MLS San Jose Earthquakes

Home Magic Continues for Earthquakes as Lenhart Scores

Published on July 29, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes News Release


SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Steven Lenhart volleyed home an equalizer with his squad playing a man down to earn the San Jose Earthquakes a 1-1 draw against the Chicago Fire in front of a sellout crowd of 10,525 at Buck Shaw Stadium on Saturday. The goal came, fittingly, on a night that honored San Jose's striker with Lenhart Wig Night, presented by Cosmo Catering.

The home point extended the Earthquakes' (13-5-5, 44 pts.) hold in the Western Conference and Supporters' Shield standings to two points over Real Salt Lake (13-7-3, 42 pts.). Additionally, the result upped San Jose's unbeaten streak at Buck Shaw Stadium to 12 dating back to a 2-0 win against the Fire on Sept. 10, 2011.

Lenhart came on in the 59th minute for Rafael Baca to see his first action since July 3 at Portland after missing San Jose's previous four matches due to concussion symptoms. The striker left his mark eight minutes into stoppage time, volleying a pass from Chris Wondolowski's chest past Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson to tie the game. The goal was his seventh of the season, a new career high.

San Jose was playing a man down when Lenhart scored after Alan Gordon was sent off with his second yellow after catching Fire defender Dan Gargan on a tackle.

The Earthquakes could have netted more if not for Johnson. The Fire goalkeeper notched 10 saves on the night, including five on San Jose midfielder Simon Dawkins. The Earthquakes peppered Chicago's goal, ending the match with 24 shots, 11 on target.

Lenhart's goal was the seventh San Jose has scored in the 90th minute or later this season, tops in MLS. It also marked the fourth time San Jose has scored an equalizer in the 82nd minute or later.

The Earthquakes return to action on Tuesday for an international friendly against Swansea City at Buck Shaw Stadium. Kickoff for the match is 7:30 p.m. PT and tickets are still available at www.sjearthquakes.com.

The club's next MLS match is Saturday, Aug. 11 against Seattle Sounders FC at Buck Shaw Stadium. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. PT on Comcast SportsNet California, 1590 KLIV and 1370 KZSF.

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Major League Soccer Stories from July 29, 2012


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