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MEDIA RELEASE:
Aug. 17, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, San Diego FC 2
Josef Martínez goal puts San Jose ahead but visitors score twice late; Quakes go on the road next Saturday to face Houston Dynamo FC
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes fell to San Diego FC 2-1 on Sunday at PayPal Park in front of 17,546 fans.
After a scoreless first half where San Jose outshot San Diego 9-2, the Earthquakes continued to apply pressure on the visitors. Finally, in minute 72, the Quakes broke the deadlock when SDFC goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos was about to clear the ball and second-half substitute Noel Buck charged him to cause a deflection. An opportunistic Josef Martínez pounced on the loose ball in the box, dribbled around a defender, and knocked it in to give San Jose a 1-0 lead.
However, SDFC would answer in the 81st minute, equalizing when a Franco Negri cross from the left wing was headed home by Marcus Ingvartsen. Three minutes later, the visitors caught the Quakes in transition and Anders Dreyer netted the decisive goal for the 2-1 final margin.
The Black and Blue travel to Houston next Saturday, Aug. 23, when they face Houston Dynamo FC. Kickoff from Shell Energy Stadium will take place at 5:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as via local radio on thesportsleader.com / KNBR’s YouTube channel (English) and KZSF 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
Today’s match marks the first meeting between the Quakes and MLS expansion club San Diego FC. San Jose is now ninth in the Western Conference with 32 points (8-11-8) while San Diego stays in first with 52 points (16-7-4).
It was also Autism Awareness Night, where the first 200 fans who bought a special-event ticket benefiting autism organizations received a limited-edition poster illustrated by artist Shane Tarkington, who was diagnosed with autism at age 2. Quakes Sporting Director/Head Coach Bruce Arena joined his grandson Holden, who was diagnosed with autism at an early age, in the ceremonial First Kick with his mother Jenny and father Kenny, who is currently an FC Cincinnati assistant coach. Comedian Ron Funches, whose son was also diagnosed with autism, fired the ceremonial pregame siren.
DeJuan Jones is the only Quakes player who had previously faced San Diego FC. The defender tallied an assist against San Diego with former club Columbus Crew on March 15, 2025.
Cristian Espinoza had three key passes to run his league-leading total to 89. His 12 assists are still good for fourth in MLS (tied).
Josef Martínez’s 72nd-minute goal was his 12th of the season and 128th of his MLS career, good for sixth on the all-time list.
Daniel had one save to increase his total to 82, good for seventh in the league.
After scoring once today, the Quakes are now tied for fourth in the league for team goals (50), behind Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF (53) and San Diego FC (52).
The Earthquakes continue to lead MLS in expected goals (55.73).
Connections between the two rosters were plenty. Defender Oscar Verhoeven is currently on loan to San Diego FC from the Earthquakes. The Pleasant Hill, CA, native joined former Quakes midfielder Aníbal Godoy at the new SoCal side. Former Quakes assistant coach Luciano Fusco joined San Diego FC for the 2025 season. Fusco joined the Earthquakes in 2018 and held roles as Quakes Academy head coach, assistant coach of Quakes II (now The Town FC) in MLS NEXT Pro and Quakes first-team assistant coach from 2022-25.
San Jose Earthquakes 1 – 2 San Diego FC
Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025 — PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 74°F Sunny
Attendance: 17,546
*all stats unofficial
Match Officials:
Referee: Joe Dickerson
AR1: Corey Rockwell
AR2: Jeffery Swartzel
4th Official: Ricardo Fierro
VAR: Edvin Jurisevic
AVAR: Tom Supple
Scoring Summary:
SJ (1-0) – Josef Martínez (unassisted) 72’
SDFC (1-1) – Marcus Ingvartsen (Franco Negri) 81’
SDFC (1-2) – Anders Dreyer (Marcus Ingvartsen, Christopher McVey) 84’
Misconduct Summary:
SJ – Daniel (caution) 80’
SDFC – Manu Duah (caution) 83’
SDFC – Anders Dreyer (caution) 84’
SDFC – Emmanuel Boateng (caution) 86’
SJ – Preston Judd (caution) 89’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Bruno Wilson, Daniel Munie, Dave Romney; DeJuan Jones, Vítor Costa (Jamar Ricketts 87’), Beau Leroux (Noel Buck 71’), Mark-Anthony Kaye (Ian Harkes 71’); Cristian Espinoza, Cristian “Chicho” Arango (Ousseni Bouda 82’), Josef Martínez (Preston Judd 82’).
Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK), Max Floriani, Nick Lima, Reid Roberts.
POSS.: 45%; SHOTS: 18; SOG: 5; CORNERS: 3; OFFSIDES: 2; SAVES: 5; FOULS: 11; xG: 1.8
SAN DIEGO FC: CJ Dos Santos (GK); Aiden Harangi (Franco Negri 38’), Manu Duah, Luca Bombino, Christopher McVey, Jeppe Tverskov, Onni Valakari (Pedro Soma 75’), Anibal Godoy (Marcus Ingvartsen 64’), Tomas Angel (Luca De La Torre 38’), David Vazquez (Emmanuel Boateng 75’), Anders Dreyer.
Substitutes not used: Duran Ferree (GK), Corey Baird, Paddy McNair, Ian Pilcher.
POSS.: 55%; SHOTS: 5; SOG: 3; CORNERS: 6; OFFSIDES: 4; SAVES: 1; FOULS: 14; xG: 0.6
EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA
On the team’s performance today:
“I think we had opportunities to get a second goal. We weren’t clean enough in and around the penalty area. Somebody told me we had 12 shots inside the penalty area. I think technically we didn’t play well inside the penalty area. Our touch, or getting a shot off quicker wasn’t there. We had too many shots blocked. We had chances to get the second goal as well.”
“We converted three points in our favor to no points in the closing minutes of the game. So there’s no excuses for that. I would say a poorly coached team, to be able to walk off the field with zero points after the 81st minute.”
On the late second-half substitutions, especially Noel:
“I thought we were a little fatigued at that point. It was a game that required a lot of energy, and I thought bringing in some fresh legs could help. Obviously, Buck helped us. I don’t think that’s why we lost the game by any means.”
On dealing with injuries throughout this season:
“If you look at the team tonight, [Josef] Martínez has missed games with injuries. [Chicho] Arango missed games. [Cristian] Espinosa has missed games. [Vítor] Costa missed games. [DeJuan] Jones has missed games. These are with injuries. [Bruno] Wilson missed games with injuries. [Daniel] Munie missed games with injuries. Daniel missed games with injuries. So it’s been throughout the year. I think [Beau] Leroux has not been injured, and maybe [Dave] Romney. That’s it out of our 11 players that started tonight. So we haven’t had established a great consistency. There’s no excuses. Everybody has injuries and suspensions.”
On the addition and potential of midfielder Ronaldo Vieira:
“We’ll see. Part of the reason why we got him here was to have an experienced player in the middle of the field. Hopefully he can be a leader. It’s going to take a little time. Obviously, he just received his work permit. He’s obviously not ready to play 90 minutes. He’ll be in full training next week, and we’ll see.”
EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER NOEL BUCK
On his key play that set up a goal:
“The goalkeeper took a step back, and I jumped on it. Obviously he didn’t expect it and it turned out well for us.”
On the defensive breakdown that led to two goals:
“I think it’s just a lack of concentration and commitment from all of us. It’s a team sport. Everybody has to be brought in, myself included. When we don’t play as a team, don’t keep working hard as a team, things like this can happen, especially if it’s a good team.”
On Head Coach Bruce Arena’s trust in him:
“It’s great for me to have someone have my back. I’m still a young player and to have a coach that sees something in me is really great.”
On building chemistry with the team:
“It really helped having a lot of guys I’ve played with before. At the beginning it was good to have people to talk to, to be able to get introduced to other people. Something about this group that’s great is we have a lot of really good people, which is important to have on this team. When you have people that are willing to work for each other and willing to back each other up, it’s really great to have, especially coming into a new group. It was really great to have lots of leaders help me out, help me get sorted. The environment is great here, and I really like everyone here.”
On the steps needed to make the playoffs:
“I think we have a really good team. The issue is getting over the line, keeping the winning lead. It’s unfortunate, but I know we will keep the belief of making playoffs and win our next games. With the quality we have, we should be able to do that.”
