Earthquakes seek win in home opener

Both the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas will be seeking their first victories of the season when they meet today in San Jose.

The Earthquakes (0-10, 0 points) opened the season with 2-1 defeat at Houston, a match in which San Jose struggled to find any rhythm over the opening hour. After eventually falling behind 2-0, the visitors pulled a goal back late on a sensational longrange strike by Paul Marie.

MLS all-time leading scorer Chris Wondolowski

missed a late chance to tie it.

Despite the late recovery and nearly escaping with an away point, San Jose head coach Matias Almeyda admitted his club was second best for much of the contest as the Earthquakes were outshot 17-8 overall and 6-4 in shots on target. He referenced a shortened preseason, when San Jose did not face MLS opposition.

“Whenever one starts off a new season with little games for preparation, this tends to happen,” Almeyda said. “I think we need a little bit more mobility, a little bit more speed, and to play a little bit more.

“Surely as these games keep going, this team will get to where they want to get to.”

Dallas (0-0-1, 1 point) settled for a scoreless draw against the Colorado Rapids during its home opener, in a game that was relatively even in chances and possession. But the higher quality opportunities may have come from the Rapids.

Dallas goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer made six saves, including a corner kick save of Danny Wilson’s header in the first half, and a late intervention to deny former teammate Michael Barrios’ breakaway.

Maurer has not allowed a goal in three consecutive regular-season starts dating back to last year.

“I felt good individually,” Maurer said. “At the same time, we’re all frustrated to not get a win at home and the three points. We weren’t as sharp as we needed to be on both sides of the ball, offensively and defensively. And that’s why I had to make a few saves.”