Sebastien Le Toux's First Goal Of The Season Wins It For 10-Men Union

A controversial red card handed out to Philadelphia Union left back Jordan Harvey wasn't enough to derail the Union against the San Jose Earthquakes.

Head coach Piotr Nowak put out a surprisingly young starting line up, which energized the Union into dominating possession heavily in the first half. It was the first time all season that the Union not only kept the ball, but also the first time that possession was capitalized on with exciting and industrious attacking play. Young Colombian midfielder Roger Torres was given his first start of the 2011 MLS season, while Danny Mwanga was back in his starting spot from last season and Amobi Okugo got his second straight start.

The Earthquakes looked almost helpless to stop the Union's controlling play, until referee Mark Geiger sent Harvey off in the 41st minute (recorded as 'violent conduct'). Instead of using the man advantage to aid in winning the match, the Earthquakes looked flat after the break. 

Later on an Amobi Okugo cross from the right side of the San Jose box struck an Earthquakes defender in the hands and the Union were awarded a penalty. Sebastien Le Toux walked up to the spot and struck, leaving Earthquakes goalkeeper Jon Busch diving the wrong way. The placekick goal was Le Toux's first of the season.

The Union came out of the game with a 1-0 win, putting the team at 13 points after six games in 2011 (4-1-1). The Earthquakes fell to 1-4-2.

Searching For Offense, The Philadelphia Union Take On The San Jose Earthquakes

The San Jose Earthquakes return to Philadelphia to face the Union for the first time since Arturo Alvarez broke the hearts of Union fans last year with a late winner.

Coming into today's game, the Union (3-1-1) have only conceded two goals, but they also have only scored four. An offense consisting of Sebastien Le Toux (no goals, one assist), former MLS MVP Carlos Ruiz (two goals), former number one overall pick Danny Mwanga and Jack McInerney has yet to have a game with over a single goal scored so far in this MLS season. All the while, the defense (Danny Califf, Carlos Valdes, Sheanon Williams, Jordan Harvey) has been boosted by the presence of veteran goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon, who sports a goals against average of 0.40 - good enough for second in MLS, behind Real Salt Lake's Nick Rimando. Two weeks ago the Union faced the Seattle Sounders, their last game played, and gave up their first goal at PPL Park in almost five games dating back to 2010.

Robert Jonas, of SB Nation's Earthquakes blog Quake, Rattle and Goal,had this to say about San Jose's 2011 season:

Before we start compiling an obituary for the 2011 Earthquakes - 28 games still remain on the schedule - the reaction of the players this week in training and at PPL Park in Chester, PA this weekend against the Philadelphia Union still needs to be observed. Monday morning saw a players-only meeting take place among the Earthquakes, and head coach Frank Yallop has promised substantial changes to his starting XI. If neither of those actions shake the Quakes out of their complacency, I'll certainly be ready to believe in the data - and admit to the pattern condemning San Jose to a season of struggle that will be impossible to ignore.

For more on the game, visit the Brotherly Game and participate in its game thread for commentary and reaction during the game from staff and fans.