####
Earthquakes Communications Contacts:
Ryan Maquiñana – Director, Communications
rmaquinana@sjearthquakes.com
C: 650.243.8523
Jake Jansing – Coordinator, Communications
jjansing@sjearthquakes.com
C: 408.425.1329
MEDIA RELEASE:
Aug. 9, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 2, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1
Preston Judd’s stoppage-time goal propels Quakes to victory over second-place ‘Caps; Quakes continue homestand next Sunday in inaugural game vs. Western Conference leaders San Diego FC
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2-1 in dramatic fashion Saturday night in front of 16,356 fans at PayPal Park to jump back into playoff position.
In the 27th minute, the Earthquakes would enjoy a man advantage for the rest of the match when Vancouver right back Edier Ocampo was booked for the second time in the early going, resulting in referee Timothy Ford sending him off. Though San Jose took nine shots to close the first half, the visitors kept the game scoreless.
Shortly after intermission, the Quakes achieved the breakthrough. Left wingback Vítor Costa was fouled in the box by Whitecaps FC center back Tristan Blackmon in the 50th minute and a penalty kick was awarded to San Jose. Josef Martínez subsequently converted from the spot for his 11th goal of the season to give the Quakes a 1-0 lead. However, the visitors would equalize in the 88th minute when Blackmon lofted a long ball from midfield for Brian White, who hauled it in and promptly scored.
But the Quakes would not be denied tonight, and in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Jamar Ricketts sped down the left wing and crossed the ball across the goal to the opposite wing. DeJuan Jones one-timed it back in front of goal and a streaking Preston Judd coolly slotted it home for the game-winner and all three points.
With the victory, San Jose leaped two spots into eighth place and Western Conference postseason contention, while Vancouver remained second in the table.
The Black and Blue continue their homestand next Sunday, Aug. 17, when they face first-place San Diego FC for the very first time. Kickoff from PayPal Park will take place at 4 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as via local radio on KSFO 810 AM (English) and KZSF 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Earthquakes moved to 11-12-12 (46 GF, 48 GA) against Vancouver Whitecaps FC all-time in MLS regular-season play with a 8-2-8 (26 GF, 16 GA) record at home.
The Quakes moved up to eighth in the MLS Western Conference standings with 32 points (8-10-8). Vancouver Whitecaps FC remained second in the West with 45 points (13-6-6).
Bruce Arena won his 270th regular-season game, extending his MLS record among head coaches. The late great Sigi Schmid is second with 240.
With tonight’s result, the Quakes snapped a seven-match winless streak in all competitions and earned their first home victory in league play since May 3, a 4-1 win over Portland.
Tonight was Portuguese Heritage Night at PayPal Park, with Lisbon native Bruno Wilson starting at center back for the Quakes. Wilson played his youth football at Oeiras and Sporting Clube de Portugal before playing as a professional with SC Braga, CD Tondela and FC Vizela (2016-24). Brazilian left wingback Vítor Costa once played for CS Maritimo in Portugal (2021-24). In addition, recently signed defensive midfielder Ronaldo Vieira—who has yet to suit up for San Jose until his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC) are received—came up in the SL Benfica academy (2010-11) before moving to Leeds to finish his youth football.
With his 54th-minute goal tonight, Josef Martínez has 11 on the season and 127 for his MLS career, good for sixth on the league’s all-time list. He also stayed hot against the ‘Caps, having now netted five times in just four career matches against Vancouver.
Cristian Espinoza made four key passes tonight to extend his MLS lead (86). He remains tied for second in the league in assists (12).
Daniel made two saves, running his total to 82, good for sixth in MLS.
With 48 goals in 26 matches, San Jose is currently third in MLS in total goals. Only San Diego FC (50) and Inter Miami CF (49) have outscored the Quakes in 2025.
The Earthquakes’ attack is back up to first in the league in expected goals (53.92). The Philadelphia Union trail San Jose (52.23).
Before the Earthquakes faced Vancouver Whitecaps FC, their MLS NEXT Pro affiliates met in the East Bay at St. Mary’s College in Moraga on Saturday afternoon. The Town FC came back to defeat Whitecaps FC 2 by a 2-1 margin. TTFC’s Alejandro Cano scored a first-half equalizer in stoppage time and Julian Donnery secured a late game-winner in the 93rd minute.
