San Jose Earthquakes vs. FC Dallas, 2012 MLS: Final score 3-3, Quakes Strike Late...Again

The San Jose Earthquakes somehow, some way, did it again. Their book of incredible late goals got a little longer on Saturday night as they bagged yet another dramatic result, this time with a 95th minute goal by Steven Lenhart for a 3-3 draw with FC Dallas.

Aside from a Brek Shea penalty shout, not much happened early in the match until Alan Gordon put the Quakes in front after 34 minutes. Marvin Chavez got down the right and hit a good, low ball to the center. The ball was right at Chris Wondolowski, but he was marked and a clever dummy by the league's leading scorer left the ball for Gordon, who was all alone. A simple finish later and the home side were a goal up.

That lead would only last 14 minuts because Blas Perez, who is beginning to get fit again, equalized. A smart touch by Jackson got him past Sam Cronin and into space on the right. He then fed Perez, who was coming across from the left, used one touch to elude his defender because sliding the ball past an onrushing Jon Busch.

The match settled down after that, but that was just to set up a thrilling final 20 minutes. First, Perez made it a brace when he nodded a gorgeous chip from David Ferreira home to put the visitors in front.

In the 82nd minute, Lenhart got the Quakes even again and it started with his winning a header. He nodded a long ball on for Gordon, who played it back for Lenhart to strike with his first touch from just outside the box. It was a good shot and beat Kevin Hartman to get things level.

Of course, that would only last six minutes. A crazy play saw a long shot ping around the box and deflect off of the post before bouncing across the goal line. Victor Bernardez made a great clearance off the line, but because Matt Hedges was the only player still chasing the play, Bernardez's saving kick went for naught. Hedges knocked the ball into the empty net and FCD were seemingly on their way to victory.

No lead is ever safe against the Quakes, though, and they showed why five minutes into stoppage time. Dallas failed to clear a corner kick and the ball was just headed around several times by both teams, still a danger to the FCD goal. Eventually, the Quakes settled the ball and chipped it back in front of goal, where it was flicked on to Lenhart, who somehow got free in the mess of bodies to head home from five yards. Once again, San Jose had somehow managed a comeback in the most dramatic of fashion.

While the point strengthens the Quakes position for the Supporters' Shield, the real impact of the result is on FCD, who blew a chance to move into a playoff spot. Instead, they remain in sixth place and are two points behind the Whitecaps with three matches to play.