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.