MLS San Jose Earthquakes

Quakes Fight from Down to 9 Men to Beat Toronto FC 2-1 at Home

Published on July 17, 2016 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes News Release


SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Toronto FC 2-1 at Avaya Stadium Saturday night despite playing with nine men for most of the second half. Forward Quincy Amarikwa's first half goal and midfielder Simon Dawkins' late strike earned the Quakes their first victory since May 11 when they defeated Houston Dynamo 3-1 at home.

The Quakes nearly took an early lead in the seventh minute after Dawkins worked his way into the Toronto box and sent a shot heading towards Alex Bono's goal. The ball took a deflection off forward Chris Wondolowski and into the net, but the Quakes' captain was called offside.

After end-to-end exchanges, San Jose nearly struck again in the 26th minute. Defender Shaun Francis sent a pass to the far post and Amarikwa attempted a diving header that was saved by Bono. The ensuing attempt on the rebound by the Quakes was headed clear over the crossbar by a Toronto FC defenseman.

Four minutes later, the Earthquakes' persistence in Toronto's half gave the home side a 1-0 advantage. Midfielder Fatai Alashe sent a low cross finding Amarikwa at the top of the six-yard box who one-touched the ball past Bono.

Two former Earthquakes players helped Toronto FC equalize just before the half. After San Jose was reduced to 10 men following an Anibal Godoy red card, defender Steven Beitashour sent a cross that found fellow defender Justin Morrow who tapped the ball past goalkeeper David Bingham (watch).

Despite going down to nine men early in the second half after Alberto Quintero was shown the red card in the 53rd minute, the Earthquakes took the lead in the 70th minute. After Cato's feed, Dawkins weaved his way through Toronto FC's defenders and fired a beautifully placed long-distance shot in the top right corner to put the Quakes ahead 2-1.

With Toronto FC pressing on their end late in the second half, Bingham made several clutch saves to help clinch the Earthquakes a hard-fought win at home.

The Quakes return to action against Real Salt Lake on Friday, July 22 at Rio Tinto Stadium. The match kicks off at 8 p.m. PT live on UniMás, 1590 KLIV and 1370 KZSF.

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Major League Soccer Stories from July 17, 2016


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