veteran keeper Joe Cannon, knelt down in his own penalty box with his back to the play as his teammate braced to take the penalty. With a well-placed shot, Glen tied the game resulting in a huge eruption from Buck Shaw Stadium, and a confident fist pump from Cannon.

The fans were back behind their team. This comeback was what the team and the fans needed to regain a confidence that coach Frank Yallop had recently spoke about as a bit of a key problem behind their struggles.

The game finished in a 2-2 tie, but the poise that was shown by San Jose after a going down 0-2 in the first 21 minutes was notable. Fans can only hope that this strong performance against a very strong Eastern Conference team can be built upon in the remaining games this season.

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