Santa Clara, CA – Red Bull New York and the San Jose Earthquakes left Buck Shaw Stadium with familiar feelings on Sunday as the 'Quakes grabbed two late goals in a 2-1 victory.
New York had taken the lead through Eric Alexander's first-half strike, but the performance resembled that of the club's opening match of the season, which saw the Red Bulls throw away a road lead in a 3-3 draw with the Portland Timbers. Only this time, New York failed to earn a point for its troubles.
San Jose made a habit of producing late goals throughout the 2012 season, and the 'Quakes battled back in Sunday's affair to collect all three points behind Adam Jahn's equalizer and Chris Wondolowski's late penalty.
It was a slow start for the home side as New York went in front at the 17- minute mark. Thierry Henry's cross was deflected to the back post with a glancing header from a San Jose defender and Alexander arrived to fire home a low shot for his first goal with the Red Bulls.
The 'Quakes failed to record a shot on goal in the first half, but they were far more resolute after the restart, eventually leveling the score in the 83rd minute. Jahn produced the equalizer, eclipsing Roy Miller's coverage to get on the end of Sam Cronin's delivery and place a diving half-volley off the crossbar and into the back of the net.
Things went got much for Miller as he was whistled for a handball in the penalty area on the stroke of full time. Wondolowski's ensuing attempt was pushed aside by Luis Robles, but the penalty was called back after referee Ricardo Salazar correctly ruled that Miller had encroached prior to the kick. Wondolowski buried the re-take to clinch San Jose's first win of the season.
New York (0-1-1) has conceded five goals in two matches this season, four of which have come in the second half to deny the Red Bulls points. Mike Petke's side will look to rebound on Saturday when it hosts D.C. United at Red Bull Arena.
San Jose (1-1-0) will attempt to continue its winning form when it heads to Crew Stadium to take on the Columbus Crew on Saturday.
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