By: Darbi Lockridge // @sonchyenne
Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs San Jose Earthquakes
FT: 3-4
As the MLS is Back bubble seems to be stabilizing, the teams are leaning into the difficult pace of the tournament and delivering some really exciting matches. Tonight’s match-up between Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the San Jose Earthquakes lived up to the hype.
Vancouver needed a good showing, as the last team in the tournament to play their initial match. The Whitecaps had minimal early possession but capitalized on the small amount they received gaining a two-goal lead within the first half-hour; Adnan first scored at the 7′, while the second goal in the 22′ was a gift from San Jose midfielder Judson’s defending error. San Jose was able to begin their comeback with a goal from Rios just before the half, at 45′ 2′. The teams headed to the locker room with a 2-1 scoreline.
Both teams came back after the break playing all-out and the results kept the referee busy. Four more goals and as many yellow cards tell the story of a frantic final half. Whitecaps FC were able to get a goal in the 59th minute from Dájome, but then it became the Quakes’ game. Able to control their majority possession and firing a barrage of shots, San Jose’s Wondolowski and Alanis scored goals in the 72′ and 81′ respectively. Just as it seemed another tie was imminent, San Jose found the win in the 98th minute thanks to a final goal by Salinas.
The winning play itself wasn’t overly technical or thrilling, but the match had all the makings of a quirky and entertaining MLS soccer evening. Fans were treated to a big lead, a big comeback, an own goal, some silly fouls, some truly dirty ones, and a late match-winning goal.
The action in this tournament was slow to start, but is gaining momentum, and carries on first thing tomorrow morning. Atlanta meets Cincinnati bright and early on July 16th!
Featured image: MLS (Matthew Stith and Jared Martinez)
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