'Quakes, Union in search of full points at PPL Park
Soccer Betting Lines
07/09/2010 - Chester, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Philadelphia Union host the San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer action at PPL Park on Sunday evening.
Both teams are coming off of disappointing draws in their last league fixtures, and will be gunning for the full points on Saturday.
The Union earned a 1-1 tie at Chivas USA a week after earning an impressive win over Seattle in the opener of its soccer-specific stadium. The team was hoping the momentum gained from the PPL park opener would transfer to The Home Depot Center, but that was not the case.
"I think we were trying to ride the emotion that we had at the home opener, but its difficult to carry that emotion 3000 miles and it was a tough night," Union captain Danny Califf told mlssoccer.com. "I feel like we played well in spurts and then we didn't play well in long stretches as well. I think overall it was tough to carry over that energy but we managed a result and that's a good thing and we can use that going forward."
Luckily for the Union (3-7-2), who are in need of a run of wins to get back into the playoff picture, they lay five of the next six games at PPL Park.
San Jose (5-4-4) is disappointed in its 1-1 draw with D.C. United in its last match because it held an early lead at home and couldn't hang on.
"Obviously, we're disappointed to not win at home," Earthquakes coach Frank Yallop told mlssoccer.com. "You're always on a bit of a tightrope when it's one-nil. It's just unfortunate we couldn't stick that second goal in."
Midfielder Bobby Convey, who has been one of the team's best players this season, took the loss on his shoulders after not having a particularly strong game.
"I don't think I pulled my weight or carried the team like I usually do, and that makes a difference," he said. "Sometimes you have to get bailed out by finishing your couple of chances, and we didn't finish. They had their one good chance and they scored, and we had three or four and we only scored one."
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Note: Monday night game will be picked Monday. Lines used are from football betting.