San Jose move into Second Place in the Western Conference
Coming into this West-versus-East matchup, the San Jose Earthquakes were on the cusp of moving into the second seat in the Western Conference as LA Galaxy lost earlier in the day to Atlanta United. Matías Almeyda’s side was firing on all cylinders, stringing together an impressive four wins on the bounce propelling them to the top of the standings. As for Columbus Crew SC, three vital points were up for grabs to keep their playoff hopes alive, as confidence was high for Caleb Porter’s side after a thrilling 3-2 away win over the New York Red Bulls.
The match began at a rapid pace, with San Jose coming closest to scoring with in-form Vako surprisingly gracing the side netting with a strike at the top of the box in the 8th minute. Not too long after, a dangerous looking cross from Magnus Eriksson almost found Danny Hoesen, who was starting in place of MLS All-Star Chris Wondolowski, at the back post but the striker could not get on the end of it. The Crew would have a chance of their own after Gyasi Zardes’ low half volley off a cross from Luis Díaz nearly made its way in, but center back Guram Kashia would have the final say with a crucial touch forcing a corner.
The Quakes were pushing for the breakthrough and finally got their break in the 40th minute. Columbus conceded a penalty after the ball hit full-back Harrison Afful in his outstretched arm off a Vako shot attempt. Up stepped the Swede, Magnus Eriksson, for the Quakes, calmly slotting it past keeper Eloy Room sending him the wrong way. San Jose would take the lead into halftime.
The second half started off on the right note for Almeyda’s team, nearly doubling their advantage in the 59th. Danny Hoesen’s point-blank header in the box, assisted by a floated cross from Tommy Thompson, was miraculously saved off the line by Eloy Room.
Columbus Crew did not look a serious threat to score in the match to this point, but would soon equalize in the 65th. Gyasi Zardes would find loads of space in the Quakes’ box, powering in a header off a pinpoint cross from Luis Díaz from out wide. The Quakes defense was suspect and lazy, to say the least, allowing runners in the box and not marking their man.
Almeyda seemed to go all-out offensive, looking to extend his winning streak to five by subbing in Shea Salinas for defender Tommy Thompson and also bringing on Chris Wondolowski late in the game for Cristian Espinoza, leaving two strikers up top with Hoesen still in the game. The rest of the Quakes ramped up the pressure as a result. Wondo looked to be the hero for San Jose with a last-ditch header at the back the post off a cross from Hoesen. Fortunately for Columbus, keeper Eloy Room came to play, tipping the ball over rescuing the Crew.
The game would end in a hard, fought draw for both sides. This marks the fifth match for the Quakes going undefeated and resulted in Matías Almeyda’s side moving into second place in the Western Conference. San Jose, now heading into a three-match road trip, will look to solidify their top tier status in the West starting off with the Colorado Rapids at Denver. For the Columbus Crew, a point does little for their playoff aspirations but a quick homestand starting off against last-place Cincinnati FC might just be what the doctor ordered.
