The San Jose Earthquakes will come into Toronto on a high after recording their first road win of the season in Dallas last Saturday.
San Jose fell behind early in Frisco after Blas Perez opened the scoring in the 16th minute. Dallas pressed play for the next few minutes before the wheels completely fell off.
Atiba Harris levelled proceedings in the 27th minute. Dallas midfielder Adam Moffat picked up his second yellow card eight minutes later as things completely went pear shaped for the home side.
Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi’s golazo just before the end of the first half was full value for the win, even if the Quakes enjoyed a man advantage.
It wasn’t clear sailing for San Jose from there, however. Quakes keeper Jon Busch saved a penalty attempt by Castillo minutes after Pierazzi’s tally.
San Jose held for a 2-1 win, lifting themselves back into the playoff conversation with the victory. Pierazzi commented on his winner and adjusting to MLS after the game.
“I had a lot of space in front of me, it’s a good score, it’s a great goal,” said the French midfielder. “It’s been a hard start for the season, it’s been difficult, new country, new football, good to score.”
Toronto FC will host San Jose at 4 PM E.T on Saturday afternoon.
Lescott to the Timbers?
The Portland Timbers desperately need help on defense after allowing 24 goals through 16 games this season.
That help could come from England: ESPN’s Taylor Twellman reports the Timbers submitted a multi-million dollar offer to former Manchester City center back Joleon Lescott.
For his part, the 31-year-old remains undecided on his future.
Lescott would become the highest-paid defensive designated player in MLS.
New York City FC gears up for launch
David Villa is the first big signing confirmed by New York City FC after the expansion franchise made the announcement at a news conference on Monday.
Villa’s resume is incredibly impressive for both club and country. He could be joined by Chelsea’s Frank Lampard if reports out of England are true. The veteran midfielder confirmed he would be leaving Stamford Bridge this summer and is rumoured to be NYCFC’s second Designated Player.
Villa and Lampard rank up there with the other formidable DP duos in MLS.
Goal of the week
A number of worthy candidates headline this week’s list. As noted above, Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi’s 35-yard strike deserves consideration, as does Jermain Defoe’s left footed strike against Columbus. In the interest of switching it up, we’ll go with something else for Week 13.
Canadian Will Johnson’s volley after an impressive layoff by Fanendo Adi against Vancouver in a losing effort is worthy of this week’s crown. Spread the wealth.
