The San Jose Earthquakes drop two points and settle for one after bailing out FC Dallas in the 62nd minute. Quakes center back Víctor Bernández scored an own-goal to end the match in a 2-2 draw at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas on Saturday night.
The Own-Goal
Hoops midfielder Fabian Castillo crossed the ball from the left hand side of the penalty box. The play seemed over as the Honduras international Bernández had time to head the ball out of the center of the box. However, the veteran defender failed to redirect the ball when he made contact with the cross. In result, the ball flew past San Jose’s goalkeeper David Bingham to tie the match 2-2.
Fast Start For The Quakes
However, the game started well for the Earthquakes as Panamanian international Alberto Quíntero blasted San Jose into the lead at the third minute. The midfielder was a completing a run into the heart of the box when teammate Quincy Amarikwa sent in a low cross from the left hand side. The Panamanian wasted no time and released a rocket into the left hand corner of the net giving the visitors the 1-0 lead.
Amarikwa Puts In A Solid Shift
The Earthquakes were off to a dream start and their difference maker for the first time was not Chris Wondolowski but instead, it was the speedy Amarikwa. He did not score in this match but he was able to break down the Toros back line multiple times with his pace and footwork. He was able to create a shot that forced Dallas’ goalkeeper Chris Seitz to stop. Plus his runs caused the Hoops defense to foul him four times in the match.
However, the eight year Major League Soccer veteran impacted the game by assisting on both of the Quakes goals. The 28-year-old striker showed a different part of his game by delivering two well timed passes into the box. However, his tireless effort was not able to prevent or make up for the Earthquakes defensive errors in the match.
Bone Headed Decisions From The Quakes Defense
As the halftime break approached Quakes defender Shaun Francis made a foolish decision to pull down Dallas’ defender Ryan Hollingshead in the box at the 34th minute. It was clear that Hollingshead was searching for a foul since the ball was heading out of bounds for a goal kick. Even if the Toros defender caught up to the ball his options would have been limited and most likely only a corner comes out of the play.
However, Francis instead panicked and pulled him in down in the box. The referee Alan Kelly blew the whistle immediately and Canadian international forward Tesho Akindele stepped up to take the penalty. Akindele did not take any chances and buried the ball into the back of the net to tie the match 1-1 at the 36th minute.
San Jose Responds Back
The Northern California club managed to hold on and take the 1-1 score line into the half. However, in the second half the Quakes once again scored early. Only 10 minutes had pass since the game restarted and the Earthquakes were up 2-1.
Amarikwa started the play by making a hard run down the middle of the pitch with the ball. As he approached the top of the box three Dallas defenders closed in on him. Instead of making a rash decision Amarikwa responded by taking two more steps, and then with the slightest and coolest touch he delivered a through ball to Wondolowski.
The U.S. international was in the box and only had the keeper in front of him when he received the ball. Wondolowski instantly fired a low hard shot to the bottom right hand corner to give San Jose the 2-1 lead in the 55th minute.
The Earthquakes Hang On For A Point
However, the Northern California club enjoyed their lead for only a few minutes. Exactly seven minutes later Bernández headed in the own goal to level the game 2-2.
After the Toros were awarded their second goal their offense took off as they created nine of their 19 shots after tying the match. Bingham recorded all three of his saves in the closing moments of the game.
The main downfall for the home club was their lack of accuracy when it came to shooting. The Toros were able to produce 19 chances in the match, but only four of them were on target. A big reason for their poor shooting was the physicality of the Earthquakes.
San Jose completed 12 tackles, won 56 duels, cleared 28 Dallas’ attacks and picked up 16 fouls in the process. Their aggressive approach frustrated the Hoops as they also committed 16 fouls and were shown four yellow cards. However, in the end neither club was able to pull through and score a third goal as the game ended 2-2.
Where They Stand And Who They Play Next
With this result Dallas has dropped from first place in the Western Conference to third. The Toros now have 11 points after five matches. As for the Quakes they currently sit in fourth place with eight points.
However, the Northern California club can still drop to fifth place if the Los Angeles Galaxy win or tie the Portland Timbers on Sunday at the StubHub Center. As for Dallas, they are safe in third for now.
The Toros next match will be at Providence Park when they take on the Timbers on Wednesday. The Earthquakes will return home on Wednesday as they host the New York Red Bulls at the Avaya Stadium.