Earthquakes hopes to end winless streak against Galaxy

Carson, CA – When the San Jose Earthquakes travel to The game winless streak.

The 'Quakes have not recorded a win in MLS play since June 11th when they defeated D.C. United 4-2 at RFK Stadium.

Since that win, San Jose has set a new club record for longest winless streak, going 0-5-6 in those 11 games.

In its most recent MLS outing, the 'Quakes lost to the Colorado Rapids 2-1 at Buck Shaw Stadium on August 13th. Joey Gjertsen gave the Earthquakes the lead, but Colorado rallied to get to the win and hand San Jose its ninth loss of the season.

The Earthquakes have fallen all the way to eighth place in the Western Conference, managing just 25 points from 24 regular season matches this year.

But the club has made an important acquisition, signing 6-foot, 195-pound striker Eduardo Zura from El Nacional in Ecuador. 'Quakes GM John Doyle believes he could prove to be a difference-maker for the team.

"He's a powerful guy who can get behind defenses and has a good scoring record in Ecuador," Doyle said. "We're looking for him to contribute, that's for sure."

San Jose's signing was undoubtedly overshadowed by the Galaxy's unveiling of new Designated Player Robbie Keane, who Los Angeles hopes will be available for Saturday's match. The Irish international joins Los Angeles from Tottenham Hotspur.

In order to make room for Keane on their roster, the Galaxy traded Juan Pablo Angel to Chivas USA for a third-round draft pick in the Supplemental Draft.

Despite only getting three goals from Angel in his 22 appearances this season, Los Angeles is having a fantastic year. Not only is the club in first place in the Western Conference with 48 points (the most in MLS in 2011 thus far), but it is also coming off a vital win in the CONCACAF Champions League, beating CD Motagua 2-0.

The Galaxy have not played an MLS match in two weeks, but its last encounter was an impressive 3-1 home victory over FC Dallas, a team that is battling with L.A. for first place in the West.

Los Angeles and San Jose played to a scoreless draw on June 25th in a wild game that saw Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts pick up an injury in the 24th minute. When back-up 'keeper Josh Saunders was sent off in the 43rd minute, Los Angeles played the remainder of the game with Mike Magee in goal.