Quakes’ playoff hopes get a boost

Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP San Jose Earthquakes’ goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell dives to punch the ball away late in Sunday’s match. VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Even with their playoff hopes dwindling the San Jose Earthquakes refused to quit.

The Earthquakes got a goal from Vako in the 77th minute then goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell made some huge stops in the dying moments for a 1-1 draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps Sunday.

The tie, combined with losses by FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake, put the Earthquakes’ Major League Soccer playoff hopes in their own hands heading into next Sunday’s final game.

Chris Wondolowski set up San Jose’s goal with a pretty pass. Vako took the ball, darted…