Quakes come back once, but not twice, in 2-1 loss

photo from mercurynews.com: San Jose Earthquakes forward Tommy Thompson, right, reaches in to stop Colorado Rapids forward Andre Shinyashiki who drives to the net in the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019, in Commerce City, Colo.

By Pearl Allison Lo

The San Jose Earthquakes fell behind on the road for the fourth straight time as the Colorado Rapids were successful for their second game in a row Saturday.

The result put an end to the Quakes’ five-game unbeaten streak. Vako was the lone scorer with his fourth goal in five games. Colorado’s Diego Rubio had a goal and an assist. 

In the first half, San Jose led possession (64.4%-35.6%) and shots 11-7, two of them hitting the post and Chris Wondolowski (back in the lineup) led all with four shots, his frustration clear after his attempts. 

One of the two posts hit, came in the 21st minute from Judson, his rebound going straight to Florian Jungwirth and then to keeper Clint Irwin. 

Vako, Salinas and Wondolowski had a try at tic-tac-toe, but it fell short with Wondolowski in the 27th minute. Judson was then able to stop Kei Kamara at the other end.

Before two minutes of stoppage were added, the Rapids were the first to score this time as  Kellyn Acosta scored his first goal since May 11, Kamara taking a piggyback ride in celebration.

In the second half, the Quakes maintained their possession advantage, but the Rapids were much better. 

San Jose’s Danny Hoesen and Carlos Fierro (debut) came in as substitutes in the 58th minute.  

Right after Andre Shinyashiki hit the post, Magnuss Eriksson sent the ball down to Hoesen, who with his back to net, made the much shorter pass up to Vako. Vako kicked at net and Irwin did not even have the chance to make a save attempt in the 62nd minute. 

Colorado went back up 2-1 when Rubio received the pass from Keegan Rosenberry with space. Rubio was easily able to maneuver himself into an advantageous position in the 73rd minute. It was Rubio’s third straight goal in as many games, the first of the streak beginning against the Quakes and looking back further, his sixth goal in the past eight games. 

The Rapids were able to maintain their lead through five more minutes of stoppage time in the second half.

Up Next: San Jose continues their three-game road trip next Saturday versus Sporting Kansas City at 5:30 pm.