Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Wondolowski delivers Earthquakes huge win over Rapids
Share This Post
Comments
Thursday, October 10, 2013 - 7:30am

BOX SCORE

SANTA CLARA — Take a bow, Chris Wondolowski.

When his team needed him the most, the San Jose Earthquakes captain scored the only goal in an important 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids.

“Wondo has scored some big goals for us, and tonight was no different,” said interim head coach Mark Watson. “He had a great game. Wondo has that knack of being in the right place at the right time and he is a fantastic finisher. We needed him tonight.”

Wondolowski, whose 10th goal of the season was also his 7th game winning goal of the campaign for San Jose (13-11-8), was enough to bring the Earthquakes within one point of the Rapids (13-10-9) in the Western Conference table.

“We are a team taking it one game at a time,” said Wondolowski. “We are trying to get three points whenever we can. We’ve been in this situation for awhile now where we’ve got to pick up maximum points.”

For nearly three-quarters of the match at sold-out Buck Shaw Stadium, it looked like the Rapids would find a way to keep the Earthquakes off the scoreboard, as time and time again their defense and goalkeeper Clint Irwin stymied a determined home side. However, flashing some of that never-say-die attitude that carried them to the top of the standings a year again, the Quakes scored their most important goal of the season to date.

“I thought we had four or five really good chances to score,” said Watson, “so credit to the guys for their perseverance to keep plugging away and keep going at them at getting opportunities. Sometime when you get opportunity after opportunity and they don’t go in, guys will drop their heads. Our guys didn’t do that.”

The game winning goal by Wondolowski was the 33rd of his MLS career, moving him into a tie for third on the all-time list with former LA Galaxy and Chivas USA forward Ante Razov. In addition, his 10th goal of the campaign makes him only the 11th player in MLS history to score double-digit goals in 4 or more consecutive seasons.

“I kept plugging away,” said Wondolowski. “You never know when a chance is going to come.”

Wondolowski’s game winning goal came courtesy of a corner kick delivery by Shea Salinas. The assist was the 20th of Salinas’ career with the Earthquakes and came on a night when he was consistently dangerous in the attacking third and refused to let his team succumb to the Rapids.

“We always know we are going to get one,” said Salinas. “We never let down. When they don’t go in early on it is frustrating but we put it out of our minds immediately and just go for the next. We are all confident in that.”

That’s something that I love about this locker room,” added Wondolowski. “We rise up in big occasions. We don’t expect anything less.”

With only two games remaining on the schedule, the Earthquakes will try to continue their late season run at the postseason with a visit to rival LA on October 20. Win against the Galaxy and San Jose’s final match of the season, at home against FC Dallas on October 26, could have considerable weight on whether the Quakes make the MLS Cup playoffs.

San Jose, missing key players Steven Lenhart to suspension and Victor Bernardez and Marvin Chavez to international duty with the Honduran national team, came out from the opening whistle with the clear intent of going for three points. Playing against a Colorado side that likes to crowd the middle of the field, the Earthquakes used their organized defensive shape and pressure at the center line to twice initiate counterattacks against the Rapids inside the first 10 minutes of the match.

In the 6th minute, a Salinas interception at midfield allowed the speedy winger free passage into the attacking third. His downfield pass to Wondolowski gave space for the forward to strike a hard cross into the six-yard box, but goalkeeper Clint Irwin made a nice punching save to clear the ball. Wondolowski recovered enough to deliver the ball back to Sam Cronin, who sent it back into the mixer, but a wide open Alan Gordon conspired to send a header outside of the post.

A couple minutes later, it was Rafael Baca starting things off from the center circle. His pass out to Salinas on the left side allowed the midfielder space to create something out of nothing along the byline and cut a cross back through the area. After some initial confusion between Wondolowski and Cordell Cato, Wondolowski turned and shot a ball that was deflected high. On the ensuing corner kick, Gordon reached the delivery from Salinas, but smashed his header off the upper corner of the woodwork.

The Rapids certainly dodged a bullet on defense, but in the 19th minute should have taken the lead themselves. Long-time Quakes tormentor Edson Buddle, with space to operate on the right wing, sent a perfect cross to the top of the six-yard box for striking partner Vicente Sanchez, but the Uruguayan somehow conspired to send his free header wide of the target.

San Jose continued to create some promising chances on offense, but Irwin still did not have to make a save. In the 31st minute on a cross into the area from the left wing and in the 35th minute from a free kick delivery, Gordon missed on two very good headed attempts. The Quakes finished out the half without another shot attempt, save a speculative flicked-on header by Wondolowski, and entered the locker room scoreless against the Rapids.

In the 51st minute, an individualized effort from Wondolowski to dribble the ball into the area looked promising, but with only Irwin to beat the forward drilled his shot right at the goalkeeper.

