San Jose Stumble at Home and Fall Out of the Playoff Picture
Marco Fabian and the Philadelphia Union march into the Avaya Stadium and defeat the Almeyda-less Earthquakes 2-1. The referee made two huge decisions in the game overturning a goal and a late second-half penalty kick for San Jose leaving the home side frustrated. San Jose now falls to 8th in the Western Conference putting a massive dent in the Quakes’ playoff hopes. Philadelphia, on the other hand, solidifies their playoff positioning with the win moving past Atlanta into 2nd place in the Eastern Conference.
Photo by Jesus Tellitud
Two second-half goals in the span of six minutes ultimately proved too much to overcome for San Jose. Alejandro Bedoya would equalize for the Union in the 70th minute as he pounced on Jackson Yueill slipping in the box and slotted it past Daniel Vega. A mere six minutes later, Union would take the lead through a Kacper Przybylko towering header over defender Guram Kashia, his 15th goal of the season. Philadelphia would not look back as they stun the home supporters into silence.
San Jose seemed to get right back into the game as they got a penalty call in their favor 81st minute. Union defender Aurélien Collin looked to have taken down Andres Rios in the box as they battled for the ball. The referee would take a second look at the call through video review and deemed no penalty. The controversy for San Jose did not stop there as the referee had previously called back what would have been a Magnus Eriksson goal in the 46th minute. Danny Hoesen was called offside in the build-up negating the goal and a 2-0 lead for the Quakes.
Jackson Yueill would have the only goal for San Jose in the game. Yueill would score in the 35th minute as he smashed in a low cross from Danny Hoesen. The Earthquakes looked to be in command but would ultimately fall short as Philadelphia rallied in the second half.
San Jose can still make the playoffs but must win their final two games as they take on Seattle at home and Portland away. For Philadelphia, the Eastern Conference crown is in reach but must beat leaders NYC FC and have New York lose their final game.
