Heredia 1 San Jose Earthquakes 0
After tasting defeat in their opening CONCACAF Champions League Group 5 contest 1-0 away against fellow MLS side the Montreal Impact the same script was written when they ventured to Guatemala to face Heredia. Midfielder Enrique Miranda scored the only goal for the hosts after 67 minutes when he hit a lose ball that thundered past San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper David Bingham.
With regular starters defender Victor Bernardez and midfielder Rafael Baca, who are both suspended for their weekend MLS game against the LA Galaxy, in their side the visitors had a good deal of possession, especially in the first-half but Chris Wondolowski was credited with San Jose’s lone shot on goal for the evening as he put a header on target 9 minutes before the half-time break after a left-wing cross from Justin Morrow, but Heredia goal-keeper Jose Calderon collected it with ease.
After introducing substitutes Cordell Cato, Steven Lenhart and Marvin Chavez into proceedings the Earthquakes stepped it up slightly but could still not created any meaningful chances to exert the under employed Calderon. With just over 20 left a foul on Jaime Alas gave the away side a free kick in a central location just inside 30 yards, but the strike by Ramiro Corrales dipped just too late and fell agonisingly onto the top of net. The final opportunity the Californian side had to snatch a draw came 9 minutes later when Wondolowski headed back a Chavez cross but the side-foot volley by Baca full high over the target as the Earthquakes who are competing in their first CCL campaign continue in search of their first points.
Their next game sees them at home for the first time as they entertain the Impact in a must win game on September 17. This victory for the home side put’s them completely in control in this Group at the half-way sage as this victory adds to the one this picked up in their first encounter when they defeated Montreal by the same score. Their next game is a trip to Canada on September 24 knowing a victory then will see them qualify for the Quarter Finals.