The Earthquakes had to feel that the game was not going to their way when an amazing defensive stand by Drew Moor in the 64th minute kept things scoreless. On another Quakes counterattack, Jordan Stewart had ample time on the left wing to pick out a teammate. The Englishman’s cross found Wondolowski free near the penalty spot, and the striker beat Irwin with his shot, but Moor hustled back to clear the ball off the line. Gordon followed up with a shot on the rebound, but a prone Moor deflected the ball to safety.

Snakebit San Jose didn’t let down, and only an amazing one-handed save by Irwin was enough to deny a Wondolowski goal on a 69th minute free kick by Salinas. However, the Earthquakes pair would not be denied on the subsequent corner kick, as Wondolowski scored his 10th goal of the season off Salinas’ delivery to put the Earthquakes up 1-0.

Down a goal, Colorado showed more urgency on offense and began to test the Quakes defense with regularity. Interim head coach Mark Watson still had all three of his substitutions available, but he elected to keep his starting eleven on the field.

Gordon, who had five previous shot attempts go wanting, worked himself open on an 82nd minute corner kick, but Irwin made a smart save on the forward’s header on target. Watson finally went to his bench in the 86th minute, replacing Gordon with rookie Adam Jahn. Defender Justin Morrow entered a minute later for a tired Salinas.

All that was left was for the Earthquakes defense and goalkeeper Jon Busch to see out the game, and they did that with aplomb over 3 minutes of stoppage time. With the final whistle from referee Allen Chapman, the sell-out crowd of 10,525 packing Buck Shaw Stadium erupted in celebration. The Quakes precarious hopes of making the playoffs were still intact with 2 games left in the season. San Jose visits the LA Galaxy on October 20 for its next must-win match.

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

The Oakland Raiders play football with middle school kids
Matt and Mindi: 49ers expect stronger roster at end of season
Brown on contract: 'I'm focused on football'
Three and Out: Trade for wide receiver unlikely, James expendable?

Giants

Cardinals top Red Sox to tie World Series
Lester's Glove: Lefty accused of foreign substance
Report: Matt Williams front-runner for Nationals manager job
Report: Mattingly to manage Dodgers in 2014
Read More

Athletics

A's minor league hitting coach hired by White Sox
Reddick, Cespedes finalists for Gold Glove
A's prospect Addison Russell has star potential
Mariners interview A's bench coach Hale
Read More

Sharks

Stalock waits for his turn in net
Sharks' first regulation loss comes in dramatic fashion
Wingels leaves early after high hit from Chara, does not return
Instant Replay: Bruins hand Sharks first regulation loss
Read More

49ers

49ers-Jaguars matchup No. 2: Miller vs. Posluszny
49ers plan roster moves before Nov. 10 game
Harbaugh draws on Churchill to inspire 49ers
49ers still looking to 'make it right' with Tarell Brown
Read More

Raiders

Raiders-Steelers matchup No. 2: McCants vs. Woodley
McFadden hopes to get on track versus Pittsburgh
Raiders injury report: Wisniewski back, but O-line remains thin
Diminishing returns: Inside the Raiders 2012 draft class
Read More

Warriors

Warriors sign Bogut to three-year contract extension
Warriors exercise options on Barnes, Thompson and Ezeli
Warriors waive three, including Seth Curry
MVP candidate Curry evolving into Warriors' trusted leader
Read More

NCAA

Cal handled by Oregon State 49-17
Gaffney leads No. 13 Stanford past No. 9 UCLA
No. 13 Stanford hosts No. 9 UCLA
Rice named to College Football Playoff committee
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets
  • Amy G.
  • Insider Andrew Baggarly

Latest News

Cardinals top Red Sox to tie World Series
Associated Press

More Stories

Lester's Glove: Lefty accused of foreign substance
(6)
Report: Mattingly to manage Dodgers in 2014
(6)
See more >

GIANTS VIDEO

YSTL: MLB franchise valuations: Giants No. 6, A's No. 26
YSTL: MLB franchise valuations: Giants No. 6, A's No. 26
See more >

GIANTS TALK

Report: Matt Williams front-runner for Nationals manager job
World Series Game 2: Cardinals seek split in Boston

GIANTS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

A's minor league hitting coach hired by White Sox
(1)
Joe Stiglich

More Stories

Reddick, Cespedes finalists for Gold Glove
(2)
A's prospect Addison Russell has star potential
See more >

A's VIDEO

Beane on Colon: 'It'd be foolish not to say we have interest'
Beane on Colon: 'It'd be foolish not to say we have interest'
See more >

A's TALK

Mariners interview A's bench coach Hale
Victorino's slam leads Red Sox to World Series
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets
  • Insider Kevin Kurz

Latest News

Stalock waits for his turn in net
(3)
Kevin Kurz

More Stories

Sharks' first regulation loss comes in dramatic fashion
(5)
Wingels leaves early after high hit from Chara, does not return
(6)
See more >

SHARKS VIDEO

McLellan won't blame 'hockey gods' for last-second loss
McLellan won't blame 'hockey gods' for last-second loss
See more >

Features

Instant Replay: Bruins hand Sharks first regulation loss
Sharks notes: Bad hits aplenty, offense misses Burns, etc.

