Danielle Llanes and myself are back for part one of the come back episode! Peace, love and soccer you guys!

In this week’s episode of Chicks & Free Kicks, we dive into the headlines from this past week in Major League Soccer. In part one, we focus on the controversy surrounding Alan Gordon and his usage of a gay slur against Portland Timbers’ Will Johnsen. We also talk about Robbie Rogers, his interview and what the future could possible hold for the midfielder in MLS.

Check out part one of the podcast here -> http://bit.ly/12szAsm

And part 2 here! -> http://bit.ly/17Asbqn

Picking up where we left off in Part 1, Danielle and I continue the discussion of MLS headlines involving NBC and EPL’s big announcement and the incident with George John during the FC Dallas v. LA Galaxy match!

It was a somewhat lackluster night for the San Jose Earthquakes as they fell 1-0 to the Portland Timbers Sunday. Although Chris Wondolowski, Alan Gordon and Steven Lenhart all started for the first time this season, they were unable to create their usual magic. Wondo stayed under the radar for most of the night, which is fairly standard for him. Usually, however, he surfaces at the right moment to score goals. Tonight, his biggest chance came in the final minutes and was a header that went straight into the hands of Portland keeper Donovan Ricketts.

Will Johnson

Neither side had very many chances, with San Jose logging three shots on target and Portland two. While Portland had most of the possession, the Quakes stayed in it up until the 69′ minute when Gordon was sent off for receiving a second yellow card. He jumped up to win a ball and (apparently unintentionally) caught Mikael Silvestre in the lip with his elbow, drawing blood from Silvestre and chants of “Send him off!” from the crowd. The ref did just that.

Following the send-off, I think the team would have been happy to accept a point. They managed to hold on for almost 10 minutes, until Ramiro Corrales tackled Kalif Alhassan. Will Johnson stepped up to take the free kick and sent it curling past Quakes keeper Jon Busch. Although the Quakes stepped up the pressure, they were unable to find the equalizer.

The sequel will be played out this Sunday. Tonight’s game was pretty chippy, with four bookings (including Gordon’s red card). I expect a few more will be handed out when the Timbers come to visit Buck Shaw.

Photo courtesy of SJEarthquakes.com

In last night’s draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps, the San Jose Earthquakes redeemed themselves after last week’s lapse. Mostly.

They played well throughout most of the game and had several good chances–especially in the final minutes, when Sam Cronin’s shot went off the crossbar and Wondo’s follow-up was blocked by a defender. It was one of those sequences that causes you to hold your head and ask “HOW is that ball not going in?!”

However, there was one “what the heck?” moment that, unfortunately, cost the Quakes the win. In a somewhat inexplicable move, both Victor Bernardez and Alan Gordon came off the pitch to change their boots at the same time. According to statements made after the game, the players thought that they could be waved on by the ref as soon as they were ready. Naturally there was extreme frustration as Bernardez and Gordon were forced to wait helplessly on the sideline until the ball went out of play–which was not until Corey Hertzog, in his first start of the season, equalized for Vancouver.

Had San Jose been aware of Law 4 in FIFA’s Laws of the Game, they would have known that a player who leaves the field for an equipment change can only come back during a stoppage in play. It turns out that not many of those on the field knew about this rule. Even Whitecaps keeper–and former Quake–Joe Cannon admitted that it might be one of those moments when you see something you’ve never seen in your life. However, referee Fotis Bazakos was fully aware of Law 4, and the Quakes were left with a 2-man deficit which the Whitecaps were quick to take advantage of.

This incident deflated the whole stadium. The fans rallied in the closing minutes to try to push their team to a win; and indeed, as I mentioned above, it was almost achieved.

One thing is for sure: never again will two Quakes come off at the same time for any reason, much less to change boots.

On a more cheerful note, Steven Lenhart made his return to Buck Shaw last night, coming on as a sub in the 79th minute to loud cheers. Slowly but surely we are getting our team back, and it feels so good.

Photo courtesy of SJEarthquakes.com/John Todd – ISIPhotos.net

Saturday night’s San Jose Earthquakes game was a rough one to watch. I couldn’t quite put my finger on what was wrong, but something was definitely off for San Jose. They put some pressure on the Houston Dynamo, but their first touches weren’t clean and some of the decision-making seemed somewhat questionable. It was not the worst game I have ever seen, but it certainly was not the best.

