Still dusting off the cobwebs of the league-wide World Cup break, D.C. United traveled to San Jose on Saturday in search of an important road point.
The Earthquake’s Ike Opara turned on a half-volley in the first half to give the home team the lead. United leveled in the second half with a volley from its young star, Najar.
Each side presented a fair share of shots, with few ending up between the sticks (United edged out that stat, 6-5).
Early minutes of the match were controlled by San Jose. A high-bouncing ball down the right flank was battled for by Dejan Jackovic and Chris Wondolowski. As United’s goalkeeper, Troy Perkins, approached the play, Wondolowski flicked the ball on toward the open net. The crowd sighed as the circus attempt was wide left.
A poor settle by Stephen King, in the 15th minute, set up Sam Cronin for a blast on goal. Perkins managed to tip the shot over the bar for a San Jose corner. The resulting kick was unable to be cleared by United, as it fell to the feet of Opara inside the box. The rookie defender cranked his half-volley to near post and beat Perkins for the early lead.
A 40th-minute corner for D.C. saw Jackovic almost equalize with his head. The in swinger from Santino Quaranta found Jackovic at the back post. His header to far post was in place for Adam Cristman to finish, but was cleared off the line by former United player, Bobby Convey, before United could take advantage.
Looking for a spark to the offense, coach Curt Onalfo inserted veteran striker Jaime Moreno for Cristman.
Onalfo got his spark in the 54th minute. A long pass ahead from Moreno to King had United suddenly looking dangerous. Shielding off two defenders, King sent a curling ball to the back of the six-yard box. Najar, who was held onside by Ramiro Corrales, had a step on his defender, Convey, and smashed home the equalizer.
It was just another glimmer of what many United fans are hoping will be a wonderful career for the United youngster.
A 67th-minute free kick from Quaranta had Jon Busch on his toes, as the long distance kick dipped at the end of its route. Luckily for Busch, the ball fell somewhat comfortably to him.
San Jose returned the favor in the 84th minute, with a long-distance strike by Cornell Glen. But this too was easily saved by Perkins. Glen then found himself with another good chance to put the Earthquakes ahead in the 88th minute. A cross from Arturo Alvarez bounced around the United 18 before falling to Glen, whose near-post shot was denied by Perkins.
A stoppage-time cross from Najar had Quaranta trying to play hero for United, but his redirection toward goal was swallowed up by Busch.
The match finished 1-1, as United earned a much needed point on the road and San Jose dropped two much-needed points at Buck Shaw Stadium.
D.C. will now travel to New York for a match up with the Red Bull on July 10. That will complete the road trip for United, as it will return to RFK on July 15 to face the Seattle Sounders.
