The San Jose Earthquakes didn't make it easy on themselves, but they still managed to take home a point on Thursday night, registering a scoreless draw against AIK of Sweden on the second matchday of the Portland Timbers Tournament.
The first half was mostly even, as both sides fielded largely experimental lineups. But the field tilted permanently in the direction of the Scandinavians early in the second half when San Jose trialist Jed Zayner saw straight red for chopping down an AIK attacker. Things were made worse several minutes later when central defender Víctor Bernárdez hobbled off the field helped by trainers after injuring his right knee.
But No. 3 'keeper Evan Newton and the rest of the Quakes held firm, mounting a rearguard action with the help fo the woodwork and some timely clearances.
Both teams are back in action on Sunday in the final matchday of the tournament. The Earthquakes face Chivas USA at 5:30 pm ET, while AIK will take on the hosts at 8 pm ET.
Scoring Summary:
None.
Misconduct Summary:
AIK – Niklas Backman (caution) 44
SJ – Jed Zayner (ejection) 60
AIK – Sal Jobarteh (caution) 80.
Lineups:
San Jose Earthquakes – David Bingham (Evan Newton 46), Steven Beitashour (Jed Zayner 46), Victor Bernardez (Jean-Marc Alexandre 57), Justin Morrow, Ramiro Corrales (Josh Suggs 46), Sam Garza, Brad Ring, Khari Stephenson (Cesar Diaz Pizarro 63), Rafael Baca (Rodrigo Lopez 46), Tressor Moreno (Ellis McLoughlin 63), Sercan Guvenisik (Anthony Ampaipitakwong 46).
AIK – Ivan Turina, Sal Jobarteh (Martin Lorentzson 85), David Fallman (Edward Owusu 46), Niklas Backman, Nils-Eric Johansson, Lalawele Atakora (Daniel Gustavsson 46), Robert Ahman Persson (Robin Quaison 75), Nicklas Maripuu, Kwame Amponsah Karikari, Pontus Engblom, Alhassan Kamara (Christian Kouakou 63).