San Jose Earthquakes 2 – 1 Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 — PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 80°F Sunny
Attendance: 16,356
*all stats unofficial
Match Officials:
Referee: Timothy Ford
AR1: Chris Elliot
AR2: Nick Balcer
4th Official: Cristian Campo Hernandez
VAR: Jorge Gonzalez
AVAR: TJ Zablocki
Scoring Summary:
SJ (1-0) – Josef Martínez (penalty kick) 54’
VAN (1-1) – Brian White (Tristan Blackmon) 88’
SJ (2-1) – Preston Judd (DeJuan Jones, Jamar Ricketts) 90+4’
Misconduct Summary:
VAN – Edier Ocampo (caution) 19’
VAN – Edier Ocampo (caution, ejection) 27’
SJ – Daniel Munie (caution) 32’
SJ – Dave Romney (caution) 61’
VAN – Mathias Laborda (caution) 72’
SJ – Mark-Anthony Kaye (caution) 77’
SJ – Bruno Wilson (caution) 80’
SJ – Cristian Espinoza (caution) 90+10’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Dave Romney, Bruno Wilson, Daniel Munie; Vítor Costa (Jamar Ricketts 90+3’), Mark-Anthony Kaye, Beau Leroux (Noel Buck 81’), DeJuan Jones, Cristian Espinoza (C); Cristian “Chicho” Arango (Ousseni Bouda 81’), Josef Martínez (Preston Judd 81’).
Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK), Nick Fernandez, Max Floriani, Nick Lima, Rodrigues.
POSS.: 56.7%; SHOTS: 16; SOG: 5; CORNERS: 5; OFFSIDES: 2; SAVES: 2; FOULS: 10; xG: 3.4
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC: Yohei Takaoka (GK); Mathias Laborda (Belal Halbouni 86’), Bjø rn Utvik, Edier Ocampo, Tristan Blackmon; Sebastian Berhalter, Andres Cubas (Ralph Priso 75’), Jean-Claude Ngando (Tate Johnson 34’); Jayden Nelson (Jeevan Badwal 86’), Emmanuel Sabbi (Daniel Rios 46’), Brian White (C).
Substitutes not used: Isaac Boehmer (GK), Adrian Zendejas (GK); Giuseppe Bovalina, Nelson Pierre.
POSS.: 43.3%; SHOTS: 8; SOG: 3; CORNERS: 3; OFFSIDES: 3; SAVES: 3; FOULS: 11; xG: 1.2
EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA
On overall thoughts of the victory and Preston Judd’s game-winning goal:
“Preston’s done a great job for us this year, and obviously, it was a critically important goal. A difficult game against a good team. … A tough game, but we’ve been in a lot of those games this year and been on the other side of it as well. I’m pleased with the win. If we’re a team that has any interest in being in the playoffs, we have to win these home games, so this is critically important. We blew a game in Salt Lake a couple weeks ago, which was critical, so we don’t have much of a margin of error at this point. So every game at home is going to be important, and obviously, we need to get some results on the road. So typical of Major League Soccer, I think everything’s going down to the last day for a lot of teams in both conferences.”
On having to host the second- and first-place teams in the West in consecutive weeks:
“It was disappointing not to walk off the field with a clean sheet, but give Vancouver credit. You can see why they’re such a good team. They’re disciplined. They work hard for 90-plus minutes. They’re a good team and we have to face them again in Vancouver.”
“To collect the three points is critically important, and hopefully that gives us a little momentum going into the next game against San Diego. I think Vancouver and San Diego are [second] and [first]. I don’t look at those things that closely. The only thing I pay attention to is San Jose, so we have obviously two difficult home games. We’re through with one of them, and next week, San Diego.”
On Vítor Costa’s performance tonight:
“Costa played well. He’s had a good year for us. He’s been banged up a little bit. He suffered a little bit that play against [FC Dallas]. He suffered a really deep gash, took a number of stitches and he missed probably two games. … But he’s been good. I’ve been very impressed with him. Good teammate. Really good professional. So I’m happy to see he did well.”
On whether having two weeks off after a parade of games had a positive impact:
“Time off in our sport is never easy to try to figure out how to monitor days off and then train again. It’s been two weeks since our last game. We gave the players four or five days off and brought them back last Friday. We had that difficult game in Salt Lake, but the team all year has really been good mentally. I think they’ve done a good job. I think we moved them along pretty well this week to have them ready to play tonight. Mentally they’ve been good all year. I still say to date we’ve not been fair to ourselves in getting the kind of results we deserve. I think we should have had a couple more wins at this point in the season, and that’s disappointing. But the group has been fantastic to work with.”
