MLS San Jose Earthquakes

Earthquakes Knock Off Barclays Premier League Side West Ham United 2-0

Published on March 8, 2010 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes News Release


LONDON, England - The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Barclays Premier League side West Ham United 2-0 in an exhibition on Monday at Upton Park in London. The Earthquakes benefited from an own goal by Jordan Spence and a goal on their own by Ryan Johnson.

San Jose took the lead at Upton Park in the 8th minute, on an own goal by Jordan Spence. Bobby Convey whipped a low cross off of a free kick to the near post, and Spence had it graze off his head and past the keeper, Peter Kurucz. The initial foul was drawn by Ryan Johnson, who was brought down near the corner flag.

San Jose possessed the ball very well throughout the 90 minutes, holding a good portion of possession in the match. The Quakes saw another scoring opportunity materialize in the first half, as Convey and Arturo Alvarez combined, which sent Convey through on goal, but Kurucz came out with a sliding stop.

Once the second half began, San Jose was at it again, and in the 50th minute, Johnson was played in by Joey Gjertsen, who intercepted possession near midfield. Johnson fought through a few challenges and finished into the bottom corner of the far post to double the tally for the Quakes.

San Jose nearly added a third in the 61st minute when Alvarez weaved through the West Ham defense and broke through on goal, but Kurucz was equal to the task, parrying Alvarez's drive over the bar for a corner.

West Ham looked to draw one back in the 85th minute as Josh Payne had an opportunity from about 25 yards out, but his shot was hit just wide.

San Jose beat a West Ham side with 10 players who have played at some point with the first team and held them scoreless behind some very solid defense. West Ham did not register a shot on target during the full 90 minutes.

The Earthquakes continue their string of matches this week in London with Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday at Spurs Lodge. Spurs expects to play some regulars in that match as well. Friday, San Jose takes on the Colorado Rapids at Spurs Lodge as well to round out the set of three games. Check out the Earthquakes new YouTube page for the game recap.

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Major League Soccer Stories from March 8, 2010


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