I must give kudos to the Dynamo defense for keeping Wondo almost completely quiet for the whole game. He had an opportunity or two, but nothing that gave Houston keeper Tally Hall any problems. However, I DO take issue with the ref, but not for the usual reasons. Houston’s second goal seemed to be a direct result of a turnover that happened because the ref was in the way of a ball.

The Quakes had possession, but the ball bounced off the ref to a Houston player. This led to the sequence that ended with Giles Barnes heading the ball into goal–bravely beating Jon Busch who had come off his line with fists up to punch the ball away. This came after a goal by Will Bruin, also scored in the first half.

The highlight of the night was Alan Gordon coming off the bench to make his first appearance of the season. Unfortunately, he was unable to provide his usual spark and he had little, if any, impact on the game. Also of note is the fact that tonight marked captain Ramiro Corrales’ 300th appearance (300! The man is a beast!).

This was a night the players–and fans–will want to forget. Hopefully the boys can put it out of their minds and shake off whatever was holding them back. Next week’s home game against Vancouver cannot come soon enough.

(I suppose I should also mention that with tonight’s win, the Houston Dynamo tied the league record for a home unbeaten streak. I bring this up somewhat begrudgingly, but it is significant.)

Photo courtesy of John Todd/SJEarthquakes.com

Hey footy fans and HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE! Wow, 2012 has been pretty crazy, hasn’t it? I honestly can’t believe it’s over! We’ve had a lot of changes around here and there’s been a lot that’s happened in Major League Soccer and all around the world. So, to close out the year, the ladies of Aerys Soccer will take you back and share with you our favorite stories, games, events and more from this past year!

Toni Stone: Arsenal and DC United writer

Theirry Henry makes Arsenal history January 2012 with first appearance as a Gunner since 2007

When my editor Trista Lutgring asked me to write about my favorite soccer memory of 2012, one immediately popped into my head.  It was in early January, just after the transfer window had closed.  Not surprisingly, my favorite team Arsenal had not made a single trade despite a poor start to their season. But there was a silver lining to the new year.  The club borrowed a player on loan from the New York Redbulls.  That player was none other than the Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry. It was Henry’s first appearance as a player at Emirates Stadium and a who’s who guest list filled the stands to witness the historic event.  Even David Beckham, an obvious Manchester United former player and fan, was in attendance with his three boys in tow (one of which is an Arsenal fan).

Prior to writing this, I honestly didn’t remember that Arsneal played Leeds that night, or that it was an FA Cup match.  I do remember however, that Henry didn’t start, but when he stood up to warm up, it felt like the entire stadium took in a giant breath and held it.  All eyes widened and even the cameramen found it difficult to pull the camera away from the sidelines and follow match play. As the superstar striker came on to a standing ovation, the anticipation was so high, I look back now and realize that what was expected from him was too much pressure to put on any human.  Fortunately for all of us, Henry is no ordinary human. He touched the ball once maybe twice in the nearly eight minutes he was on the pitch, with fans standing and singing his praises the entire time.  Then Alex Song made a beautiful pass, which Thierry touched once to settle and once more to fire into the upper right corner of the net.

The adrenaline that must have been pumping through that man was contagious.  I can recall his reaction to that goal as if I were watching it in front of me, but I just watched a few thousand Youtube videos to hear the crowd celebrating with him, and well, just because. In his revelry, he ran around the edge of the stadium with his arms outstretched.  He made a quick pit stop to hug his mentor, Arsene Wenger, then continued the festivities along with everyone else wearing a red Arsenal jersey.  That moment was an incredible rush and an inspiring shot in the arm the team needed at that point in the season. Henry’s first appearance as an Arsenal player in many years concluded with a game-winning goal (1-0) and an historic night for all.  Thank you Thierry Henry (and Trista for prompting me to rememeber), for a tremendous 2012 soccer memory.

Tamara Rinehart: La Liga and Seattle Sounders writer

It’s been a crazy year in the football world and naming just one specific moment that stood out for me was tremendously difficult. First off, Real Madrid becoming La Liga champions and Spain winning Euro 2012 was pretty spectacular and a feat for future countries to compete with. But it was a match in Seattle on June 7th that caught me eye (hell, it even made me tear up a bit!)