SHARKS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets

Latest News

Warriors sign Bogut to three-year contract extension
(2)
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

Warriors exercise options on Barnes, Thompson and Ezeli
(1)
Warriors waive three, including Seth Curry
(6)
See more >

WARRIORS VIDEO

Inside the Paint: Warriors need to amp up attitude
Inside the Paint: Warriors need to amp up attitude
See more >

Features

MVP candidate Curry evolving into Warriors' trusted leader
Instant Replay: Warriors struggle in preseason finale

MONTE POOLE

There is no data to display.

  • PRO BASKETBALL TALK
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets

Latest News

Kings waive Trent Lockett, trim roster to 15
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

Salmons' late trey gives Kings comeback win over Warriors
Kings assistant coach Brendan Malone resigns
See more >

Watch

Malone: 'A win like that shows character; I couldn't be prouder'
Malone: 'A win like that shows character; I couldn't be prouder'
See more >

Features

Kings set to kick off 'new era'
Kings come up short in 109-105 loss to Portland

Fantasy Hoops

  • The Daily Dose: Dose: Durant's Triple-double
  • PRO BASKETBALL TALK
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Buy 49ers Tickets
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Insider Matt Maiocco

Latest News

49ers-Jaguars matchup No. 2: Miller vs. Posluszny
(1)
Matt Maiocco

More Stories

49ers plan roster moves before Nov. 10 game
(7)
Harbaugh draws on Churchill to inspire 49ers
(3)
See more >

49ers VIDEO

Matt and Mindi: 49ers expect stronger roster at end of season
Matt and Mindi: 49ers expect stronger roster at end of season
See more >

WEEKLY REWIND

Week 7 Rewind: 49ers hit their stride in Tennessee
(36)
Matt Maiocco

49ers INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Buy Raiders Tickets
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Insider Scott Bair

Latest News

Raiders-Steelers matchup No. 2: McCants vs. Woodley
Scott Bair

More Stories

McFadden hopes to get on track versus Pittsburgh
Raiders injury report: Wisniewski back, but O-line remains thin
(2)
See more >

RAIDERS VIDEO

The Oakland Raiders play football with middle school kids
The Oakland Raiders play football with middle school kids
See more >

WEEKLY REWIND

Week 6 Rewind: Raiders need offensive line to heal up fast
(23)
Scott Bair

RAIDERS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

'Quakes advance to CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals
Robert Jonas

More Stories

Quakes all but out of playoff contention after draw vs. Galaxy
Quakes' Corrales to retire after 2013 season
See more >

Watch

Highlights: Earthquakes 1, Rapids 0
Highlights: Earthquakes 1, Rapids 0
See more >

Shop

ANDREW BAGGARLY

Lincecum wanted to remain a Giant and got his wish
(40)
See more >

MONTE POOLE

MVP candidate Curry evolving into Warriors' trusted leader
(1)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

49ers-Jaguars matchup No. 2: Miller vs. Posluszny
(1)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Raiders-Steelers matchup No. 2: McCants vs. Woodley
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Stalock waits for his turn in net
(3)
See more >

CASEY PRATT

RAY RATTO

Schiano slammed in company newsletter

TOP STORIES

  • 'Quakes advance to CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals
  • Quakes all but out of playoff contention after draw vs. Galaxy
  • Quakes' Corrales to retire after 2013 season

AFF

Enter here for the chance to win a pair of tickets to Authentic Fan Friday!

FOLLOW @CSNAUTHENTIC

@CSNAuthentic on Twitter

Facebook.com/CSNBayArea

CSN on Instagram

TEXT ALERTS

Be the first to know. Sign up for breaking news text alerts!

NCAA

Rice named to College Football Playoff committee
NCAA upholds Bennett's five-game suspension

MORE

  • SaberCats
  • Preps
  • Biz Ball
  • Fight Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

The Oakland Raiders play football with middle school kids
The Oakland Raiders play football with middle school kids
See more >

ONLINE SHOWS

  • Buster Knows Squat
  • Romo's Relief
  • Humm BB
  • Diamond Girls
  • Bullshootin'
  • Amy G.’s Exclusives
  • Learning with the Pros

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • Yahoo! SportsTalk Live

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Andrew Baggarly - Giants Insider
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers Insider
  • Scott Bair - Raiders Insider
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks Insider
  • Casey Pratt - Field of Teams
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California