The San Jose Earthquakes failed to find the back of the net for only the sixth time this season (22 games). But in the sixteen games they have scored in, only six of those have the Quakes managed more than one goal. They’ve hit three goals in a game once the entire season. They average 11.7 shots a game, which isn’t nearly enough to score 2-3 goals in every game.
A total of 19 shots were taken by the San Jose Earthquakes in Friday’s game against New York City FC. And how many goals were scored? None. A frustrating 0-0 draw was the outcome as San Jose dominated NYCFC. So why can’t they find the back of the net? The result is a large blow to their playoff chances, as they fail to pick up all three points and put pressure on those around them.
Missed Chances Lead To Frustrating Earthquakes Draw vs NYCFC
Where They Stand
Currently, the Earthquakes sit two points behind sixth place Vancouver Whitecaps FC for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. A win would’ve brought them level on points, with the Earthquakes’ goal difference vaulting them into sixth place. The Earthquakes will have more opportunities to pick up points on the rivals around them. By the end of the weekend, they’ll have two games in hand against the three teams ahead of them. However, depending on results, they may have to win those extra games to pull ahead of those three. This team doesn’t seem to have the third gear in them like the Quakes teams of the past. However, it is August. And San Jose generally does well this month. If the Quakes can put themselves back in the picture by the end of August, they have a great shot at getting the last spot.
A New Face
The Earthquakes did a good thing tonight in bringing on Darwin Cerén for his first minutes with the team. If they plan on making the postseason, he’s going to have to be an integral part. To make sure this becomes a reality, he needs to see the field on an every game basis. Going with three central midfielders is something that Dom Kinnear would probably never do, but it might be worth a shot. Anibal Godoy and Fatai Alashe actually are pretty good at getting forward and combining with the midfield. Since Quincy Amarikwa has been sub-par, it would be worth a shot to take him off and leave Chris Wondolowski as a loan striker. Cerén could then play a “pivot” or “holding mid” spot as a deep lying playmaker in the traditional number six role. Unfortunately, with Kinnear as manager, you won’t see a shift from the 4-4-2 anytime soon.
The Earthquakes play Vancouver next Friday, in a big “six-pointer.” Playoff implications will be on the line as they start the first of three games against the Whitecaps.
