San Jose Earthquakes 2-0 Chicago Fire: Wondolowski, Corrales snap 'Quakes winless streak

Posted Sunday, September 11, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

The San Jose Earthquakes snapped a 13 game winless streak with a 2-0 win over the visiting Chicago Fire. Chris Wondolowski opened the scoring and had a penalty saved, while Ramiro Corrales provided some insurance in the second half.

The Earthquakes came out looking to take an early advantage and did precisely that on 10 minutes. Rafael Baca collected a throw-in on the left side and swung in a cross to an unmarked Wondolowski on the far post, where he volleyed home for his 10th goal of the season.

After Khari Stephenson put a decent chance wide, it was all Chicago for the latter part of the first half and Dan Gargan was unlucky to see his effort roll onto the post. In first half stoppage time, Jon Busch came up with two big saves to preserve the lead against his former team. First, he denied Dominic Oduro one-on-one after an Earthquakes defensive breakdown, and seconds later, he was equal to Sebastian Grazzini's well-struck volley.

The Earthquakes improved markedly after the break, connecting passes and putting constant pressure on the fire defense. The pressure looked to have paid off in the 52nd minute when Jalil Anibaba was whistled for handball in the box, giving the Earthquakes their first opportunity from the spot in. Wondolowski stepped up to bag his second of the game, but his effort was too close to Sean Johnson, who went to his right to save.

Still, Wondolowski and the Earthquakes were unfazed by the penalty miss, and continued to push for the all-important second goal. Johnson continued to shine in goal for the fire, but was powerless in the 69th minute as Corrales slotted home after a well-worked give and go with Wondolowski.