Alyssa Olszewski: San Jose Earthquakes writer

There were several hugely exciting moments for the San Jose Earthquakes this past season. Ground was broken on their new stadium, the Supporters’ Shield was won, and there was no shortage of drama between the Quakes and their sworn rivals down in Southern California. However, one of my favorite moments came relatively early on in the season, when the Quakes played the Columbus Crew at Buck Shaw Stadium May 19. Columbus had gone up in the 47th minute thanks to a goal by Justin Meram. Crew keeper Andy Grunebaum made some massive saves, including a Wondo penalty kick, and it seemed San Jose was destined to end their unbeaten-at-Buck-Shaw streak earlier than hoped.

Then Gordon Time happened. This was the season of last-minute results for the Earthquakes, and Alan Gordon scored a disproportionate share of those late goals. He came on as a sub in this game in the 60th minute, but, true to form, waited until the 90th minute to score. And what a beauty it was. His first shot clanged off the crossbar but he followed the rebound, completely laying out his massive frame to beat the keeper with an acrobatic half volley.

The stadium erupted, Gordon was tackled by his teammates, and the Quakes managed to hold on for the remaining minutes of extra time to secure a draw.

Terry Munoz: English Premier League writer

The beginning of the 2011-12 EPL season started off great for my club, Manchester City. They were at the top of the table and it looked like the league was ours. Then in the middle of the season, City was no longer playing they way they had at the beginning of the year and Manchester United was at the top of the table, eight points ahead. Somehow, though, City was able to catch up and by the last match day, City and United were tied at the top of the table. The last match, against Queens Park Rangers, was a must win for City.  A loss or draw would mean that United would win the league. Rooney scored the goal for United, but City had also scored. However, QPR equalized much to the disappointment of City fans (and excitement of United fans).

QPR then scored another goal and were winning 2-1. With less than 10 minutes to go, United was winning against Sunderland and City was losing against QPR. Roberto Mancini decided it was time to sub in Edin Dzeko, who then scored for City in the last remaining minutes of the match. This wasn’t enough though. City would need one more goal if they wanted to win their first league title in 40-plus years. Kun Aguero came to the rescue when he scored the winning goal in extra time. City fans everywhere (including myself) were in shock, but excited and thrilled to see City win the league. Supporters of other clubs were also happy, they had wanted anyone but United to win the league. That match was one of the most exciting matches of the season for me, as a City fan, and a very memorable moment for 2012.

Kristian Russell: LA Galaxy writer

Oh man… Picking my favorite LA Galaxy moment this season is easier said than done! So I’ve narrowed it down to two; beating San Jose in the playoffs and winning the MLS Cup again. Beating San Jose was nothing short of epic. LA went in as the underdogs and came out the team to beat on the road to the cup. It was something of a dream! Winning the MLS Cup again was the icing in the cake to the whole season. The way the boys went from last in the league, to the best gave me cold chills… And it’s still does to this day! 2012 was a great season for LA, and 2013 will be right up there with it.

Frances Sullivan: La Liga writer

There were many candidates for my best moment of 2012. From living in Brazil for the Euros to Real Madrid winning their 32nd La Liga title, from watching the USMNT defeat Mexico in the Azteca Stadium to attending my first MLS game (Dallas vs LA), 2012 was a packed year. Nevertheless, I’m going to have to say the USWNT semifinal game against Canada in the Olympics takes the cake this year. I got to watch the game with a bunch of university friends on a giant screen. The thrill of enduring Christine Sinclair scoring three times against the U.S. and watching our girl come back each time was exhilarating! I was barely breathing by the time Alex Morgan’s header crossed the line four minutes into injury time after extra time was already exhausted. I was freaking out! I totally thought the game was going to penalty kicks. Whew! What. A. Game.

Liz Johnsen: Real Salt Lake writer

Late in the season, Real Salt Lake were playing DC United, and it was defiantly not a game for fair weather fans. Someone in Utah must have infuriated Mother Nature, because the rain and wind were vicious – so bad that the ref called a weather delay not even 20 minutes into the game, after an unsettlingly large lightning strike shook the building. But I like to think that’s how all other teams view the RioT when they come play here! I happened to be taking one of my friends who had never been to a game before, and who was skeptical that soccer was entertaining in the slightest way, shape, or form. We had an hour and a half to kill before the storm passed and the game started again, so I began telling her about everything Real Salt Lake and gave her the unofficial tour of the soggy stadium.

