Match Thoughts: San Jose Earthquakes vs. Columbus Crew

Olman Vargas and Steven Lenhart battle for the ball. (Getty Images)

San Jose had their momentum slowed a little bit last week when they had to come from behind late in the match to salvage a draw vs. Chivas USA at Buck Shaw stadium.  This week they were looking to get back on track versus a Crew side that's been struggling to score goals.  However, the Crew had managed a 2-1 victory their last time out against FC Dallas, so they were looking to build on that.

The Quakes were on fire in the first half, and it seemed like it was just a matter of time before they notched a goal.  The pressure appeared to come to fruition in the 21st minute when Steven Lenhart was fouled in the box, earning a penalty kick for the home side.  Chris Wondolowski stepped up to take the kick, but Columbus 'keeper Andy Gruenebaum absolutely stoned him to keep the score level at 0-0.  It was the fist of many great saves for Gruenebaum, who kept the Crew in it for most of the match.

It looked like things were going to go into halftime scoreless, but the Crew had other ideas.  In first half stoppage time Justin Meram sliced a gorgeous ball that slid just past John Busch and into the far side net to give the Crew the 0-1 lead at the break.  It really was a first class strike.

The Quakes offense slowed a bit in the second half, and the Crew grabbed some more possession.  However, they had a hard time trying to find the right combination to get their second, and one could just sense San Jose was itching for another comeback.

They did get their comeback, and it was really late on.  Alan Gordon, who came in as a sub was the man of the hour once again for the Quakes.  He rescued a point last week in stoppage time in against Chivas with an equalizer, and this week he did it in the the 90th, finally blasting a ball past the wall known as Andy Gruenebaum to tie the match at 1-1, which was the full time result.

NOTES:  Andy Gruenebaum made seven saves overall, including 3 point blank efforts in the first half.  Meram scored in his second straight match for Columbus, accounting for both of his goals on the year.  Alan Gordon's match tying strike was his third of the year for the Quakes.  Both goals from this one are up for MLS Goal of the week.