Wondolowski Goal Rallies Earthquakes to 1-1 Draw Against Columbus
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Chris Wondolowski scored his third goal of the season to rally the San Jose Earthquakes to a 1-1 draw against the Columbus Crew on Saturday at Buck Shaw Stadium.
Federico Higuain gave the visitors an initial 1-0 lead just before halftime, tapping home a cross from Waylon Francis. Hector Jimenez started the sequence with a lofted ball to the sideline, finding Francis in stride. The Costa Rican left back took the ball toward the end line and then slotted a pass on the ground to Higuain in the middle of the box for the finish.
The Earthquakes took control after the break with Portuguese signing Yannick Djalo providing a spark off the bench. San Jose’s first chance came just 20 seconds into the second half as Djalo sprung Wondolowski for a shot on the right side of the box. Wondolowski cut back after chasing down a through ball and fired with his left foot, only to be denied by a diving save from Crew goalkeeper Steve Clark.
Djalo was again in the mix a little over a minute later, this time finding the post on a chipped shot after a corner kick from Shea Salinas. Clarence Goodson was at the back post and nearly got a head on the ball before it struck iron. Djalo had another go on the rebound, but didn’t locate the target.
San Jose finally profited from their early chances in the 51st minute. Salinas zipped a corner into the middle of the box and found Wondolowski open at the doorstep for his third goal in four games to start the season.
The draw ups the Earthquakes’ unbeaten streak against Columbus to seven games.
San Jose returns to action on Saturday, April 19 against the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Kickoff is 3 p.m. PT on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, 1590 KLIV and 1370 KZSF.
San Jose Earthquakes (0-2-2, 2 pts.) 1:1 Columbus Crew (3-1-1, 10 pts.)
April 13, 2014 – Buck Shaw Stadium
Attendance: 10,525
Scoring Summary: CLB – Federico Higuain (Waylon Francis, Hector Jimenez) 44; SJ – Chris Wondolowski (Shea Salinas) 51.
Misconduct Summary: CLB – Bernardo Anor (caution) 13; CLB – Giancarlo Gonzalez (caution) 15; SJ – Brandon Barklage (caution) 25; SJ – Yannick Djalo (caution) 69.
San Jose Earthquakes: Jon Busch, Brandon Barklage (JJ Koval 53), Victor Bernardez, Clarence Goodson, Jordan Stewart, Cordell Cato (Yannick Djalo 46), Sam Cronin, Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi, Shea Salinas, Chris Wondolowski, Alan Gordon.
SHOTS: 20; SHOTS ON GOAL: 5; SAVES: 2; FOULS: 12; CORNER KICKS: 9;OFFSIDES: 4.
Columbus Crew – Steve Clark, Josh Williams (Tyson Wahl 76), Giancarlo Gonzalez, Michael Parkhurst, Waylon Francis, Hector Jimenez, Wil Trapp, Tony Tchani, Bernardo Anor, Federico Higuain, Dominic Oduro.
SHOTS: 20; SHOTS ON GOAL: 3; SAVES: 4; FOULS: 8; CORNER KICKS: 5;OFFSIDES: 2.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH MARK WATSON
On result:
“I was a little disappointed with our start again. That’s something we normally do a better job, starting a game with a lot of energy and jumping all over teams. That’s something we’ll have to address. I thought the guys responded well after the break. We sorted a few things out in the locker room, and I thought they responded well to get us back in the game.”
On Yannick Djalo:
“[Yannick Djalo] had 45 minutes and I thought he did well. He gave us that spark and has that bit of quality that I think we need. He has pace to go past people; I thought he was part of the bright start to our second half.”
On JJ Koval:
“He shows the maturity of a guy who’s been in the league for 10 years. He’s a good athlete, has a good understanding of the game tactically and has a good head on his shoulders. I think he’s played right back twice in his life and they were both with us, without preparation. He’s always adapted well.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES FORWARD CHRIS WONDOLOWSKI
On having home-unbeaten streak snapped:“Shea [Salinas] whipped in a great ball, got it over to the near post and I was able to flick it in. It’s easy to finish chances when you get service like that. I have to give credit to Shea on that one for playing a great ball in.”
On result:“We have to stop putting ourselves in holes. The game definitely opened up and turned into a bit of a track meet, but had some chances. We’re not content with anything less than three points.”
SAN EARTHQUAKES ROOKIE JJ KOVALOn playing right back:“I got to play right back a bit at the MLS Combine, so this is maybe my second time playing there. I’m just happy to get on the field to provide some energy and contribute however I can. It was great to get that goal and earn a tie.”
On versatility:“My mentality from the beginning has been to work hard in training and contribute in any way possible to help the team. Whether I’m playing center mid, right back or center back, I’m here to work hard to do whatever I can to help the team win.”