The Supporters Section drunks were great entertainment for us as they formed a dance circle (which in this case ended up being more of a who-could-make-dance-motions-the-longest-without-falling-over-circle), and sang some not so PG rated songs. I was shocked when my friend showed some interest in the team and asked about my favorite player, Will Johnson, and some other players who she had heard me talk about in the past. By the time the game had started again, and she was standing, and singing, and having a great time. She even picked out a favorite player! I kept telling her not to worry that the score was 0-0, and that Will would come through and score. It was really crazy because he actually did! Whenever I say someone is going to score, they usually never do, so of course calling that my favorite player would score the game winner was great, but by converting a baseball fan into a soccer fan, I felt accomplished and everyone went home happy. Except for maybe DC United… They just went home wet.

Trista Lutgring: Editor, Columbus Crew and USMNT writer

Okay, so wow. When I issued this assignment, I didn’t even take a second to think about what I would deem my favorite moment of 2012. There were so many around the league, with the United States Men’s National Team and well, just all over the world! But once I got to thinking about it, the Crew fan in me would only let me choose one moment.

Aug. 15, 2012. It was a game against the LA Galaxy that held a lot more meaning than the usual match ups between the Crew and the west-coast team. A week prior to that game, our rookie midfielder Kirk Urso died for reasons unknown at the time. A promising talent from the University of North Carolina, Kirk had played six games for the Crew, starting five of them. As fans, we were excited about his presence on the team. He was hard working, had talent and, more importantly, had a great, promising future with us. I never met Kirk, I didn’t know him personally and never got to sit at Crew Stadium and watch him take the pitch. But to this day, it still gets me that the Crew Nation lost Kirk just as we were getting to know him.

And Columbus didn’t mourn alone. Major League Soccer and its teams grieved with us. It was the first time in the league’s history that a young player had passed during the season. It was quite unreal for all of us. So when the Crew took to the field Aug. 15 for the first time at home since Kirk’s passing, it was pretty emotional. The number 15 was everywhere, commemorating our fallen player. And I’ll never forget when the 15 minute mark in the match happened and everyone fell silent. The supporter’s section, every person in a seat and on the sidelines dead quite for one minute that just stretched on as banners for Kirk were held high. The silence ended with a bagpipe lead rendition of “Amazing Grace,” which made me tear up and still does now that I am remembering it.

It was a moment I’ll never forget; all of MLS banning with the Crew Nation. Kirk was one of us, Forever Massive, and he will be greatly missed.

“Don’t count your time, make your time count.”

 I can’t even begin to describe to you how nervous I was for last night’s game. It was like I was going to the dentist TIMES 500. With LA Galaxy being down one goal against San Jose, I was a ball of nerves. When lineups were released everyone was surprised to see Juninho in the starting lineup, after being carried off the field Sunday with an ankle injury. Bruce Arena also made a change and put Edson Buddle in the starting lineup. LA Galaxy had to lay it all on the line tonight if they wanted to advance, and they did just that.

Tonight started off like the Cali Clasico everyone loves to watch. San Jose came out early with some elbow throwing, thus giving David Beckham some dangerous free kicks. After both teams had chances at goals, Robbie Keane once again made a statement for LA Galaxy in the 24th minute scoring the “tying” aggregate goal in this series. After hitting the crossbar so many times in the last two games, Robbie Keane deserved to score a goal.. and this one was special.

San Jose tried to answer back, and they got pretty close. But, alas, Robbie Keane showed why he is an amazing soccer player. In the 34th minute he scored yet again, giving LA the aggregate lead 2-1. It was like LA was giving San Jose all of their built up hate in tonight’s game. As soon as one goal was scored and some elbows were throw, in the 39th minute LA Galaxy scored ANOTHER goal, by none other than the wonderful Mike Magee.

With all the speculation around Landon Donovan, tonight he showed people that he is still one of the best MLS soccer players. He came out with a fire and played the full ninety with it burning bright. He came away with two assists and made some crucial plays for LA. As the game continued tension seemed to grow for both teams. San Jose wanted a goal, or two, and LA wanted to keep the lead.

In the 82nd minute LA gave up a goal to none other than Alan Gordon. Things started picking up for San Jose, and LA knew they needed to dig deep to seal this game in their favor. At this point I was rocking back in forth in my floor, shaking. Nervous didn’t even begin to describe the feelings I was experiencing. Then as stoppage time was winding down… The final whistle blew, and LA Galaxy advanced into the semifinals.

After the season LA had, no one thought they would ever get to this point, much less to the playoffs. LA have become the team to watch in the Western Conference. Look out MLS Cup, they are coming for you again.

