The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Sporting Kansas City 3-2 on Saturday evening, but Chris Wondolowski scored a Goal of the Week finalist and is now just 11 goals from breaking the all-time MLS record. Let’s break down how the goal was scored.
1. Gain possession and distribute: After gaining possession near his own penalty area, Quakes defender Yeferson Quintana calmly played the ball up-field to Vako. The ball was then quickly redirected to Jackson Yueill and sprayed wide to Magnus Eriksson.
2. Waste no time: Eriksson chewed up a third of the field with one long pass to Quincy Amarikwa.
3. Protect the ball: After controlling the ball, Amarikwa used his body to shield the defender and allow his teammates to move up the field.
4. Dangerous ball over the top: With all eyes on the ball, Chris Wondolowski recognized space in behind and made a darting run. Eriksson’s chip is weighted perfectly over the head of Graham Zusi.
5. First-timed strike: Wondolowski strikes the ball with his left foot before the help defender could get over in time.
