The San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders split the points, battling to a 0-0 draw in the Western Conference bout between the sides on Sunday at Earthquakes Stadium.
The result was in stark contrast to the last match between the teams on September 10 that saw Seattle explode for five goals in the first 33 minutes on their way to a 7-1 victory. The Quakes remain above the playoff line with the result, as their 23 points leave them in the seventh spot in the Western Conference. The Sounders managed to retain their deadlocked spot at the top of the table thanks to the Portland Timbers' 1-1 draw with LAFC.
Seattle had a good look at opening the scoring just six minutes after kickoff when Cristian Roldan sent in a cross from the right side that rolled through and found the feet of Nicolas Lodeiro. But the Uruguayan had his shot saved by a sprawling JT Marcinkowski.
San Jose had their best look of the first half in the 42nd minute, as Chris Wondolowski got on the end of a free kick from Cristian Espinoza and headed a shot that looked bound for goal, only to see it cleared off the line by Seattle's Will Bruin to keep the contest scoreless.
The Quakes just missed a go-ahead goal in the 64th minute, when a shot from Carlos Fierro looked headed for the bottom corner of the goal. Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei was up to the task, however, laying out to make the save.
Both teams had a late chance, with the Quakes nearly striking again off an 80th-minute shot from Judson that was also saved by Frei. Seattle nearly struck back on the other end just a minute later, but Jordan Morris saw his dangerous cross intended for Bruin go out for a goal kick after springing free on the left side.
Goals
- None
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: It was certainly a much better showing from the Quakes from that aforementioned 7-1 drubbing. A win would have afforded them more separation in their quest to remain above the Western Conference playoff line, but Matias Almeyda's group nonetheless continues to demonstrate much improved form after a horrid stretch of lopsided defeats they endured in September. It wasn't a banner night for Seattle on the attacking end, but the clean sheet gives them a road point and keeps them tied with the Timbers at the top of the West on 31 points.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: The complexion of this match would have changed entirely had Bruin not been able to clear Wondo's header off the line near the end of the first half.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Making his 250th career appearance for the club across all competitions, Stefan Frei showed why he's been such a steady presence in goal for the Sounders for so long with his diving saves on Fierro and Judson. The veteran backstop gets the nod for the point-saving denials, and the milestone moment.
Next Up
- SJ: Saturday, Oct. 24 at Vancouver Whitecaps (10 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, TSN 1/4 in Canada)
- SEA: Thursday, Oct. 22 vs. Portland Timbers (10:30 pm ET | FS1 in US, MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
