Montreal Impact Vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 2012 MLS: League’s Best Go Down

The San Jose Earthquakes have made a habit of coming from behind, but this time they were the victim of a comeback. After falling behind 1-0, the 10-man Montreal Impact scored twice to take the lead on the 10-man Quakes, then added one more after the visitors had a second man sent off to win 3-1.

A 21st minute scuffle between Hassoun Camara and Steven Lenhart got both sent off, although Lenhart didn't do much wrong. He and Camara got tangled up, but it was Camara who then took Lenhart down and went back after him, repeatedly bumping into the Quakes striker. Lenhart didn't do much to deserve a red card, but he has a lot of negative karma that may have come good today.

Two minutes later, Chris Wondolowski added to his league-leading goals total from the penalty spot and MLS's best team was off and running. Or so we thought.

Just two minutes after falling behind, the Impact got even through Marco Di Vaio. Felipe Mertins got down the right wing and crossed for Di Vaio, who was right in front of goal to knock in the equalizer.

It took until just after the hour mark for Montreal to go in front, but the wait was worth it. After some fancy footwork by Patrice Bernier to keep the ball at the top of the box, he laid it off for Lamar Neagle, who hit an absolute rocket. His shot left Jon Busch no chance and Stade Saputo erupted as the home side went in front.

In the 71st minute, San Jose's hopes of another comeback were extinguished. Jason Hernandez got caught behind Di Vaio and had to pull him down. That earned him a red card and the Impact got a penalty, which Bernier converted to put the match to bed.