Earthquakes 1 - 2 Whitecaps
Final
  for this game

Vancouver hopes for better luck against San Jose

Jul 20, 2012 - 9:07 PM Vancouver, BC (Sports Network) - The San Jose Earthquakes needed a little luck for their last win, but there is no doubt at this point in the season the club is the best in MLS.

San Jose held off FC Dallas on Wednesday when Jair Benitez missed a penalty in stoppage time, sending the Earthquakes to 43 points - seven clear of the next highest in the league - after a 2-1 win.

The Earthquakes (13-4-4) visit Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Sunday in search of a third-straight win.

"Every match we are getting better and better," San Jose's Marvin Chavez said.

"We are finding different ways to win," he added, "which is the characteristic of a winning club."

San Jose has put together an impressive away record this year, winning six and tying two in 11 road matches. BC Place, where Vancouver is 5-1-4 this season, will provide a tough atmosphere, but there may not be a more confident team in MLS than the Earthquakes.

Still, coach Frank Yallop believed the game against Dallas - which is tied for the fewest points in MLS with the Portland Timbers and Toronto FC - showed how tough the league can be.

"They played well enough to have that last penalty kick to equalize," Yallop said. "It goes to show the strength of our conference where there isn't much separation from top to bottom.

"I always say that every game in this league is difficult and it showed. We were tested until the final whistle."

Vancouver (8-6-7) settled for a 2-2 draw against the Los Angeles Galaxy on Wednesday, as it allowed a pair of goals in the last 10 minutes. The Whitecaps are winless in four straight, and have just one win in their last seven games.

"I think anytime you turtle up and you tie 2-2 it feels like a defeat, but it was an exciting game, an entertaining game, a fantastic crowd, and a great atmosphere," Whitecaps coach Martin Rennie said.

Barry Robson scored his first MLS goal for Vancouver in the game and he showed whey he will be an important piece for the Whitecaps in the second half.

Still fourth in the Western Conference standings, Vancouver remains in good position. But with consecutive matches against Real Salt Lake following its match against San Jose, the club needs a positive result this weekend.






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