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Earthquakes-Sounders Preview

May 21, 2010 - 5:49 PM By NICOLINO DIBENEDETTO STATS Writer

San Jose (4-2-1) at Seattle (3-3-3), 3:00 p.m. EDT

Joe Cannon's re-emergence is a major reason the San Jose Earthquakes are one of the biggest surprises in MLS this year.

Cannon looks to extend his shutout streak to four games when the Earthquakes visit the Seattle Sounders on Saturday.

San Jose (4-2-1) is developing into a serious contender in the Western Conference, tied for second place despite playing at least one less match than the other three teams with 13 points. The Earthquakes finished last in each of the past two seasons.

A key to their surprising start is Cannon re-establishing himself as one of the league's top goalkeepers.

The MLS goalkeeper of the year in 2002 and '04, Cannon has allowed seven goals in seven games. He's riding a streak of three shutouts in a row with the Earthquakes going 2-0-1. He had three shutouts all of last year, posting league highs in goals allowed (47) and losses (14).

"The team's better, so everyone looks better, including Joe," coach Frank Yallop told the team's official website. "If he gets less shots to face, or worse angles, he's going to look better."

Cannon made four saves in last Saturday's scoreless tie at New England for his fourth shutout of the season - second-most in MLS. He credits the team's organizational play for his success.

"I think the goalie, more than any other position, is vulnerable when the team's not organized," Cannon told the league's official website. "That's why, in every interview, I've got to give credit to the 10 guys in front of me. I've always felt like I'm the same. I have the same weaknesses and the same strengths. This group's just that much better."

Cannon needed just one save as the Earthquakes beat the Sounders 4-0 at home in the most recent matchup Aug. 2.

Seattle (3-3-3) won the other two meetings last year - both at Qwest Field - by a combined 4-1 score.

Despite every game at Qwest being sold out, the Sounders have struggled to capitalize on the home-field advantage.

They're 1-2-1 there, scoring only two goals, since a season-opening 2-0 win over expansion Philadelphia on March 25.

Their last match in Seattle resulted in the worst home defeat in team history, falling 4-0 to league-best Los Angeles on May 8. The dismal effort prompted the organization to issue refunds to season ticket holders.

The Sounders did rebound on the road last Saturday, beating New York 1-0 on Fredy Montero's goal with five minutes left.

The forward will likely be in the lineup against San Jose after coach Sigi Schmid benched him due to a three-game goal drought. Schmid opted to use him with 12 minutes to play versus the Red Bulls, and the move paid off.

"I'm sure Fredy wasn't happy sitting on the bench and it's not a secret, he wants to be out on the field he wants to play," Schmid told the team's official website. "But I think he came in and he battled and he fought right away."

Montero is tied with midfielder Steve Zakuani with a team-high three goals after he scored 12 last year to win the league's newcomer of the year award.