MLS San Jose Earthquakes

Earthquakes Draw Toluca FC 1-1 After 95th Minute Equalizer from Alan Gordon

Published on March 12, 2014 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes News Release


SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes drew 1-1 with Deportivo Toluca FC in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinal on Tuesday at Buck Shaw Stadium thanks to a 95th-minute header from Alan Gordon.

The Earthquakes had most of the chances on the night, outshooting their guests 20-10 with a 12-3 advantage in shots-on-goal. However, it was Toluca FC who found the scoreboard first thanks to mis-clear in the back by San Jose in the 67th minute. Toluca FC appeared as if they would take a 1-0 lead into the second leg, but Gordon broke free on a set piece from Shea Salinas, snapping his header into the ground and past Diablos Rojos goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera.

San Jose nearly opened the scoring midway through the first half when Steven Lenhart sent a powerful header on target after a Salinas corner. His shot was destined for the net, but a Toluca FC defender cleared it off the line.

Chris Wondolowski had a golden chance in the 55th minute when Cordell Cato targeted him on a counter attack. Cato stole the ball near midfield, dribbled into the attacking third and looped a cross that Wondolowski volleyed on the run, but Toluca FC goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera came off his line to make a diving save.

Talavera robbed Wondolowski again six minutes later. Brandon Barklage sent a long throw into the box, Lenhart flicked to the back post and Wondolowski one-timed a shot that Talavera pounced on.

Toluca FC broke the deadlock in the 68th minute after a turnover sprung Raul Nava free on goal. Nava didn't hesitate, firing off the bounce to beat Earthquakes goalkeeper Jon Busch with a brilliant finish to the far upper corner.

Lenhart almost tied the game late, pounding a Salinas pass into the crossbar in the closing minutes. The Quakes fired twice more from point-blank range only to have the first shot deflect off a Toluca defender and the next batted away from the ground by Talavera.

Gordon provided the dramatic finish five minutes into second-half stoppage time, nodding home his first career CONCACAF Champions League goal. His tally extended the club's home-unbeaten streak to 20 games in all competitions.

The Earthquakes will complete their series against Toluca FC on Wednesday, March 19 at Nemesio Diez Stadium. Kickoff is 5 p.m. PT on FOX Sports 2 and Univision Deportes Network. In order to advance, San Jose will need to win or draw by a score of at least 2-2. They can also tie Toluca FC 1-1 to force overtime and penalty kicks, if necessary.

The Earthquakes open their MLS regular season on Saturday, March 15 against Real Salt Lake at Buck Shaw Stadium. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. PT on Comcast SportsNet California, 1590 KLIV and 1370 KZSF. The match is presented by Visa with 10,000 fans receiving a special "For Club and Country" poster.

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Major League Soccer Stories from March 12, 2014


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