Union, Earthquakes Play To Scoreless Draw
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) -- Philadelphia goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon recorded his sixth shutout of the season, while San Jose's Jon Busch had his fifth as the Union and Earthquakes played to a 0-0 draw Saturday night.
Philadelphia (7-4-7) moved into a tie with New York atop the Eastern Conference with 28 points.
The Earthquakes (5-6-7) were shut out for the fourth time in five matches, going 0-2-3 during that span.
Philadelphia nearly broke through in the 85th minute as midfielder Kyle Nakazawa's free kick made it through the defense but hit the right post.
The Earthquakes nearly scored early in the second half but midfielder Ryan Johnson's shot from left of the goal hit the crossbar.
Philadelphia peppered Busch with two dangerous shots early in the second half, one by Danny Mwanga and the other by Sebastien Le Toux, but he saved them both.
San Jose coach Frank Yallop was ejected in the 66th minute after protesting a yellow card that was issued against defender Ramiro Corrales.
When the two teams met in April at Philadelphia, they combined for just one goal as the Union won on Le Toux's penalty kick in the 76th minute.
Each team was without one of its top offensive players.
Philadelphia forward Carlos Ruiz, tied for the team lead with five goals, was not in uniform. Union coach Peter Nowak gave him the night off to rest after his heavy recent workload, playing four games for Guatemala's national team in the Gold Cup then three straight games in 11 days for Philadelphia.
The Earthquakes were without forward Steven Lenhart, who ranks second on the team with five goals. He missed the match because of a suspension for accumulating five yellow cards.
San Jose rookie midfielder Rafael Baca, who signed with the team this week, made his MLS debut late in the second half.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
