MLS San Jose Earthquakes

Earthquakes Comeback Falls Short in 4-2 Loss to Union

Published on August 25, 2014 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes News Release


CHESTER, Penn. - The San Jose Earthquakes fought back from an early 2-0 deficit to tie the game, but the Quakes gave up two late goals to fall 4-2 to the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park on Sunday night. Sam Cronin and Chris Wondolowski scored second half goals for the Quakes in the defeat. With the goal, Wondolowski became just the third player in MLS history to score at least 10 goals in five consecutive seasons.

JJ Koval had the first chance of the night for the visitors after a quick break by the Quakes. Cordell Cato found the ball and some space at the top of the Union box before sliding a pass to his right. Koval hit a right-footed shot that skidded wide of the far post.

The Union, however, struck first with a goal from Andrew Wenger on a well-executed counter attack. Sebastien Le Toux got free on the left wing and slid a low pass to Wenger, who made a diagonal run into the box. After a touch to free himself up, Wenger blasted a shot to the far post upper corner for a 1-0 advantage.

Wondolowski tested Union goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi following a corner kick in the 13th minute. Shea Salinas whipped a ball into the box that was knocked to Wondolowski. He hit a left-footed shot that forced Mbolhi to dive to his right to make the stop.

The Union quickly stretched the lead to two goals off the foot of Le Toux after a short clearance in front of the Quakes goal. A cross into the box was redirected away from goal and Le Toux volleyed home the Union's second goal of the night.

Busch kept the Union's lead at two with an incredible stop on Conor Casey front point blank in the early stages of the second half. Casey got free for a header and appeared to have found the Union's third, but Busch dove to his left and made the save.

Sam Cronin brought the Quakes to within a goal with a great hit from outside the box just under 15 minutes into the second half. Jordan Stewart sent a free kick into the box and the knockdown fell to Cronin. He then volleyed a shot into the upper corner past a diving Mbolhi.

Wondolowski knotted the game at two goals apiece with a volley at the back post in the 70th minute. Salinas beat a man on the left wing and curled a pass to the back post for Wondolowski, who calmly put the ball past Mbolhi to the near post for his 10th goal of the season.

Sheanon Williams immediately hit back for the Union with a header at the near post. Le Toux whipped in a free kick to the near post and Williams flicked it past Busch for a 3-2 advantage just two minutes after Wondolowski's goal.

Wenger scored the fourth for Philadelphia with a strong individual effort. He won the ball at midfield and then broke behind the Quakes defense before finishing at the near post in the 79th minute.

The Earthquakes return home to Buck Shaw Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 30 when they take on Real Salt Lake, presented by the City of San Jose. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. PT and will air live on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, 1590 KLIV and 1370 KZSF and 2,500 fans will receive a reusable water bottle, courtesy of the City of San Jose.

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Major League Soccer Stories from August 25, 2014


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