The San Jose Earthquakes earned a 1-1 draw on Saturday night with USSF Division Two side Portland Timbers in their final tune-up for the season opener next Saturday, March 27 at against Real Salt Lake. Cornell Glen put the Quakes ahead in the second half before Scott Thompson equalized for the Timbers.
The first real quality chance of the match came 31 minutes in, as Arturo Alvarez beat his defender, and tried to slip Bobby Convey through on goal. Portland goalkeeper Steve Cronin dove and cut it out before Convey could get a touch.
Just one minute later, Javier Robles cut through the Portland midfield and let his left footed effort from about 25 yards go, but it sailed high of the target.
In the 42nd minute, Convey took a diagonal ball from Alvarez and let one go from about 30 yards out that nearly beat Cronin, but he was able to make the save.
Portland created their first dangerous opportunity just a minute after halftime when substitute Tony McManus forced a diving save from Andrew Weber after a shot from distance.
It appeared San Jose broke the deadlock in the 65th as Cornell Glen finished coolly with his right foot off of a Ramiro Corrales cross, but he was called offside.
Glen and San Jose did break through in the 71st minute, as he took an Omar Jessey pass and turned toward goal. He then unloaded a left-footed shot from about 20 yards out that went through Cronin into the back of the net.
Portland capitalized on a set piece in the 80th minute to tie the score. Substitute Scott Thompson got on the end of a delivery from near the corner by Rodrigo Lopez and headed it past Weber. The goal snapped the Quakes nearly five-match shutout streak this preseason.
San Jose hosts RSL next Saturday, March 27 at 6 p.m. PT. The first 5,000 fans will receive a replica jersey t-shirt, presented by Amway Global. The game will air live on Fox Soccer Channel.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Portland Timbers
March 20, 2010 - Buck Shaw Stadium
Attendance: 3,152
Scoring Summary: SJ - Cornell Glen (Omar Jessey) 71; Scott Thompson (Rodrigo Lopez 80).
Misconduct Summary: None.
San Jose Earthquakes - Andrew Weber, Steven Beitashour, Ike Opara, Jason Hernandez, Ramiro Corrales, Joey Gjertsen (Omar Jessey 63), Andre Luiz (Brandon McDonald 75), Javier Robles (Ramon Sanchez 75), Bobby Convey, Arturo Alvarez (Cornell Glen 46), Ryan Johnson (Quincy Amarikwa 78).
Statistics: Shots: 8; Shots on Goal: 4; Saves: 1; Fouls: 8; Offsides:
5; Corners: 4.
Portland Timbers - Steve Cronin (Matt Pyzdrowski 80), Quavas Kirk, Stephen Keel, Ian Joy, Mamadou Danso (Scott Thompson 75), Ryan Pore, James Marcelin, Alex Nimo (Rodrigo Lopez 56), Derek Gaudet (Tony McManus 46), O.J. Obatola (Josh Cameron 82), George Josten (Doug DeMartin 69).
Statistics: Shots: 4; Shots on Goal: 2; Saves: 3; Fouls: 15;
Offsides: 2; Corners: 1.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH FRANK YALLOP
On the result:
"I think the conditions were a little slippery at first. At halftime, I spoke with the team about being on the front foot and forcing the issue. We deserved our lead, we did score first, but conceding the late goal was not great. We did have a host of chances in the second half. I think coming unscathed from the game was important for us. All in all, I am pleased with the effort. We are looking forward to next week."
On Ike Opara's first game at Buck Shaw Stadium:
"It was his first time playing for us in this stadium. This was also his first time playing in front of a professional crowd. He was a little nervous, but it was good to get this out of his system."
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES FORWARD CORNELL GLEN
On goal:
"Omar (Jessey) gave me a great ball in the middle of the field to get our goal. I looked up, dribbled a few yards and took a shot. I saw all the open space and took advantage of what I had."
On midfield:
"We have quality guys out there with plenty of experience; I think that Andre (Luiz) and Javier (Robles) really are working well together. As a forward, all we need to do is find space on the field and expect a good pass from these skilled midfielders."
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES DEFENDER IKE OPARA
On first home game:
"It was a great feeling playing my first game at Buck Shaw. The fans really helped me feel comfortable and I look forward for the beginning of the season."
On first 15 minutes:
"I was pretty nervous in the first few minutes of the game. The ball was skidding a lot due to a damp field, but as we played on I felt more comfortable. I am glad that I had the opportunity go the full 90 minutes."