On Josef Martínez taking a successful penalty to give San Jose a 1-0 lead:
“Josef takes a number of penalties during the week in training. I was saying we have three candidates to take a penalty: It’s Josef, it’s Chicho or Cristian. And when it happened, I said I want Josef to take it. He didn’t have much of a margin for error for that one, but it’s nice it went in the back of the net.”
On the second-half substitutions being the difference tonight:
“If it was 0-0 at the 60-minute mark, I would’ve made the subs sooner. We got the goal around the 54th minute. … You can be a genius or an idiot when you make changes, and you never know what makes sense at the right time. There’s no real art to it. It’s a little bit of touch and feel. I think we needed some freshness up front, and I thought at the end of the game just to have a little more speed on the other side of the field may help us. We’re fortunate that [Jamar] Ricketts did a good job to create that game-winning goal.”
“We thought at the end of the game we were a little fatigued. Give Vancouver a lot of credit. They didn’t make it easy on us, and I think bringing in some fresh players up top and our on the left, as well as centrally with [Noel] Buck helped us. Gave us a little energy at the end of the game.”
EARTHQUAKES FORWARD PRESTON JUDD
On scoring the game-winning goal after entering the match as a substitute:
“I’ve been saying it all year. Whenever I get in, I want to make a difference. We were winning 1-0, but even then, I wanted to get the second goal to hopefully help the team win. I got in a position where I helped the team win in the 94th minute. I think at this point the season, every point is important. We needed three [points] today; we didn’t need one. I just put in everything I could to get the win. I was in the right position, made the right play and I got the goal.”
On the team’s mentality after Vancouver scored the equalizer in the 88th minute:
“Giving up a goal, up a man, that late, it’s frustrating. We never got out of the game. Right away we started attacking. We were pushing for that goal. We know we needed the goal. Our attitude on the field showed that we were going to score a goal. I felt it. I believed in it. I think a lot of the players believed that we were going to score a goal to win that game. It showed and it worked out.”
On facing MLS Western Conference second-place Vancouver Whitecaps FC:
“I think we’ve gotten a little unlucky this season, but I think it’s a good steppingstone to build on. Obviously, we have a lot of work to do to end the season—get a lot more wins to hopefully make a playoff run.”
On earning playing time off the bench with Josef Martínez and Cristian “Chicho” Arango starting at forward:
“Every player always wants to be on the field. The minutes will come. Behind two great players like Josef and Chicho, it’s going to be hard to get minutes. So I know whenever I get a chance, I have to make it worth their while.”
####
Earthquakes Communications Contacts:
Ryan Maquiñana – Director, Communications
rmaquinana@sjearthquakes.com
C: 650.243.8523
Jake Jansing – Coordinator, Communications
jjansing@sjearthquakes.com
C: 408.425.1329
PRESS RELEASE:
July 16, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 2, FC Dallas 2
San Jose salvages point with Josef Martínez goal in final five minutes; Quakes now headed for road match with Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday in Heritage Cup second leg
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes drew with FC Dallas 2-2 on Wednesday night at PayPal Park in front of 15,304 fans.
The Earthquakes drew first blood in the 21st minute when with a defender draped Josef Martínez assisted Ian Harkes on a long-range blast that beat Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes to make it 1-0. However, the visitors would answer in the third minute of stoppage time when in transition, Petar Musa slotted the ball in the back of the net after a rebound to make it 1-1.
After intermission, the Quakes almost retook the lead in the 74th minute when Cristian Espinoza crossed a ball in from the right wing and Lalas Abubakar almost tapped it into his own net, but it hit the crossbar. Instead, Dallas would capture a 2-1 lead in the 85th minute when Ramiro and Logan Farrington combined to assist on a tap-in for Musa, his second of the match. However, the Quakes would rapidly answer the following minute to salvage a point, as Jack Skahan’s left-footed cross found Martínez for a clinical header to knot the game once more for a 2-2 final margin. For this two goal contributions, Martínez was named Northern California Honda Dealers Man of the Match.
