Quincy Amarikwa’s audacious chip shot was still in midflight Sunday afternoon when San Jose Earthquakes assistant coach Steve Ralston gave an assessment to his boss, Dominic Kinnear:
“He’s got him.”
Moments later, it was official. Amarikwa’s shot traveled some 35 yards or more from the right wing before flying over the outstretched hand of scrambling Portland Timbers goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey and nestling in the upper 90 at the far post. The goal, in first-half stoppage time, would prove the difference in San Jose's 2-1 victory at Avaya Stadium.
Quakes captain Chris Wondolowski, whose 30th-minute goal might have been the lead story on another day, had a one-word reaction to his strike partner’s display.