San Jose Earthquakes substitute forward Adam Jahn tied the match 1-1 in the 88th minute to secure the point against D.C. United on Saturday at the Avaya Stadium. The buildup for this game for both clubs had historical and prideful sense to it. This was going to be the celebration of Major League Soccer's (MLS) inaugural match between the D.C. and the San Jose Clash that took place on April sixth, 1996 at Spartan Stadium,
Jahn Saves the Match for the Quakes
Similar to that first match of MLS, last second heroics were needed to decide the final score of this game. Quakes substitute midfielder Shea Salinas started the play by stealing the ball from a D.C. player near midfield. The veteran player took off towards the penalty box from the right hand side. He then delivered an accurate cross near the center of the box.
Jahn did not waste his time attempting to stop the cross. He just stuck his leg out and redirected the ball into the back of the net to tie the match. His goal sent the Avaya Stadium into a state of pure celebration. However, the game ended a little too close for San Jose. Since they were able to create numerous goal scoring opportunities in the match and they were only able to convert on one of their shot.
San Jose Shooting Accuracy Was Off
The multiple wasted chances from the Earthquakes set up Jahn to be the hero. The Quakes created 15 shots in the game and six of them were placed on target. The Northern California club was facing a third string goalkeeper, Travis Worra. In his last two matches Worra allowed four goals, three of them came against FC Dallas at home on the 19th of March.
Regardless, of Worra’s struggles and potential lack of confidence, it still took the Earthquakes till the final two minutes of the match to beat him. The keeper managed to frustrate San Jose by making five saves.
The Black and Red Stun the Crowd by Taking the Lead
When DCU scored it came against the run of play. San Jose was dominating the match and the Black and Red were just patiently waiting for the opportunities to counter. In the 34th minute Chris Rolfe set D.C.’s attack in motion by sending a ball to Lamar Neagle on the left hand side of the pitch.
Neagle collected the ball near the corner flag. He quickly pulled the ball back and then launched a cross into the heart of the penalty box. A completely unmarked Patrick Nyarko ran down the middle of the box. He then hammered the ball into the back of the net with his head to give DCU a 1-0 lead on the road.
The Quakes Wake Up
The Quakes responded rapidly but Quincy Amarikwa’s scoring what appeared to be the tying goal. However, his chance proved to be offside and San Jose’s goal was scratched off in the 35th minute.
After San Jose’s goal was taken away, D.C. was not able to contain their relentless attack. The Black and Red were attempting to slow down San Jose at any cost and preserve their narrow 1-0 lead. DCU began to play more physical with the home club, they ended the match with 17 fouls. However, Jahn’s late goal prevented DCU from picking up their first victory of the 2016 MLS campaign as the match ended 1-1.
Where They Stand and Who They Face Next
Due to this result the Quakes are in seventh place with seven points. The Black and Red are in ninth place with three points and negative six goal differential. Both clubs will be in action on Saturday. DCU will be hosting the Vancouver Whitecaps at RFK Stadium. San Jose will be heading to the Lone Star State to face FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium.