MLS: Houston 1, San Jose 1 (tie)

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Ronnie O'Brien scored and the San Jose Earthquakes ran their MLS unbeaten streak to nine matches Saturday night with a 1-1 tie with Houston.

With four wins and five ties in their last nine outings, the Quakes (7-9-8) are making a run at a playoff berth. They are one point behind Chivas USA for the final spot in the Western Conference.

The tie helped Houston (11-5-9) stretch its Western Conference lead over Real Salt Lake to seven points.

O'Brien scored his fourth goal of the season in the 50th minute.

Brian Ching got Houston back to 1-1 with his 10th goal in the 71st minute.