Lenhart's Late Goal Sends Earthquakes Through to U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals

June 6, 2012 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes News Release

Stanford, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes continued their run in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a 1-0 win against Minnesota Stars FC Tuesday night at Stanford's Cagan Stadium.

With the win, the Earthquakes advanced to host a U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal on June 26 at Kezar Stadium against Seattle Sounders FC, 5-0 winners against Cal FC on Tuesday.

This week it was Steven Lenhart providing the dramatic moment, heading home a cross from Steven Beitashour in the 85th minute. Chavez started the play on the sideline, playing a pass to Beitashour who snuck his cross into the mix where Lenhart leapt highest to send San Jose through.

San Jose saw most of the quality chances over 90 minutes. The best came in the 27th minute when Alan Gordon played Lenhart into the box. Lenhart beat everyone to the ball and fired toward goal, but the shot deflected off of Stars FC goalkeeper Matt VanOekel and into the crossbar.

Opening the second half, Ike Opara had a look on a corner kick in the 48th minute. Chavez sent the ball in front of the frame and the lanky defender rose to nod a shot on target, but VanOekel parried to keep the sides level.

San Jose kept the pressure on and again found a chance in front of goal in the 61st minute. Ramiro Corrales hustled down the sideline to win a ball before sending a pass into the area. Gordon put his head on the cross, but the shot was just high of the far corner.

The win marks the eighth time in club history the Earthquakes have reached the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal round. The victory also snapped Minnesota's 17-game unbeaten streak.

The last time San Jose advanced to the final eight was Aug. 24, 2005 when the club fell 2-1 against the LA Galaxy at Spartan Stadium.

Major League Soccer Stories from June 6, 2012

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• 2012 MLS Futbolito Registration Now Open - D.C. United
• MLS Futbolito Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary - MLS
• MLS Futbolito Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary in Chicago - Chicago Fire FC
• Lenhart's Late Goal Sends Earthquakes Through to U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals - San Jose Earthquakes

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