Photo by Lyndsay Radnedge.
Even with a buzz and energy that hadn’t been seen much at Avaya Stadium this season, the Steve Ralson era kicked off for the San Jose Earthquakes with more of the same, as the Quakes found another creative way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, this time with VAR being the center of attention as Atlanta rallied late for a 4-3 victory on Wednesday Night in San Jose.
Under the direction of Ralston, who took over following the sacking of Mikael Stahre on Monday, the Earthquakes showed no fear of Atlanta, attacking early and capitalizing in the 13th minute when Shea Salinas hit the perfect cross into the box for Nick Lima to head home.
The lead improbably doubled in the 43rd minute when Danny Hoesen bagged his 12th of the season.
The “most dangerous lead in soccer” was short lived though, as Hector Villalba netted one in first half stoppage time to make it 2-1 headed into halftime.
Photo by Lyndsay Radnedge
All season long questions had swirled around the Quakes mental toughness and drive facing adversity, the question on this evening was how would that change under Ralston. The Quakes responded in the 58th minute when Vako carved up the Atlanta backline and slotted one home for a 3-1 lead.
But it was in the 67th minute that everything instantly changed. The Quakes had improbably made it 4-1 and Chris Wondolowski had just netted what looked like his 143rd MLS goal sending Avaya Stadium into a frenzy. But after referee Fotis Bazakos conferred with VAR, the goal was waved off, leaving everybody confused about a possible offsides call. The confusion turned into outright bewilderment throughout the stadium when Atlanta United’s Josef Martinez was lining up for a penalty kick. Turns out, there had been a handball at the other end and the first stoppage in play for a review came when Wondolowski had put the ball in the back of the net.
With the Quakes still befuddled, Atlanta took full advantage of the opportunity and tied the game with Villalba’s second of the night.
More VAR controversy arose in the 90th minute when the Quakes were pushing for a winner, but Vako’s cross may have hit an Atlanta player’s elbow in the box, but no foul was called and VAR was not initiated.
Seeming destined for a tie, Atlanta showed why they’re the favorites to lift MLS Cup in December with Josef Martinez stunning the Quakes with his 30th goal of the season in the game’s final minute to give his team a most improbable victory.
Photo by Lyndsay Radnedge.
It was a valiant effort for the Earthquakes, who definitely deserved at least a point from the match, but afterwards, the focus was clearly on the controversial stretch where the game flipped.
“It’s a tough one because you’re up 4-1 for a moment and then it’s 3-2 and it’s a totally different game,” said Ralston.
“It’s a turning point, so it was a tough moment, it’s tough when the referee takes it into his hands,” said Wondolowski. “I understand the rules, but to go back to a 50/50 play and change the whole evening on a call that can go either way.”
While the Quakes were frustrated with the process, Atlanta felt that the ends justified the means in getting the call right.
“We thought it was a handball in real time, we could see from the bench that it was a clear handball when [Villalba] crossed the ball, and if the referee calls it the first time, they don’t have the opportunity to go down and score.”
Added Hector Villalba, “We were protesting because we thought it was a handball and I think we lost our concentration and they went down and scored, but luckily there was justice on the play and it turned into a goal.”
Both sides are back in action on the weekend when the Quakes make their first visit to Los Angeles in club history when they meet with LAFC on Saturday Afternoon, while Atlanta United returns home to meet Real Salt Lake.
San Jose Earthquakes
Atlanta United FC