The Black and Blue will go on the road to face Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday, July 19, in the second leg of the 2025 Heritage Cup. Kickoff from Lumen Field will take place at 5:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as via local radio on KSFO 810 AM (English) and KZSF 1370 AM (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The San Jose Earthquakes are now 31-22-23 (119 GF, 95 GA) all-time against FC Dallas with a 18-8-13 (67 GF, 46 GA) home record.
With the result, the Quakes moved to 7-8-8 (29 pts) and ninth in the Western Conference, while Dallas is now 5-10-7 (22 pts) and 13th in the West.
In their last meeting on June 25, the Quakes triumphed 4-2 over FC Dallas following a lightning delay. Chicho Arango, Josef Martínez, Beau Leroux and Mark-Anthony Kaye all found the back of the net in Frisco. Arango, DeJuan Jones and Cristian Espinoza (2) notched assists, marking the team captain’s 12th career multi-assist game for San Jose.
On Tuesday, the Quakes announced team captain Cristian Espinoza was named to the 2025 Major League Soccer All-Star roster. The match will take place next Wednesday, July 23, at Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium.
Cristian Espinoza made two key passes, extending his league lead to 72. He also ranks second in MLS with 11 assists.
Ian Harkes’ 21st-minute goal was his second in league play and the seventh of his MLS career.
Josef Martínez’s 21st-minute assist was his second in league play and the 22nd of his MLS career.
Josef Martínez’s 86th-minute goal was his ninth in league play and the 125th of his MLS career, good for sixth in the all-time rankings.
Josef Martínez has now found the back of the net seven times in as many meetings against FC Dallas.
Jack Skahan’s 86th-minute assist was his first of the season and third of his MLS career.
With 43 goals in 22 matches, the Black and Blue are currently tied for third in Major League Soccer, three goals behind leaders San Diego FC and one behind Inter Miami CF. The Quakes are currently second in MLS in expected goals (46.7), trailing only Nashville SC (47).
San Jose Earthquakes 2 – 2 FC Dallas
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 — PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 68°F Sunny
Attendance: 15,304
Man of the Match presented by NorCal Honda Dealers: Josef Martínez
*all stats unofficial
Match Officials:
Referee: Ramy Touchan
AR1: Kali Smith
AR2: Kevin Lock
4th Official: Victor Rivas
VAR: Younes Marrakchi
AVAR: Meghan Mullen
Scoring Summary:
SJ (1-0) – Ian Harkes (Josef Martínez) 21’
DAL (1-1) – Petar Musa (unassisted) 45+3’
DAL (1-2) – Petar Musa (Ramiro, Logan Farrington) 85’
SJ (2-2) – Josef Martínez (Jack Skahan) 86’
Misconduct Summary:
SJ – Vítor Costa (caution) 30’
SJ – Cristian Espinoza (caution) 45+8’
SJ – Ian Harkes (caution) 68’
SJ – Bruno Wilson (caution) 80’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Bruno Wilson, Reid Roberts (Preston Judd 77’), Rodrigues; Vítor Costa (Dave Romney 34’), Ian Harkes, Beau Leroux (Jack Skahan 77’), Niko Tsakiris (Ousseni Bouda 66’), Cristian Espinoza (C); Josef Martínez, Cristian “Chicho” Arango.
Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK), Max Floriani, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Nick Lima, Jamar Ricketts.
POSS.: 59.5%; SHOTS: 13; SOG: 3; CORNERS: 4; OFFSIDES: 1; SAVES: 3; FOULS: 19; xG: 1.7
FC DALLAS: Maarten Paes (GK) (C); Marco Farfan, Lalas Abubakar, Shaq Moore, Sebastien Ibeagha; Patrickson Delgado (Tarik Scott 90+5’), Ramiro, Kaick Ferreira; Joshua Torquato (Osaze Urhoghide 90+2’), Bernard Kamungo (Logan Farrington 76’), Petar Musa.
Substitutes not used: Michael Collodi (GK); Alvaro Augusto, Sebastian Lletget, Katlego Ntsabeleng, Anthony Ramirez, Samuel Sarver.
