Philadelphia Union 1, San Jose Earthquakes 1 | 2018 MLS Match Recap

The San Jose Earthquakes set themselves up for success thanks to Magnus Eriksson scoring his first goal in a Quakes uniform, but Alejandro Bedoya helped the Philadelphia Union salvage a home point, as the teams drew 1-1 in Talen Energy Stadium on Saturday evening.


The first half was largely dominated by the home side, whose possession was at nearly a 2:1 ratio 25 minutes in and still at 57 percent by halftime. But in the 37th minute, after both keepers passed some early tests, Danny Hoesen found Eriksson in front of goal with an incisive pass; Eriksson fired it home to put the Quakes up 1-0. Despite several late first-half chances for the Union to equalize — including a point-blank David Accam shot that Andrew Tarbell parried away — the half ended with the Quakes up 1-0.


In the 64th minute, though, the inevitable equalizing goal came for the Union when a just-back-from-suspension Fafa Picault sent a cross in for a hard-charging Bedoya.


Goals


  • 37' – SJ – Magnus Eriksson Watch
  • 64' – PHI – Alejandro Bedoya Watch


Three Things


THE BIG PICTURE:
  Both teams could have used a win, but could ill have afforded a loss, so the draw allows them to hold steady — with the Union just below the playoff line in the East, and the Quakes bunched with a few other preseason playoff contenders just south of 6th place in the West.

  • MOMENT OF THE MATCH:  Given that there could have been a number of Union goals, Bedoya's strike was a welcome sight for the home fans, assisted by a player in Picault who the Union clearly missed.

  • MAN OF THE MATCH: Eriksson, brought in to help with goal production, delivered against the run of play, and looked solid in his 76-minute shift on the pitch.

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