Alan Gordon – Lyndsay Radnedge/Center Line Soccer

As the San Jose Earthquakes are taking on the LA Galaxy tonight in the second leg of their semifinal match-up, I thought it would be fitting for the star of this week’s Midweek Muscles to be a man who has played for both teams.  Alan Gordon is a physically imposing player at 6’3″, 190 lb.  He makes up one half of the “Bash Brothers,” along with Steven Lenhart.  A goonie through and through, he has had a career year for San Jose, scoring 13 goals in the regular season.

Gordon played for the Galaxy from 2004-2010.  Look, even Beckham actually liked him at one point:

AC Milan vs. Los Angeles Galaxy – zimbio.com

Gordon definitely has more of the mountain man scruffy look, but he is FIT.  Also, surprisingly agile for such a big guy.

Alan Gordon – Lyndsay Radnedge/Center Line Soccer

Gordon Gets Some Hang Time – SJEarthquakes.com (John Todd/ISIPhotos.net)

Alan Gordon Scores Against the Galaxy – SJEarthquakes.com (Victor Decolongon / Getty Images)

Gordon Greets the Troops – Lyndsay Radnedge/Center Line Soccer

Plus, look how cute his kid is.

Alan Gordon and Son – Lyndsay Radnedge/Center Line Soccer

Christ. On. A. Bicycle.

The U.S. Men’s National Team took on Antigua and Barbuda tonight in Antigua. To say that this game wasn’t of the most important in the U.S. quest for World Cup 2014 would be a lie. Pretty much all of the USMNT fans today were a nervous wreck about what tonight would bring, especially when we found out Fabian Johnson would be out with the flu and Landon Donovan and Brek Shea would be left home due to injuries.

But, I’ll be honest, when the line up came out about an hour before the match, I didn’t find myself too worked up about it. I was a tad concerned about Graham Zusi, only because of his lack of USMNT playing time. But anyone who’s seen a Sporting Kansas City game knows this kid has talent.

Then there was Eddie Johnson.

Now, this has happened to me before with one Geoff Cameron. When he was named in the starting line up earlier this year, I can admit, I was pretty terrified. But he’s stepped up and proved he can be a top notch player for the USMNT.

When EJ was named on tonight’s starting line up, I had the same mixed feelings. And again, I was happy to be shown up by Mr. Eddie Johnson. The brace of headers he notched were fantastic, and, well, the last one pretty much saved the USMNT’s necks.

So – as it’s been tweeted by several times tonight – Major League Soccer, in the form of Zusi, Johnson and Alan Gordon, saved the U.S. Men’s National Team.

But let’s get down to the grit.

That game was ugly. No, it was more than ugly. It was brutal and terrifying.

And out of this, one basic fear emerges, yet again. Our midfield.

One can point out that our defense collapsed on the play that allowed A&B to score. I won’t deny that. But the midfield shouldn’t lose possession as easily as they do. I don’t like to knock other teams because I don’t like to count anyone out. But let’s get real here. What should the score have been tonight? Definitely not 2-1.

Grant Wahl made an excellent point in his after-game post; Mexico would have beat Antigua and Barbuda 5-0. The U.S. should be doing the same.

And thus here we find the sum of all our fears.

A friend of mine and I were talking about the game on Twitter and the point was made that even though the U.S. won, it was a scary win. When the USMNT play teams like Antigua and Barbuda, they should be doing one thing and one thing only – dominating. They should not be making it to the 90-minute mark barely escaping with the skins on their backs.

With this take-away win, the U.S. fans and the team can breathe a sigh of relief. A tie in Kansas City next week will get the team through to the hexagonal.

But really, things shouldn’t have been this close. Things shouldn’t have gotten this scary. I feel sick to my stomach when I think about what could have happened if the U.S. hadn’t gotten those three points tonight.

I believe in Jurgen Klinsmann and his plan. I believe in an attacking mentality and I believe the U.S. can be that type of team. But I admit, if the USMNT can’t get things under control, things might only get uglier. Here’s hoping the ugly is over and the up swing can begin.

Unfortunately for FC Dallas, who twice held the lead on the road against the San Jose Earthquakes, the same old scenario played out at Buck Shaw Stadium.  Down 2-3 at the end of regulation time, the Quakes once again dug deep and were rewarded with a tying goal scored by the original Goonie Steven Lenhart in the 95th minute.  Although I KNOW I should never leave a Quakes match early, I was on my way out to my car in a bit of a funk when I heard the stadium erupt into joy behind me.  As much as I love being in the stadium among fellow fans during those moments, it was so cool to hear it from the outside.  (I can only imagine how loud it will be once we get our own stadium with more seating capacity!)