POSS.: 40.5%; SHOTS: 12; SOG: 5; CORNERS: 4; OFFSIDES: 7; SAVES: 1; FOULS: 18; xG: 2.6
EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA
On the team’s overall performance in a 2-2 draw with FC Dallas:
“It was a sloppy performance at the end of both halves. The first goal they scored, we could have done better on that play. We give them credit. The second goal they scored, we have three guys that just fell asleep, did a really poor job. I give our guys a lot of credit getting a point out of this game. In a game where we’re a little bit better, maybe we win by a couple of goals. I’m disappointed in our inability to see out both halves. The first half, we should have gone in at 1-0. And I would have liked to have had the game at 1-1 in the final minutes and see if we could win. We put ourselves in a difficult position.”
On the first-half play that resulted in Vítor Costa’s injury:
“It’s two players going in for a ball, and I could be mistaken that the [FC Dallas] player probably got to the ball first and went through it and got to Vítor. It wasn’t a foul on Vítor. The injuries, unfortunate, but it’s certainly not a foul on Vítor. I think was almost like a 50/50 play. I haven’t seen it on film, so I can’t give more detail. He took about a dozen stitches.”
On Bruno Wilson’s performance:
“He had a solid performance. I’m pleased he was able to go the full game because he’s been out for a long time. I can’t even tell you the exact amount of time, but it seems like it was probably six weeks, maybe more. So just in time too, because [Daniel] Munie is out. It was good that he got a full game.”
On looking ahead to Saturday’s road match at Seattle:
“I’ll think about that tomorrow.”
EARTHQUAKES DEFENDER BRUNO WILSON
On leaving tonight with a draw against FC Dallas:
“We wanted to win. I think was a very important game to win. We didn’t win. We are not happy about that, but we have to keep working. We have a big chance to go to the playoffs, and we want that a lot. So keep working. Tomorrow is another day. In three days, we have another game so we can improve and we have an opportunity to win.”
“I think they had a little bit of luck, but we made some mistakes defensively, in my opinion. So what we can do but be better next time? Learn from the mistakes and don’t make the same mistakes next game.”
On his return to the starting lineup:
“Tonight was tough to play 90 minutes after a long time [away due to injury]. But I felt great, very happy, and mentally I was very good, very strong. So this (points to head) helps. The legs may be a little bit tired, but this (points to head) controls everything. I felt good, and I was very happy to be back with the team to play 90 minutes and help the team, but unhappy because of the result.”
On his mentality behind the game:
“I think soccer in general, emotionally it’s always like that (makes up-and-down motion with hands), and we have to be stable. We have been soccer players for a long time, so we are used to that type of emotion. We have to keep our feet on the floor and be stable about that. After we [scored] the two [goals], we were like, ‘We can win this game. We have time.’ But that was not possible. So now, it’s just work, and thinking about the next game.”
On Cristian Espinoza being selected to the MLS All-Star game next Wednesday:
“I think he deserves to go, not because someone got injured, but in the first selection. In my opinion, he deserves to go because he’s an incredible player. We all know that.”
On watching the team perform while he was unavailable to play due to injury:
“I learned that we have a very good team. I have very good teammates—good players in my position, like central defenders. We have amazing players, and this is good to have this roster be so competitive. The team is not only about the 11 [players] that play. I think it’s about everyone, and we have very good players in this game. I can improve and work a lot like all them, and try with my experience to help the young guys. If I can put my quality into the game, I will do it.”
####
Earthquakes Communications Contacts:
Ryan Maquiñana – Director, Communications
rmaquinana@sjearthquakes.com
C: 650.243.8523
Jake Jansing – Coordinator, Communications
jjansing@sjearthquakes.com
C: 408.425.1329
PRESS RELEASE:
July 8, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 2 (2), Austin FC 2 (4)
San Jose drops penalty shootout to Austin FC in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals; Black and Blue return to MLS play Saturday with road contest vs. Minnesota United FC
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Austin FC via penalty kicks 2-2 (2-4) on Tuesday night in the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals at PayPal Park in front of 10,754 fans.
San Jose got on the board first in the 12th minute when DeJuan Jones found Ousseni Bouda on the right wing, whose subsequent low cross was hammered home by Cristian “Chicho” Arango for an early 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Austin FC equalized when Brandon Vázquez was fouled in the box and drew a penalty kick that he converted in the 65th minute to make it 1-1. Controversy ensued in the seventh minute of stoppage time when Austin defender Mikkel Desler’s studs collided with Cristian Espinoza, resulting in a sizable bleeding gash above the Quakes captain’s right knee. Referee Brandon Stevis showed Desler a yellow card and a hobbled Espinoza would leave the match for Benji Kikanović. The score remained knotted through regulation and the game went into extra time.
