San Jose Earthquakes defeat FC Dallas 4-2

After the Cal game, I transmitted my photos really quick, ran to the parking lot, and drove down to Buck Shaw Stadium, making it just in time for the second half Quakes vs FC Dallas. Big thanks to Junsan Chan of the Quakes who came out and met me with a pass even though it was after media will call was closed. So nice to be friends with those who issue credentials!

Quakes were up 4-1 at the half. Unfortunately they didn't score another goal, or get Chris Wondowloski that second goal he needed to be the Golden Boot Winner for the second year in a row. But he appreciated the players who were trying to feed him the ball. Thumbs up!

But fortunately they still won the game 4-2! Though just the fifth win at home, it was the sixth consecutive sell out crowd.

Being tuckered out from the day, I thought about just heading up to the press box to edit post game, figuring I had covered the players high fiving the fans so many games before, it would be unnecessary overkill. But then I figured, I'm already here, final game of the season, gotta give it my all. But instead of getting the same shot I always do, I got really low below a section of fans and shot up at the players. Ended up really liking this new perspective.

Rafael Baca came over, and fans asked for his shoe.

He obliged.

Then they asked for another shoe. He obliged.

Then, jokingly, he started taking off his shorts... but you don't get a picture of that ;-)

San Jose Earthquakes tie Sporting KC 1-1

After a fun start to my birthday month enjoying a free show in Golden Gate Park with Nicole and Dan courtesy of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival, headed down to Buck Shaw Stadium for what might be my final Quakes game of the year, pending the TBA of Cal Football vs Utah.

Though the first half I wasn't getting any great action. Quakes put one in the net in the second half.

This places Wondolowski with 33 goals as an Earthquake, beating out Landon Donovan's 32.

Unfortunately, literally within seconds, Sporting KC answered with a goal of their own. Leaving the score at a 1-1 draw.

Afterwards headed back into the city for Night Out with the Quakes at The Republic, where Earthquakes players were stand-in bartenders and I was able to hang out with some of the Quakes staff that I normally only see on the sideline or in the pressbox, and friends! Great night. Great KICK (get it?) off to my birthday month!! =)

San Jose Earthquakes defeat Chicago Fire 2-0

Headed over to Buck Shaw Stadium for the Quakes vs Chicago Fire.

Quakes came out strong with an early goal in the tenth minute by Chris Wondolowski.

Defense held onto the score with a great (as always) effort from Jon Busch, wearing a protective mask after a facial fracture, ouch!

And he was appreciating his back line of Jason Hernandez, helping protect the goal.

Second half, became intense with Quakes trying to seal the victory and Fire trying to prevent it. Yellow card was issued to Dan Gargan for dissent after a call.

But I think he was just trying to tell the referee how much Ffffffun he was having ;-)

Fire's Sean Johnson blocked a Wondo PK and came up with some big time saves throughout the game.

But it wasn't enough, as Ramiro Corrales scored in the 69th minute with assists from Wondo and Rafael Baca.

They all celebrated together.

Then Khari Stephenson, decided to join the party, up top!

A great win for the Quakes, on their fourth consecutive sell out, very exciting indeed!!

Colorado Rapids defeat San Jose Earthquakes 2-1

After the A's game, headed over to Buck Shaw Stadium for the match-up between the Quakes and the Rapids.

Quakes put the first goal in the books, but then after some unfortunate calls including a penalty kick. Rapids topped the Quakes 2-1.

Still an exciting game and great effort by the Quakes. Sometimes the ball, and the whistle, just aren't on your side.

The next Quakes game isn't for another 4 weeks and I will definitely be missing some futbol action, but at last there will be some football action in between then!

Portland Timbers defeat the San Jose Earthquakes 2-0

Headed over to Buck Shaw Stadium for the game between the Portland Timbers and the San Jose Earthquakes.

Another exciting game for the Quakes!

But another undesirable result with a 1-1 tie.

But the Ultras still had a great time!

DC United defeat the San Jose Earthquakes 2-0

Headed over to Buck Shaw Stadium for the Quakes vs DC United game.

This was particularly exciting because I am now shooting for goal.com! I have been shooting Quakes for ISIphotos on spec for the last few years, but the owner became uncomfortable with me maintaining an archive of my images on my photos.kelleylcox.com site, and recommended I find a way to shoot on my own credential.

As luck would have it, I received a tweet (yes, social media works!) from Shane Evans, one of the senior editors at Goal.com who had seen and used my work in the past and was interested in having me shoot for goal.com.

The conversation led to emails to firm up details so I could ensure a non-exclusive agreement, where I unquestionably maintained my copyright... and now I am shooting Quakes on my own credential! Hurray!

To be sure I am not burning any bridges with ISI, I also ensured my agreement with goal.com, to allow me to contribute images to ISIphotos so you will still find my photos there also=)

Win Win!!

Though it was a lose, lose for Quakes and Dwayne DeRosario scored twice for DC United without an answer from the Quakes =(

Thanks to Shane for reaching out to me!

San Jose Earthquakes tie Vancouver Whitecaps 2-2

Headed over to Buck Shaw Stadium for the Earthquakes vs the Whitecaps.

Chris Wondolowski showed his Golden Boot status and ALMOST scored a hat trick with two goals.

But Whitecaps had an answer to each. Resulting in a 2-2 draw.

It was exciting to see longtime goalkeeper for the Quakes Joe Cannon make his return to Buck Shaw and receive a warm reception from the fans.