In one of their most demoralizing, damaging losses of the year, the San Jose Earthquakes handed rival Colorado three points in a game that may have long-term ramifications beyond the standings. Colorado's lone score came on a Jon Busch own goal in the 25th minute, and San Jose never truly threatened to tie the game for the ensuing 65 minutes.
But beyond another missed opportunity against a playoff competitor, San Jose saw two starting defenders leave the field with leg injuries, potentially adding even more names to a long list of injured back-line players. If Bobby Burling and Ramiro Corrales are seriously hurt, San Jose's damaged playoff hopes will grow dimmer.
But even with all of the injuries it was another generally strong defensive effort. Once again, a toothless attack sealed defeat. San Jose only generated three shots on target, and only one of those came from within the box - a weak effort from Arturo Alvarez that was saved easily by Colorado's Matt Pickens. The Earthquakes simply could not find any offensive creativity, even towards the end of the game, when San Jose was pressing forward with four strikers on the field.
San Jose will be back on the field at home against Kansas City looking to end a painful three game winless streak. The challenge will be to find somebody who can create offense and bodies to put on the back line. Don't be surprised to see San Jose's front office make some kind of transaction to get another defender, because at this rate Chris Wondolowski will be playing right back soon.
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