Planet Swans ArchivesTwo late goals peg back the Swans in their tour match after Danny Graham and Chico had looked to have set them on the road to victory
REPORT – THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Steven Lenhart scored twice in the final 11 minutes to help the MLS-leading San Jose Earthquakes to a 2-2 draw against English Premier League side Swansea City in an international friendly Tuesday night.
The Swans, who had goals from Danny Graham and Chico in the 41st and 60th minutes, went 1-1-1 on their preseason U.S. tour.
Lenhart, a second-half substitute, cashed home a beautiful square pass from Shea Salinas to bring San Jose back within a goal in the 79th. Then he headed home a curling cross from Rafael Baca deep on the right wing to tie it in the 85th.
Graham, the Swans’ leading scorer last season with 12 goals in EPL play, took advantage of a botched back pass to give Swansea the lead just before halftime.
Graham scooped up a loose ball after an attempted back pass from San Jose defender Ramiro Corrales failed to connect with goalkeeper David Bingham. Graham rounded Bingham and easily slotted the ball home.
Chico, a Spanish center back signed by Swansea City earlier this month from Genoa, powered home a header in the 60th minute despite Bingham’s efforts at the back post.
Leroy Lita had a couple of late chances for Swansea, but couldn’t put either ball on goal.
The Earthquakes, who rested almost all of their starters after playing Chicago in an MLS match Saturday, looked disjointed before bringing on several of their top players in the last 30 minutes.
Mehdi Ballouchy, acquired Monday in a trade with the New York Red Bulls, made his San Jose debut on the Earthquakes’ left wing.
