Down 1-0, it looked like the San Jose Earthquakes were primed for another one of their miraculous comebacks. Then they scored and it was a given -- the Quakes would come back to grab all three points. But apparently the Vancouver Whitecaps weren't interested in the narrative, scoring just after the hour mark from the penalty spot to grab a 2-1 win over the best team in MLS.
Vancouver Whitecaps Vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 2012 MLS: Caps Win It From The Spot
Dane Richards, who was traded to Vancouver just nine days earlier, opened the scoring thanks to a great pass by Lee Young-Pyo. The Korean slipped a great pass in to the speedy Richards, who blasted the ball past Jon Busch to give the home side a lead in the 20th minute.
The Whitecaps' lead wouldn't hold until halftime, though, because Alan Gordon got involved. The striker was able to get on the other end of a Marvin Chavez cross and nod it home to level the match.
Common sense dictated that the Quakes would finish their comeback, but Camilo Sanvezzo made sure that wouldn't happen. A deflected Barry Robson shot fell to him and he was in behind the Quakes defense. Sam Cronin had little chance at winning the ball from behind, but he went to ground anyways and while he did try to pull out of the tackle, he clipped Camilo. The referee pointed to the spot and Robson knocked home the spot kick to deliver Vancouver a great 2-1 win.
See More:
