I’ve got four words for you: Goonies never say die. While last week’s loss to Real Salt Lake did not quite reassure me that the Goonies were indeed back, tonight’s last minute win over the New York Red Bulls certainly did. Even with the likes of Steven Lenhart, Alan Gordon, Marvin Chavez and Steven Beitashour still out due to injury, the boys did work and got a result. Once again we saw multiple new faces take the pitch, and while there were moments in which all the players did not seem to be entirely on the same page, they did what Goonies do best—persevere. In fact, it was a few of the less familiar faces that provided the spark needed to turn the game around after going down 0-1 to the Red Bulls in the 17^th minute.

Adam Jahn Celebrates After Scoring Game-Tying Goal

Which brings me to two more words: Adam Jahn. Or as I refer to him, Adam Jahn — J-A-H-N. For some reason I always feel the need to spell his last name. But that is beside the point. Jahn, a first year rookie out of Stanford University, was taken by the Quakes in the Supplemental Draft. His size and his (albeit much tamer) blond hair are reminiscent of Lenhart, although his style of play is significantly less physical.

I have been excited about this dude since seeing him play in the preseason tournament in Portland. I have been talking about him (and spelling his name aloud every time) to my friends and family. So I felt supremely justified after his performance as a sub tonight. Not only did he score the game-tying goal in the 83^rd minute, Goonie-style — he also set up Wondo’s penalty kick winner by heading a ball into the arm of NY defender Roy Miller in the 90^th minute.

Naturally there was a little drama with the penalty kick, with NY keeper Luis Robles saving the first attempt. However, the ref called for a retake as Miller had encroached on the area. Wondo made no mistake the second time.

So, I believe it is official, and hopefully not at all premature: the Goonies are back. And Adam Jahn has earned his place among them. I look forward to seeing what else this kid, and all the rest of the newbies, have in store for us. At the same time, I eagerly await the return of Lenny, Gordo, Beita, and all the rest of our injured players. The league better watch out for that day. The combination of new, raw talent, forced to step up out of necessity, and the experience and steadiness of last year’s Goonies may just prove to be unstoppable.

Image courtesy of SJEarthquakes.com

I have to admit, I was gearing myself up to write a “tough loss but I’m still proud of my boys” post.  Then, at the 83^rd minute, it was a “hard-won point” post.  You would think I’d have learned by now.  There is a reason the Quakes have earned the “Goonies never say die” tag line.  The 1906 Ultras have even come up with a new chant in honor of the reference—“Hey you guu-uuys!”

These Goonies have proven their mettle time and time again.  There is a depth of character in them that is not often seen.  It’s the stuff they make movies out of.  This team has a rather nerve-wracking habit of allowing the first goal, but they rarely allow the last.

Tonight’s game against the Colorado Rapids was no different.  While most of the other teams in the league played games this past weekend, this was San Jose’s first game back from the break.  The conditions were tough, to be sure: playing an away game at high-altitude.

With Jon Busch serving a one-game suspension, 22-year old David Bingham started his first game of the season in goal.  While he came up with some huge saves during the game, the Rapids went up 1-0 in the 18^th minute off a Brian Mullan header.  The Quakes had come out strong and controlled the game for the first 10 minutes or so, but after the goal Colorado had the majority of the possession.

Goalkeeper Matt Pickens was definitely the man of the match for Colorado, keeping the Quakes off the scoreboard with some outstanding saves.  That lasted until the 83^rd minute, during what has been dubbed “Gordon Time.”  Super sub Alan Gordon did what he always does—come in and make a difference.  In fact, each of his 5 goals this season have been game winners or equalizers.  While this goal was officially credited to Hunter Freeman as an own goal, there is no question that Gordon made it happen.

Then, just when I thought we were home-free with a well-earned away point, Gordon got into space and drew a foul from Pickens in the box.  I couldn’t believe it.  91^st minute.  And we could actually win this game (I know, I know, I shouldn’t be surprised anymore).  Chris Wondolowski stepped up for the penalty kick.  I felt like I was going to hyperventilate.  My mom actually had to leave the room.  He shot.  He scored!  2-1.  2 freaking 1.  This is why I love these boys.

No doubt about it, the Quakes are starting the second half of the season in a good place.  Wondo, “Big Vic” Victor Bernardez (pictured above right), and Shea Salinas are all back where they belong, out on the pitch with the rest of the boys.  They head into Saturday’s game against league-leaders Real Salt Lake only 2 points behind and with a game in hand.  Oh, and Wondo now has 12 goals on the season.  Yep, top-scorer in the league.  No big deal.  (Just kidding, it’s huge deal.)

So just remember: the Earthquakes may go down, but they are never out.  #gooniesneversaydie

Image courtesy of mlssoccer.com