Earthquakes Avoid Elimination, Blank Red Bulls

Ryan Johnson converted a first-half penalty kick for his team-leading 10th goal of the season as the San Jose Earthquakes avoided mathematical elimination from the MLS playoff chase with a 1-0 win over the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night.

The Earthquakes (7-12-7), who have the most games remaining of any MLS team, must win all four of their remaining matches and receive plenty of help to sneak into the postseason.

The loss cemented New York's slide from MLS Cup finalist last season to the league's last-place finisher this year. The Red Bulls (4-18-6) had their league-record, regular-season road winless streak extended to 26 games. New York is 0-19-7 away from home since a 2-1 victory over Los Angeles on May 10, 2008.

San Jose forward Arturo Alvarez, whose low drive in the 21st minute was turned aside by diving Red Bulls goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul, drew a penalty kick three minutes later.

Alvarez held the ball wide on the right wing before splitting Red Bulls defenders Jeremy Hall and Mike Petke. Hall clipped Alvarez from behind to give the Quakes their fifth penalty kick of the season.

Johnson hammered a left-footed shot to his right post, in the opposite direction of Coundoul's lunge, and became the first Quakes player to reach double digits in goals since Brian Ching scored 12 in 2004.

Although San Jose's defense has allowed the most goals per game of any MLS club, New York's league-worst offense could not generate much of a pulse.

Juan Pablo Angel, New York's top goal-scorer, got free for a 20-yard blast in the 51st minute, but San Jose goalkeeper Joe Cannon made a right-handed save to neutralize the threat. Cannon also punched away a dangerous header from Andrew Boyens in the 87th minute.