It had been a few years since the San Jose Earthquakes had played a friendly with an English Premier League team, and this time around they were more than ready. Thanks to a quick and almost unbelievable goal from Quakes keeper David Bingham and some spot on defense San Jose topped West Bromwich Albion by a score of 2-1 at Buck Shaw Stadium.
It was only the third minute of the match when rookie keeper David Bingham collected a ball within the box, and sent it flying to the opposite field. Bingham got all of it and then some as the ball took a huge bounce over the head of West Brom's Boaz Myhill, parting due to the blinding setting sun, that found it's way in the net for a 90 yard end-to-end goal. Not bad for your first professional start. Bingham, a 21 year old All-American from Cal would also make some impressive stops to keep West Brom at bay in the first half.
Midfielder Khari Stephenson would add another goal in the 45th minute, which would prove to be the deciding goal of the match as West Brom's Jerome Thomas broke through for a goal in the 53rd minute, but never could come back from their early hole.
The Quakes will resume MLS play on Saturday when they take on the Columbus Crew on the road.
For more on the Earthquakes head over to Quake, Rattle, and Goal.