Wondolowski makes it happen off bench
MINNEAPOLIS >> Chris Wondolowski didn’t start Saturday for the second time this season. But the Earthquakes star took care of the rest with a goal and an assist to help San Jose end a seven-game winless streak with a 3-1 victory over Minnesota United.
Wondolowski changed the game’s complexion after replacing injured Jahmir Hyka in the 55th minute in Minneapolis as San Jose (2-5-2, eight points) got its first road victory this year. United had dominated play from the 25th minute, and it appeared the Quakes were headed for their fourth consecutive defeat.
But the momentum took a radical turn in the 69th minute because of Wondolowski, who is nine goals from tying Landon Donovan for the all-time MLS scoring record after his penalty kick in the 76th minute.
The Quakes captain fought off defenders on what looked like a dead play to keep a ball on the end line. Then the Danville native somehow lifted a cross in front of
the six-yard box where Danny Hoesen waited.
The Dutch forward scored his team-leading fourth goal— three against Minnesota — as San Jose defeated United (4-6-0, 12 points) for the second time this season.
“I don’t know how he crossed it but he turned his body and delivered a perfect cross,” said Hoesen as San Jose defeated United (4-6-0, 12 points) for the second time this season.
The Quakes have yet to lose to the secondyear expansion team but have a long way to go to get back into the Western Conference playoff race. They play Wednesday at Vancouver with three of the next four games on the road.
San Jose grabbed the lead in the second minute off Magnus Eriksson’s penalty kick for his third goal of the year. Minnesota tied the score 1-1 after Christian Ramirez’s 25-yard score came on a defensive error by fullback Shea Salinas.