Hertzog nets first MLS goal in action-packed match vs. Quakes
April 7, 2013 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release
SANTA CLARA, CA - In their first of five matches in the month of April, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2W-2L-1D) came from behind to earn a draw against San Jose Earthquakes (2W-2L-2D) on an action-packed Saturday evening at Buck Shaw Stadium.
Whitecaps FC head coach Martin Rennie made three changes from last week's starting lineup with Erik Hurtado replacing Camilo, Russell Teibert replacing Gershon Koffie, and Corey Hertzog replacing Darren Mattocks . Tom Heinemann made his first appearance as a member of the Blue and White, coming on as a late substitution in the second half.
From kickoff, it was evident the match would be fast-paced with many chances for both sides, and it took only a few minutes for the action to begin.
On five minutes, Chris Wondolowski had a great chance for put the Quakes in front, but "ÂCaps goalkeeper Joe Cannon was able to smother the ball before any damage could be done.
Just minutes later, in the 16th minute, Wondolowski had his second chance to give the Quakes the lead, but Cannon was able to make a big save on the low shot by the California native.
San Jose was able to capitalize on their pressure on 18 minutes when former 'Caps midfielder Shea Salinas made a low pass to Alan Gordon, who in turn made a quick flick over to Wondolowski. The 2012 MLS goalscoring leader promptly finished his third chance of the match to make the score 1-0 for the home side.
On 24 minutes, Daigo Kobayashi sent in Hertzog, who was making his first MLS regular season start, and second appearance as a member of Whitecaps FC. The Pennsylvania native was unable to equalize and the score remained 1-0 in favour of the home side after 45 minutes.
The second half provided more chances for both sides, as San Jose looked to increase their lead and Whitecaps FC looked to equalize.
On 49 minutes, Hurtado beat his defender and broke into the box, but his shot went wide and high over the near post. Just two minutes later, in the 51st minute, Wondolowski almost increased the Quakes' lead, but Cannon jumped out to snag the ball.
A fortunate bounce on 62 minutes led to Whitecaps FC equalizing. With a Kobayashi shot deflecting to him, Hertzog pounced and buried the ball into the back of the net while San Jose defender Victor Bernárdez and striker Alan Gordon were off field changing their boots. The result was a 1-1 match.
The remainder of the half featured an increase in physicality, with "ÂCaps defender Alain Rochat and midfielder Russell Teibert, as well as Earthquakes strikers Michael Fucito and Steven Lenhart all receiving yellow cards.
The final 10 minutes proved to be frantic for the "ÂCaps, who were pressed with many chances by the Earthquakes, but Cannon came up with a huge save and Young-Pyo Lee blocked a close shot from Wondolowski to help the 'Caps earn an important point on the road in a 1-1 draw.
After the match, Rennie broke down his team's performance.
"I thought it was a very exciting and entertaining game," said Rennie. "I felt that we started the game a little bit slow and put ourselves in a bit of a difficult position losing an early goal, but I thought after that we responded quite well and got our composure. We had good spells in the game. We're pleased we have something strong and solid to build on."
The 'Caps will now return home to host Real Salt Lake at BC Place next Saturday, April 13. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. PT. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.ca/whitecapsfc.ca.
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Major League Soccer Stories from April 7, 2013
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- Chicago Fire Defeat New York Red Bulls 3-1 for First Victory of 2013 - Chicago Fire FC
- Timbers Reserves Defeat VSI Tampa Bay FC 2-1 - Portland Timbers
- Juninho Given Clean Bill of Health for Wednesday's Clash in Monterrey - LA Galaxy
- Oduro Repays Warzycha's Faith with Equalizer vs. Union - Columbus Crew SC
- Timbers Shut out Dynamo in 2-0 Win at Jeld-Wen Field - Portland Timbers
- Portland Timbers win over Houston - Houston Dynamo FC
- Hertzog nets first MLS goal in action-packed match vs. Quakes - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- Wondolowski Scores as San Jose Earthquakes Draw 1-1 against Vancouver Whitecaps FC - San Jose Earthquakes
- Real Salt Lake Reserves Tie Colorado Reserves 0-0 - Real Salt Lake
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