SAN JOSE -- The Earthquakes didn't inspire overwhelming optimism in their 1-0 victory Saturday night at Avaya Stadium in the preseason finale.

But they also showed glimpses of what the offseason roster upgrades might do over the next eight months of the Major League Soccer campaign.

Team star Chris Wondolowski believes. Sure, he always starts the season feeling optimistic.

"But I have a special feeling about this locker room," he said. "I love the desire, the work ethic."

A small crowd estimated at 4,000 fans got a sample of what to expect with new midfielders Simon Dawkins of England and Alberto Quintero of Panama starting against the New York Cosmos, the North American Soccer League's top club.

But the outlook might be entirely different next Sunday when the Quakes open the MLS season at home against the Colorado Rapids.

"It was an OK game," coach Dominic Kinnear said. "The game was not really intense."

Kinnear wanted more out of his remodeled offense when chances came in the first half.

Dawkins missed wide on two decent chances whereas Wondolowski could do little with a difficult shot while Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer was sprawled on the grass at the striker's feet.

For all the talk about creating a more potent attack, San Jose's goal came on a set piece off Shea Salinas' swerving corner kick in the 51st minute. The ball landed low in the mixer, where Victor Bernardez banged it at a wall of green-jerseyed Cosmos.


It bounced out to the side of the net, allowing Clarence Goodson to boot it between defenders.

"Jordan (Stewart) says I have a 'selfie pole,' " Goodson said of his right-footed jab. "I just threw my leg on it."

The Earthquakes showed their characteristic grit in wearing down the Cosmos, who also played Wednesday in Fresno. Goodson liked the way his team built its offense out of the back. But he regretted how teammates seem to relax too much when pushing forward.

"I felt like it's a bit of a work in progress," Wondolowski added. "The first 30 minutes we missed a lot of easy passes. We need to be a little sharper."

Attacking midfielder Matias Perez Garcia didn't start Saturday because he can't play next weekend after a red-card suspension from last year's final game. Salinas took his place on the left side, where he performed with his usual vigor.

When the games start counting next week, San Jose is going to need Salinas' high energy across the field. While the Earthquakes are stronger, so is the rest of the league.

Kinnear started Quintero to help the right winger round into shape for the MLS season. The Panamanian tired in the second half but said it was important to get the minutes.

"I played well for the little time I've been here," Quintero said in Spanish. "It's going to come little by little."