As pointed out here on the B/R by David Wilson, the MLS is totally unpredictable. Sunday night's match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake was supposed to be an easy win for San Jose. Instead, RSL managed to keep up with the Earthquakes the entire game and won the match, 3-2.
The Earthquakes went into the match coasting on a nine-game winning streak. RSL came into the match with one of the worst away records in the league (1-9-2).
It seems like more goals are scored within the first five minutes in MLS than any other league. RSL opened the score in the third minute, before many fans had time to get comfortable in their seats. Javier Morales chipped a pass to teammate Movsisyan, who then made a beautiful move and fired home a screamer from 12 yards out. The score was 1-0, Real Salt Lake.
In the 23rd minute, the Earthquakes equalized when Huckerby received a chipped pass from Ryan Cochrane and beat out the goalkeeper for a goal. The score was now 1-1.
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San Jose nearly pulled ahead in the 33rd minute when Scott Sealy volleyed a free kick from Ronnie O'Brien into the net, but his goal was declined because of offsides.
RSL also had a chance to pull ahead when Movsisyan went one-on-one with San Jose's goalkeeper. The keeper managed to deflect the shot, but Movsisyan rebounded the ball towards the net only to have Ryan Cochrane clear the ball off the line.
San Jose almost pulled ahead again when a free kick from Huckerby found Cochrane who headed the ball over the post.
The Earthquakes finally gained the lead in the 47th minute. Huckerby and Arturo Alvarez had some brilliant play that eventually saw Huckerby score a goal. The score was 2-1, Earthquakes.
However, less than a minute later, Real once again came back to score and once again it was thanks to Movsisyan and once again a chipped pass allowed him to score. Kyle Beckerman chipped a pass to Movsisyan who chipped the ball over Joe Cannon to score. The score was now 2-2.
Then in the 59th minute, Real Salt Lake went ahead for good when Morales hooked a 25-yard free kick into the upper left corner of the goal for a 3-2 lead.
The rest of the match was pretty much uneventful. Both clubs sent in substitutes near the end of the match. San Jose sent on Shea Salinas for Ronnie O'Brien in the 69th minute and RSL brought Robbie Findley for Clint Mathis.
Both clubs had chances to change the score again. San Jose had a free kick that was blocked in the 79th minute; and then in the 81st minute, another free kick went over the crossbar.
Real Salt Lake now move to third in the Western Conference table with 34 points. San Jose meanwhile, stay in sixth with 29 points. Salt Lake will head to New England for a match on Saturday and San Jose will go up against FC Dallas in MLS Primetime on Thursday.
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about 1 month ago
This is a great article. I also liked the Manchester United and USA Flag as well.
from about 1 month ago
thanks Roberto.
about 1 month ago
good recap thomas. again thanks for keeping me updated on the latest action in the mls :)
from about 1 month ago
no problem
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