The San Jose Earthquakes scored in stoppage time yet again to get a result, this time drawing the Montreal Impact 2-2 thanks to a Sam Cronin goal in the 91st minute. It was the Goonies magic yet again, although it was only good enough for one point at home.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Montreal Impact: FInal score 2-2, Quakes strike late to salvage draw
The Goonies struck again to earn San Jose a draw, but the Quakes have problems.
And therein lines the difference between last year’s Quakes and this year’s team. A year ago, their dramatic comebacks were earning them wins, but not they need to score late just to manage draws, which is why it is no surprised to see them outside of a playoff spot right now.
Justin Mapp put San Jose in front ater 24 minutes with a shot from 30 yards. The Quakes gave him all sort of room to shoot, so he did, and his swerving shot fooled Jon Busch before finding the net.
On the other side of halftime, the Quakes stumbled again at the back as Victor Bernardez fell after intercepting a pass five yards in front of goal. That allowed Andrew Wenger to hop on the loose ball and cross for Mapp to tap in.
As always, San Jose came back. First Adam Jahn scored in the 59th minute then Cronin ripped a shot after Chris Wondolowski laid it off for him for the stoppage time equalizer and Buck Shaw Stadium erupted.
San Jose escaped with a point and against a very good Montreal team, but they hardly impressed. Bernardez struggled and while Marvin Chavez has given the midfield a much-needed boost, it is still getting outplayed as Rafael Baca continues to struggle. Even Chris Wondolowsi hasn't been the clinical finisher he has been in recent years.
To be fair to San Jose, they haven't been at full strength all season. Early on it was injuries that sidelined players and today both Steven Lenhart and Alan Gordon were suspended so the Quakes haven't put their best team out on the pitch yet, but it is May and the team is still struggling. At some point, home draws won't be enough, no matter how dramatic they may be.
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