Facing a 3-1 deficit and down a man, the San Jose Earthquakes battled back to dramatically tie the Columbus Crew at Pay Pal Park in San Jose.
“I’m really happy for the players and fans who came out today, and for us as well because we dedicate a lot of time studying the opponent and the club as well,” said San Jose head coach Matias Almeyda after the game.
Cristian Espinoza scored on a 9th-minute penalty kick to give San Jose an early lead. However, Quakes midfielder Jamiro Monteiro earned a straight read in the 33rd minute, and the Crew’s Lucas Zelarayan tied the game just before halftime.
Gyasi Zardes and Zelarayan scored for Columbus in the second half to give the visitors a seemingly comfortable 3-1 lead.
However, in the 84th minute, Francisco Calvo got the Quakes within a goal.
Calvo delivered the dramatic tying goal in the 96th-minute when he headed home a corner kick from Jan Gregus.
“I’m happy for the two goals for sure and to help the team tie the game, but I need to talk about the effort of the team,” said Calvo after the game. “Being down 3-1 and tying the game is amazing, and hopefully, we can go from here.”
“Our new arrivals have good service and are dangerous in the air. Fortunately, today they were able to execute both plays,” added Almeyda.
Next up for San Jose is a road trip to Philadelphia to take on the Union on March 12th.
