Top Stories

Cronin’s stoppage-time equalizer caps latest Earthquakes comeback in a draw vs. Impact

SamCronin (ISIPhotos.com)

By TYLER GRAY

Another game, another stoppage-time equalizer for San Jose.

Despite a brace from MLS veteran Justin Mapp, the Montreal Impact were unable to hold on as the San Jose Earthquakes roared back to earn another tie thanks to some late-game heroics from the reigning MLS Supporters’ Shield winners.

Earthquakes midfielder Sam Cronin delivered a stoppage-time equalizer to help San Jose pull off a two-goal rally and earn a 2-2 draw vs. the Impact at Buck Shaw Stadium on Saturday.

As the fourth official held up the sign indicating five minutes of second-half stoppage time, you could sense that this match was far from over. As it turns out the Earthquakes only needed one of those minutes to tie things up. Martinez played a long ball to Chris Wondolowski in the box who headed the ball back to Cronin at the top of the 18-yard box. Cronin sent the ball low and hard to the far post to beat Troy Perkins for the second time on the afternoon.

San Jose controlled possession throughout the match and had a whopping 14 corner kicks throughout the game to a single one for Montreal, but found themselves in a hole at the half. From the very first whistle San Jose applied heavy pressure but Montreal found the net first.

Mapp received a pass on the counter and advanced the ball towards the box. Feeling no defensive pressure Mapp let one loose from about 30 yards out. The ball initially appeared to be an easy save until it curved right and down, glancing off the near post and into the back of the net past Jon Busch.

The scoreline would stay 1-0 heading into the break with Montreal holding the lead.  It only took a minute into the second half for Mapp to record a brace with the 22nd goal of his MLS career and double the Impact’s lead.

Victor Bernardez initially stopped a low cross from midfielder Felipe but was unable to clear the ball as Andrew Wenger pounced on it and sent it low and hard to the back post where Mapp easily tapped it into the back of the net.

The rest of the half the Earthquakes searched for the chance to climb their way back into the game. They finally pulled one back thanks to their increasingly impressive rookie forward, Adam Jahn.

In the 59th minute, Wondolowski received the ball at the top of the box and passed it to Cronin, who saw the ball onto Jahn who controlled it nicely and slotted the ball past Perkins with his left foot for his 3rd goal this season.

Montreal will be a little upset with themselves for giving up the three points on the road, but will be happy with the point that they did secure.

Montreal heads to New York to face the Red Bulls on Wednesday.  San Jose will also play on Wednesday, welcoming Toronto FC.

Comments

  1. Disappointing for the Impact but understandable. 4 games in 11 days. Travel. Injuries. Bad luck (both sides however). At 2-1 Montreal could have put game away w muffled chances/saves by Wenger, Felipe and Mapp I believe. Give Montreal credit however. Go Impact. Allez!

    Reply
  2. SJ continues to struggle to keep a clean sheet. Very athletics players on the back line that are a very poorly connected unit. These team is screaming for an organizer to sort out the defense. Two goals and two clear breakaways is not acceptable.

    Reply
  3. Jahn should certainly be in the discussions for ROY with his performance so far. this guy is calm under pressure with the ball in dangerous spots- and late in the game in typical Goonie fashion.

    Reply
  4. Montreal was quite lethal with their chances.

    Chavez and Salinas are rounding into form nicely. Everyone being healthy/well-behaved for a stretch should make for more goals.

    Reply

Leave a Comment