The San Jose Earthquakes moved one step closer to clinching home-field advantage throughout the MLS Cup Playoffs with a 2-0 win Wednesday night against the Chicago Fire at Spartan Stadium. Dwayne De Rosario continued his fine run of form, scoring both goals either side of halftime, and Pat Onstad recorded his 11th shutout of the season, helping his side to a team-record sixth consecutive victory.
The result also saw the Quakes maintain their 14-point lead ahead of FC Dallas, who kept pace with a 4-1 win against the Los Angeles Galaxy. Chicago meanwhile remained in third place in the Eastern Conference, two points behind D.C. United.
The match began with both sides looking to attack, but half chances were the order of the day, with the final pass just missing for each team. Ricardo Clark's vital clearance in the 11th minute cut out Justin Mapp's dangerous cross, while a similar effort from De Rosario was cleared two minutes later.
The Quakes gradually gained the upper hand, and broke on top in the 14th minute courtesy of their Canadian international. Brian Ching's flick-on of a Kelly Gray long ball found De Rosario in stride, and his deft chip over the advancing Zach Thornton eventually settled into the roof of the Fire net for his fifth goal of the season.
Rather than galvanize the visitors, it was the home side who was energized, and De Rosario was almost put through again six minutes later, but this time the Fire's Chris Armas was on hand to tackle the ball away.
Chicago eventually came into the game, enjoying some solid spells of possession in the latter 10 minutes of the half, and their pressure nearly paid off in the 42nd minute. Jaqua won a series of aerial duels and the ball eventually found its way back to Thiago at the top of the box, but his rasping shot was hit just wide.
The visitors then had Thornton to thank for keeping the deficit at one. De Rosario was again the instigator as his surging run down the left wing left Thiago in his wake. His cross was met at the far post by Ching, but Thornton not only managed to palm away the Hawaiian's header, but his rebound attempt as well.
The let-off proved to be short-lived as the Quakes doubled their advantage just five minutes into the second half. Ching put Moreno clean through on goal, only for the Venezuelan to be upended by Thornton as tried to round him. Referee Brian Hall immediately pointed to the spot, and De Rosario duly hammered home the resulting penalty for a 2-0 lead.
The Fire's Herron than had several chances to trim the deficit. Thiago's knockdown in the 50th minute presented Herron with a clean look at goal, but the Costa Rican fired his effort high. The Chicago forward was put through on a clear breakaway eight minutes later, but Onstad denied his effort with a superb foot save.
It was all one-way traffic now, and the Fire were nearly gifted a goal in the 66th minute. Brian Mullan's back pass was easily intercepted by Jaqua, but the Fire could only watch in agony as his shot rattled the post and went out.
Desperate for a breakthrough, Fire head coach Dave Sarachan brought on John Thorington. The Quakes countered by bringing on Ronald Cerritos for the tiring Ching.
The changes seemed to benefit the home side more, as they began to enjoy more of the ball. The Fire were still dangerous however, as efforts from Jaqua in the 77th minute, and Thiago two minutes later both just missed.
The only question remaining was whether De Rosario would get his hat trick. Instead, the Quakes midfielder turned provider in the 85th minute, but his cross from the right wing just eluded Cerritos at the far post.
Up next for San Jose is a match with FC Dallas this Saturday that could see the Quakes lock up home-field advantage throughout the postseason. Chicago is off until Oct. 1, when they travel to Kansas City for the final game of a five-match, 56-day road swing.
MLSnet.com Man of the Match: Dwayne De Rosario (San Jose Earthquakes)
Jeff Carlisle is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
