New England Revolution 2-0 SJ Earthquakes

Saturday May 17th, 2008
MLS - Match 7


Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA

Attendance: 13,004

Saturday May 17, 2008

With some of his key players injured, Frank Yallop had to make a few changes in his starting line-up. With Gavin Glinton and J.P. Peguero out, Ned Grabavoy started upfront (with Kei Kamara) and Joe Vide took his place in the midfield. But the worst news was the absence of Nick Garcia (groin strain) the day when Ryan Cochrane was returning in central defense.

Like last week (at Buck Shaw Stadium against Columbus crew - read our report), the Earthquakes started poorly, but this time, they never really come back in the match and after 23 minutes, New England had a 2-0 lead, which would be the final score.

The whole first half was a total black hole for the Quakes. They were dominated and the Revs looked like they could score at any moment. As if it was not enough, San Jose literally gave them 2 early goals. The first came from a free kick. From the right side of the field, Steve Ralston curled the ball into the box for Shalrie Joseph. Joseph smartly let the ball pass between his legs, leaving the Quakes' defenders and Joe Cannon with no reaction. Kjeli Dube was the first to touch the ball at the six yard line and Cannon arrived too late (1-0, 6th).

Cannon did not seem to be in a great day, but he is probably not responsible in the incredible misunderstanding that brought the second goal. On a long ball that bounced at about 20 yards from Cannon's goal, James Riley had all the time to see were his goalkeeper was placed and safely head the ball back to him...Instead of that, he completely misjudged the situation and lobbed Cannon with a powerful header! (2-0, 23rd)

No more mistakes were made in the first half, but the Revolution continued their domination, always being in control of the match.

Some changes were made in the second half and the Quakes looked a little better, but not enough to really put their opponent in danger, except maybe at the 90th minute, when Corrales' left foot sent a powerful shot on the crossbar.

For Yallop and his staff, it will now be important to help the team stay positive before next Thursday's home game against Houston Dynamo, featuring some former Earthquakes' players. Not an easy task after such a poor performance!

Thierry Heumann (email)

View updated statistics

Goals: Kheli Dube (6th, Assist: Steve Ralston), James Riley (own goal, 23rd)

Officials:

Referee: Terry Vaughn- Assistants: Craig Lowry; Jeff Muschik - 4th official: Jorge Gonzalez.

Attendance: 13,004

Yellow cards: 

NE: Jay Heaps (36th), Jeff Larentowicz (72nd)

SJE: Eric Denton (55th), Ramiro Corrales (82nd), Ryan Johnson (90+3)

Lineups:

San Jose Earthquakes: Joe Cannon - Eric Denton, Jason Hernandez,  Ryan Cochrane, James Riley (Shea Salinas, 57) -  Ivan Guerrero (John Cunliffe, 82), Ramiro Corrales, Joe Vide, Ronnie O'Brien (Ryan Johnson, 66) -  Ned Grabavoy, Kei Kamara.

NE Revolution: Matt Reis - Chris Albright, Michael Parkhurst, Jay Heaps - Wells Thompson (Sainey Nyassi, 62), Shalrie Joseph, Steve Ralston, Jeff Larentowicz, Mauricio Castro (Khano Smith, 77) - Kenny Mansally (Adam Cristman, 87), Kheli Dube.