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San Jose Earthquakes

Bernardez's Stoppage-Time Winner Gives San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 Lead

November 5, 2012 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes News Release


CARSON, Calif. - Victor Bernardez blasted a free kick from 40 yards out in second-half stoppage time to send the San Jose Earthquakes past the LA Galaxy 1-0 in the first leg of their Western Conference Semifinal series on Sunday at The Home Depot Center.

Bernardez struck his shot low through the LA Galaxy wall and past goalkeeper Josh Saunders for the decisive goal. The Earthquakes set an MLS record for second-half stoppage-time goals in the regular season with eight and stayed true to form in the postseason with their sixth added-time winner of the year on Sunday.

The goal wasn't Bernardez's only contribution on the night. The Honduran international keyed a defensive effort that kept the league's second-most potent offense off the scoreboard for San Jose's eighth clean sheet of the year. Goalkeeper Jon Busch made two saves, including a diving parry in the 66th minute to deny a dipping shot from Galaxy right back Sean Franklin.

With the win, the Earthquakes improved to 12-10-1 all time in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Heading into the second leg, San Jose is 6-2-1 during postseason play at home. The Earthquakes and LA have met in five times during the MLS Cup playoffs - in 1996, 2001, 2003, 2005 and now again in 2012.

The Earthquakes will host the LA Galaxy on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at Buck Shaw Stadium (8 p.m. PT / ESPN2) in the second leg. San Jose advances to the Western Conference Final with a win or a tie. If the match ends even in aggregate, the two sides will play 30 minutes of overtime before heading to a shootout should the score still be tied.

The home leg is sold out, but fans can still secure a spot in the stadium by placing a $50 deposit on 2013 season tickets. For more information, visit www.sjearthquakes.com or call 408-556-7700.

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