It was one of the more entertaining games San Jose Earthquakes fans have seen their team play this year. But despite the Avaya Stadium faithful getting their money’s worth in this match, the result was much the same as the LAFC completed an almost improbable stoppage time comeback for a 4-3 victory in the first ever match in the still to be named derby between the two California sides.
Feeling the pressure of a restless fan base that has seen the Quakes lose four straight regular season games and bow out early in the US Open Cup with a midweek loss in Portland, the team responded by coming out of the gates firing and were rewarded in the 11th minute when Danny Hoesen hit Vako with a perfect ball into the box, which the Georgian international poked past Tyler Miller for his third goal of the season.
But before you could put together the famous South Park “aaaaand it’s gone” meme, the lead was gone just four minutes later, when Kevin Partida, making his Earthquakes debut, headed a clearance right to Adama Diamonde, who beat Andrew Tarbell for the equalizer.
Four minutes later, the Quakes found themselves trailing as another miscue in the back, this time a flukey bounce off Jimmy Ockford found the foot of Steven Beitashour and the former Quake and San Jose native put it top shelf for the 2-1 lead.
“I think we came out well. We followed the plan. We scored an early goal and instead of keeping the momentum and continue the pressing, we slowed down the game and we let LAFC control the game and the possession and they equalized 1-1 and they took over the game.” said Quakes Coach Mikael Stahre. “We were better in the end of the first half. We made some small adjustments for the second half and I must say that I’m really pleased with the execution of the game plan in the second half.”
After being denied by Tyler Miller falling down and still denying him in the 51st minute, Chris Wondolowski got his revenge just a minute later, looping a shot from the left corner of the box past Miller to equalize. The legendary poacher got another classic Wondo goal just a few minutes later after he caught Tyler Miller playing carelessly with the ball at his feet outside the box, stripping the LAFC goalkeeper and firing one into the empty net to complete his brace, give the Quakes a 3-2 lead, AND heat up the Wondo Watch, pulling to within seven goals of Landon Donovan and the all time MLS goal scoring record.
Unfortunately for San Jose, Wondolowski was forced to leave the match in the 72nd minute due to a stomach bug that was threatening to end up on Walker Zimmerman’s shoes.
“His performance tonight was absolutely fantastic. It was his call. If Chris Wondolowski wants to change when there is 10 minutes left, there is something wrong, right? He’s a fighter. Tonight he played like you guys are used to seeing him play, especially here at Avaya.” said Stahre.
“It was tough. When you are forward and you already have two goals, you feel confident that maybe you will get the third one. It was unfortunate, but I thought those goals were enough today.” said Quakes Forward Danny Hoesen after the match.
With a 3-2 lead, one might have expected the Quakes to let up, but complacency was not the issue on this day, in fact they were oh so close to making it 4-2, but Tommy Thompson was unable to convert an open look.
Seconds before the clock rolled over to 90:00, and three minutes of stoppage time upcoming, Adama Diamonde completed his brace after bossing Jimmy Ockford for a rebound in the box to poke home the equalizer.
After a Nick Lima collision with Latif Blessing near the end of the three minutes added some stoppage time onto stoppage time, disaster struck for San Jose. First Kevin Partida punctuated a disasterous MLS debut with his second yellow card of the night to find himself serenaded by a raucous away supporters section as he headed to the showers early. Then it was Joao Moutinho who got enough of his foot to the ball to the ball to dribble a slow roller that trickled into the net, stealing an improbable three points for the vistors and extending the misery for the Quakes, who now find themselves 13 points behind the red line.
“For me, this was absolutely the hardest defeat so far in my MLS career. With just one minute left in the 90 minutes, we’re up 3-2 and two minutes later we’re losing the game. For me that is absolutely crazy, but I’m proud of the players’ commitment and energy. We followed the game plan, especially in the second half.”
“I’m really glad we have a game on Wednesday so we don’t have to dwell on it and hopefully we right the ship because we’re in some turbulent water.” said Quakes Forward Chris Wondolowski.
That Wednesday match has the Earthquakes back at Avaya Stadium to take on the New England Revolution while LAFC heads into their World Cup break before they get back in action against the Columbus Crew on June 23rd.
San Jose Earthquakes
LAFC
