Game Thread: San Jose Earthquakes play host to Portland Timbers

Did you know the Earthquakes current nine game winless streak is the longest such stretch of games without a win since the team returned to MLS in 2008? As such, that is a telling statistic as to how much the team has struggled this summer. Since a 4-2 win at DC United in June, the Earthquakes have scored only four goals and been shut out seven times in league play. San Jose may be a mere three points out of the playoffs, but the trend of continued offensive ineptitude does not raise the confidence of supporters that this team can repeat their run of last season.

Tonight at Buck Shaw Stadium, the Earthquakes welcome the expansion Portland Timbers in a classic "six-pointer" for both sides. With seven of their last ten league matches on the road, the time is now to pick up some points at home. Against a Timbers side that has scored only two goals in their last six road matches, perhaps a lone goal will be enough for the Quakes to capture all three points. The question becomes, who will get that goal?

Well, with injuries and absences decimating the Earthquakes front line, it will be up to Chris Wondolowski and Scott Sealy to lead the offensive charge. In a move to bolster the offense, head coach Frank Yallop is pushing Bobby Convey into a midfielder role this wwekend, in hopes that the MLS All-Star can deliver the assists like he did in 2010. Something has to be tried by coach Yallop, for this team is running out of ideas on how to create scoring opportunities.

At least there are still ten more days left in the MLS summer transfer window...

Watching the game at home? Well, start loading up the comments section with your observations. If things start going the way of the Timbers, venting is good therapy. Above all, aside from calling for the heads of coach Yallop and general manager John Doyle, share your ideas on how you would make the Earthquakes a better team.