Wondolowski nets first goal for Earthquakes since trade

Posted: 8/2/2009 
Updated: 8/27/2009

Aug. 2, 2009

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Cornell Glen, Darren Huckerby and Chris Wondolowski scored in the second half to help the San Jose Earthquakes end a four-game winless streak with a 4-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders FC on Sunday.

San Jose (4-10-5), last in the Western Conference, also benefited from an own goal in the 2nd minute of play when Ryan Johnson’s shot deflected off Seattle’s Osvaldo Alonso and past goalie Kasey Keller into the net.

The Earthquakes, 0-2-2 in their last four, got their biggest victory of the season and won for the first time since June 20 against Los Angeles. San Jose also beat Seattle (7-4-8) for the first time after losing the first two meetings.

The first half also included five flags, including a red card issued to Seattle’s James Riley — who played with San Jose last season — in the 33rd minute.

The Earthquakes dominated after the break, starting in the 54th minute when Glen took a pass from midfielder Shea Salinas and dropped it in at the top of the net.

On the importance of the win, Glen said, "We needed the win, and we did exactly that. (Chris) Wondolowski came on and had a big impact, Shea (Salinas) played very well today and everyone contributed to this important victory and we are looking forward to next week."

The ‘Quakes scored their fourth goal of the game in the 84th minute. Salinas ran past the Sounders’ Marshall and passed it to substitute Chris Wondolowski, who had entered the game for forward Ryan Johnson in the 59th minute. The Californian used his left foot to shoot it underneath a diving Keller and score his third goal of the season.

Huckerby scored in the 78th into an empty net after his initial shot was deflected by the Sounders’ Stephen King. Six minutes later, Salinas intercepted a Seattle pass and set up Wondolowski. 

San Jose manager Frank Yallop still has some reasons to be encouraged. Forward Cornell Glen looked lively in just his second start for San Jose since signing back on May 26. And another midseason arrival, Chris Wondolowski, also impressed against United, putting in an energetic shift up front that did plenty to unsettle United’s back line. Throw in the twisting runs of another substitute, Quincy Amarikwa, and Yallop feels that his attacking cupboard is far from bare.
 

Reprinted from Associated Press