On a day when uncharacteristically hot temperatures swept across Norther California, the San Jose Earthquakes were stifled in their home stadium like never before.
Saturday’s 0-0 draw between San Jose and Sporting Kansas City saw the visitors dominate for extended periods at Avaya Stadium, but the all-important breakthrough goal remained elusive — a vexing albeit familiar storyline for Manager Peter Vermes’ men that was summed up by David Bingham’s last-minute save to deny Graham Zusi from close range.
Nevertheless, Sporting Kansas City occupies first place in the Western Conference halfway through the 2017 regular season. Their overall success has hinged on irresistible home displays and an impregnable defense that is on pace to set a variety of league records.