Buck Shaw has become a veritable nightmare for opposing teams.  Dallas ‘keeper Kevin Hartman put it this way:

“It’s a difficult place to come and play.  We had the lead twice and there’s a reason they’re called ‘The Goonies.’  They never say die and, unfortunately, tonight was more of the same.”

There are mixed feelings among the San Jose players as to whether they can keep up the last minute heroics.  According to Alan Gordon, who scored the night’s first goal and assisted both of Lenhart’s goals, he and Lenny knew all along that they would pull it out.  Veteran Quakes ‘keeper Jon Busch, on the other hand, questioned how many more times they can come back in this manner.

While that note of sobriety is good–and, indeed, should be expected of the more veteran players–there is a pervasive feeling among SJ supporters that anything can and will happen at little Buck Shaw Stadium.  Case in point: during last night’s game I was keeping a friend updated via text.  After Lenhart scored the first equalizer to put the game at 2-2, my friend asked how much time was left.  When I told him there were 7 minutes plus stoppage time, his response was “Plenty for a winner.”  In fact, it turned out to be plenty for 2 more goals and a whole lot of drama.

There is only one more regular season home game, and fittingly enough it is against rivals LA Galaxy.  I can only imagine the craziness that will occur during the Buck Shaw edition of the California Clasico, but I can promise you one thing: it will be epic.

Video courtesy of MLS Soccer.

The good times just keep on rolling at Buck Shaw Stadium.

Before Saturday’s game against the Colorado Rapids even kicked off, Earthquakes’ President Dave Kaval announced the groundbreaking for the new stadium would take place October 21, just hours before this season’s final installment of the California Clasico.

As if that weren’t exciting enough, the club is looking to break the Guiness World Record for largest groundbreaking ceremony by handing shovels to at least 4,533 people.  Talk about making history!

The Saturday game itself was one of those comforting, satisfying wins.  Exciting, but not so edge-of-your-seat as to be uncomfortable.  For the first time in a while, the Quakes did not have to rely on last minute heroics to secure victory.  In fact, the game was essentially decided by the time the Quakes scored their 3rd goal in the 68th minute, which is normally when the team shifts into high gear.

It was also a relatively tame game, with only 1 yellow card being issued to Colorado’s Conor Casey, despite the fact that target forward Alan Gordon was hauled down multiple times.  Flash Gordon still had his say by scoring a brace; and could, in fact, have scored 2 more had it not been for Colorado keeper Matt Pickens making some fantastic saves.

Simon Dawkins had the first goal on the night (on an assist from Gordon, no less), calmly splitting 2 defenders and slotting the ball past Pickens in the 11th minute to put the Quakes up 1-0.  Gordon followed that up with his first goal of the night in the 43rd minute, a nifty ball off the outside of his foot assisted by the Mexican Connection of captain Ramiro Corrales and Rafael Baca.

The Rapids managed to pull themselves to within a goal of San Jose when Tyrone Marshall whipped a header past Jon Busch off a Martin Rivero corner kick.  They managed to keep it close for the next 15 minutes or so, until Simon Dawkins one-touched a Sam Cronin pass off the outside of his foot into the Colorado net.  Corrales also had an assist on this goal, as it was his throw-in to Cronin that started the sequence.  Alan Gordon put the exclamation point on the game in the 75th minute by coolly slotting a low kick past Pickens, off a header from–you guessed it–Ramiro Corrales.

League-leading scorer Chris Wondolowski had multiple golden opportunities, but it was just not his night to score.  He may be the top-scorer in San Jose, but fortunately he’s not the only scorer.  After last night, Alan Gordon continues his career-high streak with 11 goals and Simon Dawkins has already tied his record from last season with 6 goals.  And we mustn’t forget about Steven Lenhart with his 8 goals on the season.

This win puts 4 points between the Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City in the Supporters’ Shield race, pending SKC’s game against New York tonight.  It puts 7 points between them and the second place team in the Western Conference, the Seattle Sounders–who, to be fair, do have a game in hand.  The Quakes will look to extend their unbeaten streak at Buck Shaw Stadium next Sunday, September 2, when they host Chivas USA for the second time this year.

Image courtesy of mlssoccer.com