SAN JOSE, Calf. – The San Jose Earthquakes (4-14-8) finally end their home winless streak (11) after a thrilling 4-3 victory over FC Dallas (13-6-7) on the right foot of team and future MLS legend, forward & captain, Chris Wondolowski, Wednesday Night, at Avaya Stadium.
“Proud to be a part of it. Proud to be out there. It’s great to get the goal. I keep using this word, but so proud to be the captain of these guys, to be out there with them, fighting. Ninety minutes with them, it’s a huge pleasure.” Chris Wondolowski, after return to starting lineup.
Despite being down early (1-0), after an 8’ goal by Dallas forward, Maximilianl Urrut, San Jose was able to respond with two scores (15’ & 42’) by Quakes’ forward, Valeri Qazaishvili before halftime.
With another lead (2-1) at the midway point, the worry was would the home team collapse again in the second stanza.
Dallas put fear into the team and fans, with a relatively quick equalizer (2-2), six minutes into the second half (51’), by midfielder, Santiago Mosquera.
San Jose responded a few minutes later (54’) with a kick into the net by midfielder, Magnus Eriksson, regaining the lead at 3-2.
The Lone Star State visitors were not planning go down easy and scored themselves, by the effort of forward, Dominique Badgi, less than five minutes later (58’), knotting things up at three.
San Jose Head Coach, Mikael Stahre didn’t enjoy this moment:
“Not happy. We spoke about it in the locker room that we just have to continue to play and follow our game plan. Even if you concede a goal, stick to the plan. That was the main message to the guys in the locker room.”
It didn’t take long before Captain Bay Area (Danville) was the hero and booted in the eventual Game-Winning goal (62’), to the delight of the 15K+ in the stands.
This clutch moment, marks the 40th time Wondolowski converted the triumphant tally, behind only, Landon Donovan (41). Another milestone he got closer to with his put away, was the MLS all-time goals scored record, (145)–also held by Donovan—by notching his 142nd.
“A little bit. It’s a weird thing, it’s been talked about throughout the whole year. It’s still there. It’s still a bit surreal to even be this close so I have no idea. I’m hoping to get it.” Wondowlowski, on if he will break the record.
The Earthquakes are next in action north of the border versus the Vancouver Whitecaps, September 1, while FC Dallas hosts Houston on the same date.
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