Nine years ago despite a first-half red card to defender Jordan Harvey, Philadelphia Union defeated San Jose Earthquakes by a 1-0 margin. Below is the original match recap that appeared on PhiladelphiaUnion.com
After the Philadelphia Union (4-1-1) appeared to fall on hard luck when Jordan Harvey was shown red in the 41st minute on a seemingly suspect call, Peter Nowak’s side responded admirably with a 1-0 victory vs. the San Jose Earthquakes (1-4-2) on a pristine Saturday afternoon at PPL Park. Sebastien Le Toux buried a penalty kick in the 76th minute after Amobi Okugo drew a handball from Jason Hernandez in the area, and Philadelphia held for their fourth 1-0 victory of the young season.
Philadelphia’s best chance in the early going came when Carlos Ruiz sent Roger Torres into space along the right touchline. Torres, making his first start of the season, cut the ball into the area and unleashed an angled attempt on goal, but goalkeeper Jon Busch was able to parry it away from danger for a corner.
San Jose had a chance of their own in the 31st minute when goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon and Chris Wondolowski converged on a loose ball at the edge of the six-yard box. Mondragon was able to wedge his body between Wondolowski and the ball, securing it before the 2010 Golden Boot winner could get a final touch on goal.
The Union threatened to open the scoring in the 39th minute after a strong spell of possession in the midfield by second-year striker Danny Mwanga, who deftly chipped for a streaking Le Toux. Le Toux crossed for Ruiz in the middle of the area, but his close-range strike was blocked before it could threaten to find the back of the net.
The complexion of the match would appear to change when Harvey was handed a red card. The Union defender went in for a challenge with a sliding Chris Leitch, and while attempting to shake free was ejected by the ref, who thought Harvey kicked Leitch before distancing himself from the tackle. The ref's ruling forced Philadelphia to play with 10 men for the rest of the match.
Despite playing down a man, the Union didn’t look to be disadvantaged in the second half. Peter Nowak’s side continued to create chances and maintain possession, and their strong form was rewarded in the 76th minute.
Attempting to send a cross into the middle with a man on his back, Okugo drew a handball from Hernandez within the area to the left of the goal. Le Toux stepped to the spot and made no mistake, burying his shot for a 1-0 lead with Busch diving in the opposite direction.
The Union didn’t allow the Earthquakes to create any opportunities to equalize late, sending the Union faithful home happy.
