MLS San Jose Earthquakes

Earthquakes Rally for Another Stoppage-Time Winner, Defeating Rapids 2-1

Published on June 21, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes News Release


COMMERCE CITY, Colo. - The San Jose Earthquakes scored twice in the final seven minutes to rally for a 2-1 win against the Colorado Rapids Wednesday night at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

The win brings San Jose (9-3-3, 30 pts.) to within two points of the Supporters' Shield leaders, Real Salt Lake (10-4-2, 32 pts.). The top spot will be on the line on Saturday when the Earthquakes close their Rocky Mountain swing at Rio Tinto Stadium at 6 p.m. PT on Comcast SportsNet California, 1590 KLIV and 1370 KZSF.

After falling behind on an 18th-minute header from Brian Mullan, the Earthquakes responded with a quality first-half chance from Steven Lenhart. The target man got on the other end of a Justin Morrow cross in the 36th minute, only to be denied by a fingertip save by Rapids goalkeeper Matt Pickens.

Following the intermission, Alan Gordon once again came off the bench to bring San Jose back. First, he was in the mix with Rapids defender Hunter Freeman to put the Earthquakes on the board in the 83rd minute. Although, the equalizer was credited as an own goal, Gordon was the man pressing the action for San Jose.

In the 90th minute, Simon Dawkins sprung Gordon in the box with a through ball. Gordon tried to go by Pickens but was tripped, earning a stoppage-time spot kick. Chris Wondolowski struck the ensuing shot high and into the net, snaring three road points.

Late-game goals have come in bunches for the Earthquakes this season. The club has now scored 12 of their 29 goals in the 75th minute or later and has found stoppage-time winners in four of their nine wins. Additionally, San Jose is 4-2-3 on the year when conceding the first goal.

The win was San Jose's first since April 19, 2008. It was also just the second loss at home by the Rapids in 2012.

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Major League Soccer Stories from June 21, 2012


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