Kyle Bekker scores equalizer in 2nd half, 10-man Impact tie Earthquakes 1-1

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Kyle Bekker scored his first MLS goal in the 65th minute and the 10-man Montreal Impact played the San Jose Earthquakes to a 1-1 tie Wednesday night.

Bekker caught goalkeeper David Bingham leaning the wrong way and squeezed a shot inside the near post. It was Bekker’s first game with the Impact after being traded from FC Dallas on July 16.

“I’m happy to get my first goal and help the team,” said Bekker. “At first I was a little nervous after not having played in a while, but after a few touches I got into a rhythm. I’m just happy to contribute to a big point on the road.”

Ambroise Oyongo received a red card in the 49th minute for Montreal (9-11-6) after a studs-up challenge of Matias Perez Garcia.

With a packed schedule over the next two weeks, the Impact dipped into their depth pool, giving starts to Eric Miller, Hassoun Camara, Eric Kronberg and Bekker, playing in a 4-3-3 formation.

“It’s even more encouraging that we earned this point having gone into the half down a goal,” said Camara. “We want to continue this run of form and play well over our next few games to earn a playoff spot. As for my performance, I remained confident during this long absence and I’m very pleased.”

Chris Wondolowski opened the scoring in the 35th with his 14th goal of the season for San Jose (11-11-7). Quincy Amarikwa had the ball poked away at the top of the box and Wondolowski calmly rolled in the loose ball. Wondolowski nearly scored again from distance in the 37th and had a sliding shot roll just wide in the 69th.

Impact goalkeeper Eric Kronberg made his third start of the season.