Atlanta United overtake San Jose Earthquakes with late comeback

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San Jose 3-4 Atlanta: Martinez sparks late comeback - Via MLS

Atlanta United scored three goals in the final 20 minutes in a come-from-behind 4-3 win over the San Jose Earthquakes.

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:28 am

In what could be construed as one of the most controversial MLS games of the year, visiting Atlanta United topped the San Jose Earthquakes 4-3 Wednesday night.

Atlanta -- the league's best team -- traveled west to take on San Jose -- the league's worst team -- in what figured to be another victory for the visitors. It was, but not until a bizarre final 20 minutes.

San Jose led 3-1 before an apparent goal from Chris Wondolowski was disallowed. Instead, following a video review, a penalty kick was awarded to Atlanta for a handball that happened 90 seconds earlier.

Josef Martinez converted his MLS-record 29th goal of the season to cut the deficit to 3-2 in the 70th minute. Miguel Almiron tied the score three minutes later when knocked home a loose ball in the box. Martinez added a goal five minutes into second-half stoppage time to complete the contentious win.

Hector Villalba gave Atlanta life before halftime, and then they scored three times in the final 20 minutes.
Hector Villalba gave Atlanta life before halftime, and then they scored three times in the final 20 minutes.
Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports

It was an inspired effort for the Earthquakes. Two days earlier, San Jose fired coach Mikael Stahre and replaced him on an interim basis with Steve Ralston.

San Jose stunned Atlanta in the 13th minute when Nick Lima headed home a cross from Shea Salinas for the 1-0 lead. Lima was left unmarked at the back post.

The Earthquakes added on with two minutes left in the first half. Danny Hoesen had a one-on-one with Atlanta goalie Brad Guzan stopped, but the San Jose forward got the rebound, beat a pair of Atlanta defenders and scored.

Atlanta cut the deficit in half in first-half stoppage time when Hector Villalba converted a pass from Julian Gressel to make it 2-1 at the break. San Jose made it 3-1 in the 58th minute on a Valeri Qazaishvili goal.