Throughout Saturday's match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Philadelphia Union there were a number of close calls and exciting runs, but when all was said and done neither team could capitalize, leading to a 0-0 draw at Buck Shaw Stadium.
Stephen Lenhart was suspended for the match due to yellow card accumulation and was replaced in the lineup by Simon Dawkins. Dawkins tried to make the most of his start and to put the Quakes up early when he cut a shot between two defenders in the 12th minute, but went just a bit wide of the goal.Three minutes later San Jose struck again as Ryan Johnson blasted one that Union keeper Faryd Mondragón stopped easily.
The Quakes, missed another opportunity early in the second half when Ryan Johnson's blast ricocheted off the crossbar. Even as San Jose kept pressing Philadelphia handled their energy by taking away the middle of the field, keeping the ball away from the Quakes beautifully. The Union nearly stole a victory when midfielder Kyle Nakazawa's free kick blasted off the far post with just a few minutes remaining in the match.
Next up for the Quakes is an international friendly match as they host the English Premier League's West Bromwich Albion on July 13. Their next MLS match is the 16th when they hit the road to take on the Columbus Crew.
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