San Jose Dismantle Orlando in Second Game Without Almeyda
Hours before the match between San Jose and Orlando City SC, news broke that the MLS Discipline Committee would add an additional two games to Matías Almeyda’s suspension for his on-field misconduct. Following the heated confrontation with the referees when Matias and company lost 4-0 to LAFC, it was thought his suspension would only last one game. Although they were without their skipper, the Quakes responded in a big way after emphatically defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 at home. Could they do it again without their fiery coach on the sidelines?
As for Orlando City, they are coming off a 1-0 defeat to the defending MLS Cup winners Atlanta United. Orlando looking to squeeze into the Eastern Conference playoffs, come into Avaya Stadium with a vital 3 points up for grabs to keep their hopes alive.
Within the first three minutes of play, the Quakes bursted out the gates opening up the scoring for the Northen California team. Magnus Eriksson cut through the Orlando defense like a hot knife through butter, easily slotted it past keeper Brian Rowe nutmegging him in the process. Before you knew it, it was 1-0 in favor of the home side.
Orlando City looked to respond quickly in order to keep the rabid San Jose fans quiet. Midfielder Oriol Rosell tried his luck from deep in the 12th minute but Quakes’ keeper Daniel Vega was having none of it. Orlando would struggle to find any cracks in the formidable Earthquakes defense.
San Jose would double their advantage through Chris Wondolowski in the 20th minute. Fan-favorite Vako would set up his striker with a perfectly timed through ball that put the ball out of reach for the defenders. Wondo would do the rest, chipping the Orlando keeper as he celebrated his 12th goal of the season. San Jose was in complete control.
The Earthquakes looked to pile it on as Judson was clear on goal in the 32nd minute but Brian Rowe made a last-ditch save denying the Brazilian’s second goal of the season.
However, San Jose would find their 3rd in the 33rd minute through who else but Wondolowksi. Christian Espinoza would set up Wondo this time as he glided past Orlando defenders like he had the ball on strings. Wondo had an easy tap in, in the end, making it his second of the game and his 13th of the season. San Jose would take the lead into the half.
Following an action-packed first half, the Earthquakes held most of the possession following the first half finishing with 63 percent. Orlando looked to come out and cut into the deficit but it just wasn’t meant to be as they could not take the ball from the Quakes.
The rest of the second half became a defensive battle. Orlando could not break down the sturdy home team as the Quakes bunkered down in their own half. The Lions would finish with only four shots all game and only one on target. The game would end in a 3-0 thumping in favor of the Almeyda-less Earthquakes.
Orlando did not help their playoff chances in the end after an overall disappointing team performance. They look to bounce back at home as Carlos Vela and LAFC pay the Lions a visit in Orlando. For San Jose, they have responded after the devasting defeat to LAFC winning convincingly against Vancouver and now Orlando even without Matías Almeyda. They look to continue to move up the West as they duel it out in Utah against fellow playoff rival Real Salt Lake.
