The San Jose Earthquakes were coming off of a week in which they won back to back games against the second best team in the MLS and the second worst team in the western conference. This weekend, they took on the Vancouver Whitecaps in Vancouver, British Columbia, but were unable to continue their winning streak. The 2-1 win by the Whitecaps moves them into third place in the western conference, while the Earthquakes remain in first place with a four point lead.
The Quakes looked as though they would walk away from Vancouver with at least a point, as the match was knotted at 1-1, until a controversial penalty was called in the 63rd minute. Oddly enough, it was the sideline assistant and not the referee who made the call on the foul, despite the referee being mere feet away from the play. When Sam Cronin challenged a play inside the box, the referee initially signaled for Whitecaps midfielder Camilo to get up as he waved play on. However, after the side assistant called a foul on the play, the Whitecaps were awarded a penalty kick that wound up being the difference maker.
Up next, the Quakes return home to Buck Shaw Stadium in order to take on the Chicago Fire. The Fire currently sit at 5th place in the eastern conference standings, but with the table rather close, the Fire will be hoping to jump a couple of spots with a win in San Jose. Meanwhile, the Quakes will attempt to add to their lead in the western conference and continue their impressive season.