As far as comebacks go, NYCFC’s 2-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes was rather straightforward. Despite Yeferson Quintana’s early go-ahead goal, NYCFC patiently dismantled San Jose’s lead and turned the game on its head courtesy of goals from Anton Tinnerholm and Maxi Moralez. Although a late onslaught nearly salvaged a draw for San Jose, the home side were unable to compensate for their defensive lapses.
NYCFC were dealt multiple injury blows on matchday, with Ben Sweat ruled out due to illness and David Villa sidelined after an injury during warmups. Villa’s injury certainly contributed to San Jose’s flying start but, if anything, Quintana’s third-minute header came too early. To the detriment of their offensive intensity, the Quakes naturally dropped deeper to defend their lead, which allowed NYCFC to run rampant in the middle. Other than brief moments of slick counterattacking play, the Quakes lacked penetration, and NYCFC dominated the run of play in the first half.
Ismael Tajouri and Moralez found ample room to operate down the left, exploiting the space in behind Anibal Godoy and Florian Jungwirth. The midfield duo were caught flat on multiple occasions, eventually costing the Quakes the deciding goal as Moralez nipped in behind to score a deflected effort.
NYCFC’s leveler had been more spectacular, a fantastic volley from the unmarked Tinnerholm off a corner. The goal forced San Jose out of their shell, with Wondo heading over and Magnus Eriksson striking a dangerous free-kick in response. Only Sean Johnson’s strong goalkeeping performance kept the Quakes off the scoreboard, the American goalkeeper denying multiple efforts from Vako as well as a far-post header from substitute Quincy Amarikwa.
However, larger and larger gaps opened in the middle as San Jose’s front-line pressed forward, especially after the Quakes moved to a back three in search of an equalizer. Moralez should have buried the match after rounding Andrew Tarbell, only for Nick Lima to make a last-ditch, goal-line clearance. San Jose’s efforts were, however, too little, too late.
