Sebastian Berhalter scored a crucial goal for the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday night, securing a 1-1 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes in a clash between the top two teams in the Major League Soccer standings.
The Earthquakes, who lead the league with 29 points, are three points ahead of second-place Vancouver. Daniel De Sousa Britto made two consecutive saves in the 57th minute and finished the match with four saves overall.
The Whitecaps, now with 25 points, remain unbeaten in their last six games, recording four wins and two draws in that stretch. Goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka contributed two saves to help his team secure the draw.
Preston Judd opened the scoring for San Jose in the fourth minute, marking his fourth consecutive game with a goal. His early strike gave the Earthquakes a 1-0 lead that they held for most of the match.
Berhalter equalized in the 76th minute, running onto a loose ball in the penalty area and flicking a first-time shot with the outside of his foot to make it 1-1. This goal extended Berhalter's impressive run of form, as he now has eight goal contributions (three goals, five assists) in his last seven starts.
The Earthquakes entered the match after a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC, which ended their six-game winning streak. Before the match, the 1994 U.S. men's World Cup team was honored.
Upcoming Matches
The Whitecaps will visit FC Dallas on Wednesday, while the Earthquakes travel to face the Seattle Sounders on the same day.
