Not exactly earth-shaking

It's been labeled the beautiful game, and that it is, but far too often we see teams come into matches not to win, they just play not to lose. Rio Tinto was treated to a shining example of that sort of nonsense on Friday night the San Jose "eight-in-the-box" Earthquakes played., as the game ended in a 0-0 draw.

That's not to say that the home side, Real Salt Lake, doesn't get their share of the blame, as they left a lot opportunities waiting on the door step. The most memorable, of course, being the gorgeous cross from Alvaro Saborio (criminally replaced by Pablo Campos in the 68th minute) to the back-post right on to a Fabian Espindola run, which Espi inexplicably put wide. That, among other chances, gave the 16,000+ supporters this evening plenty of fuel for frustration.

Despite the negative style, San Jose was able to break a few times on the counter and had two or three walk ins against Nick Rimando. Rimando was up to the task every time though, parrying each chance away and salvaging the point out of the otherwise disappointing evening.

Man of the Match: Nicky Rimando, GK - Rimando was on his game tonight and was an absolute rock between the pipes, ending the match with eight massive saves, four of which were sprawling and dramatic.

Notes: Despite dominating possession and the run of play RSL was out-shot 14-13, including a shocking 8-1 shots on goal...Kyle Beckerman missed another match due to a foot injury, Ned Grabavoy started in his place...RSL has installed (at least for this match) a pop-tunes cover group called "The Party Crashers" in the south stands to play before and after the match, selections ranged from Lady Gaga's "Just Dance" to Cameo's "Word Up".