As if the San Jose Earthquakes needed anymore injuries, the back line saw two more casualties on Saturday. Bobby Burling and Ramrio Corrales left the field early in a 1-0 loss to Colorado, leaving San Jose with more question marks heading into this week's home date against the Kansas City Wizards (Saturday, 7 p.m. on CSNCA / BUY TICKETS).
Corrales was on crutches at the end of the match. Although it's uncertain how long the veteran will be out, he will likely miss matches against KC and the Los Angeles Galaxy over the next two weeks. Burling's status is unknown heading into this week.
Ike Opara and Steven Beitashour each underwent successful surgeries last week and are expected to miss at least the rest of August before returning to the pitch. Right back Chris Leitch is also on the mend and won't make a return to the lineup for several weeks.
Still standing on the Quakes back line are recently acquired Tim Ward, Jason Hernandez, Brandon McDonald and Justin Morrow. The coaching staff hasn't indicated who the starting four might be against KC, but smart money says the aforementioned group might receive strong consideration.
On a positive note, Ward saw his first action with the Quakes over the weekend. The right back met his new teammates the morning of the match, but fit right in after coming on for Burling in the 41st minute.
San Jose sits in sixth place in the Western Conference with 23 points in 17 matches. The Quakes remain in the playoff race with the ninth-most points in MLS.
AROUND THE MLS
Elsewhere in the league, a bevy of designated players hit the pitch in Chicago where the Fire held the New York Red Bulls to a scoreless draw. Rafael Marquez, Thierry Henry, Nery Castillo, Freddie Ljungberg and Juan Pablo Angel took the field in that match. Henry left early with an injury.
Fredy Montero and the Seattle Sounders continued their hot streak, winning 2-0 at Qwest Field. Montero and recent designated player signing Alvaro Fernandez accounted for the scoring.
The New England Revolution spoiled Ben Olsen's coaching debut for D.C. United in a 1-0 win. Pat Phelan's first-half strike held up for the Revs.
Jeff Cunningham scored a brace to lead FC Dallas to a 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Union. The win extended FC Dallas unbeaten streak to nine.
Landon Donovan and the Los Angeles Galaxy had Real Madrid on the ropes. The Galaxy went ahead 2-0 at the half, but couldn't hold on. A brace by Argentinean Gonzalo Higuain spurred a 3-2 win for Los Merengues.
Kei Kamara and the Kansas City Wizards struck first, but settled for a 1-1 draw against Real Salt Lake.
Toronto FC tallied twice in the first half in a 2-1 win over Chivas USA. Nana Attakora and Chad Barrett put in goals for Toronto.
