Quakes tally fourth shutout in last five MLS matches at Avaya Stadium

Earthquakes Keep Clean Sheet, Earn Point at Home Against Portland Timbers 

The San Jose Earthquakes kept a clean sheet and earned a point Sunday afternoon against the Portland Timbers in front of a sellout crowd of 18,000 at Avaya Stadium. 

San Jose has now recorded a shutout in four of their last five MLS matches at Avaya Stadium.

San Jose was forced to play the match without one of their two starting center backs, Clarence Goodson, due to a left leg injury that he sustained during the Quakes last game against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. His replacement, Jordan Stewart, made his first start of the season at center back, while midfielder Marc Pelosi made his first league appearance at Avaya Stadium, entering the match in the 78th minute.

The Earthquakes nearly got on the board in the 7th minute. Midfielder Shea Salinas sent a cross into the middle of the box to Quakes forward Chris Wondolowski, who was able to sneak behind the Portland back line unguarded. Wondolowski took the shot from only a few yards away, but Portland goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey was able to make the save.

In the 34th minute, San Jose almost found the back of the net again after Salinas chipped a shot from the left side of the penalty area to the back post. The shot narrowly avoided the punch by Kwarasey, but drifted just wide.

In the 47th minute, Portland forward Fanendo Adi hit a low shot, which snuck past Quakes keeper David Bingham, but smacked the far post.

The Earthquakes created another chance in the 61st minute. Quakes defender Marvell Wynne floated in a cross, but midfielder Fatai Alashe's header went just high.

Two minutes later, San Jose defender Shaun Francis held possession on the left flank, cut back onto his right foot and curled his shot up and over Kwarasey. His shot attempt drifted just long, landing on top of the net.

In the 75th minute, Portland seemed destined to take the lead when a penalty was drawn, but midfielder Diego Valeri's PK attempt caromed off the crossbar, eventually being cleared out of danger.

San Jose's next match is against the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium on Saturday, August 8. The match kicks off at 6:00 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on CSNCA, 1590 KLIV and 1370 KZSF.

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