The Earthquakes broke through in the 99th minute when Kikanović picked out a rebound from the air and blasted a shot past Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver that found the back of the net for a 2-1 lead, sending PayPal Park into a frenzy. The visitors appeared to tie the game a second time in the 105th minute with a header off a corner kick, but the flag was up and offside was ruled.
In the second half of extra time, Verde drew a second penalty kick in the box and Myrto Uzuni converted once more for Austin in the 115th minute to level the score again 2-2 to send the game to penalty kicks.
In the ensuing shootout, San Jose made half of their four spot kicks, but the visitors made all four of their attempts to win the match. Austin FC will now face Minnesota United FC on the road in the Semifinals after the Loons defeated Chicago Fire FC 3-1 in extra time. The match will take place either Tuesday, Sept. 16, or Wednesday, Sept. 17.
Meanwhile, the Black and Blue resumes MLS regular-season play Saturday, July 12, as they will also travel to St. Paul, Minnesota, to take on MNUFC. Kickoff from Allianz Field will take place at 5:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as via local radio KSFO 810 AM (English) and 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Earthquakes now hold a 23-20 all-time record in U.S. Open Cup play.
Tonight marked the first time the Earthquakes and Austin FC faced off in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. San Jose moved to 2-2-6 (22 GF, 18 GA) all-time against Verde across all competitions.
Chicho Arango’s 12th-minute goal was his first in U.S. Open Cup play this season and 11th across all competitions in 2025. He also scored three prior goals in the tournament for LAFC in 2022.
Ousseni Bouda’s 12th-minute primary assist was his first in U.S. Open Cup play this season and second across all competitions in 2025. He now has three career goal contributions in the tournament for the Quakes, with one goal in 2022 and another goal in 2024.
DeJuan Jones’ 12th-minute secondary assist was his first in U.S. Open Cup play this season and sixth across all competitions in 2025.
Benji Kikanović’s 99th-minute goal was his first of the season in all competitions. He now has two career goal contributions in the tournament for the Quakes, with one assist in 2024.
Mark-Anthony Kaye, who remains the only Earthquake to play every MLS and U.S. Open Cup game this season, came on in the 59th minute and finished the match.
Earthquakes defender Nick Lima faced his former team. After joining San Jose as a Homegrown Player in 2016, Lima was traded to Austin FC in 2020. After a stint with the New England Revolution in 2024, the Castro Valley, California, native made his return to his hometown club in 2025.
San Jose Earthquakes 2 (2) – 2 (4) Austin FC
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 – PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 69°F Sunny
Attendance: 10,754
*all stats unofficial
Match Officials:
Referee: Brandon Stevis
AR1: Jeremy Hanson
AR2: Jenifer Garner
VAR: Younes Marrakchi
AVAR: Brian Marshall
4th Official: Matthew Corrigan
Scoring Summary:
SJ (1-0) – Cristian “Chicho” Arango (Ousseni Bouda, DeJuan Jones) 12’
ATX (1-1) – Brandon Vázquez (penalty kick) 65’
SJ (2-1) – Benji Kikanović (unassisted) 99’
ATX (2-2) – Myrto Uzuni (penalty kick) 115’
Penalty Shootout:
SJ – Chicho Arango (no goal)
ATX – Diego Rubio (goal)
SJ – Josef Martínez (goal)
ATX – Myrto Uzuni (goal)
SJ – DeJuan Jones (no goal)
ATX – Robert Taylor (goal)
SJ – Ian Harkes (goal)
ATX – Owen Wolff (goal)
Misconduct Summary:
ATX – Brendan Hines-Ike (caution) 13’
ATX – Owen Wolff (caution) 50’
SJ – Chicho Arango (caution) 58’
SJ – Daniel (caution) 63’
ATX – Oleksandr Svatok (caution) 90+1’
ATX – Mikkel Desler (caution) 90+7’
ATX – Nicolás Dubersarsky (caution) 98’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Reid Roberts, Daniel Munie, Max Floriani (Josef Martínez 75’), Jamar Ricketts (Nick Lima 95’); Ian Harkes, Beau Leroux (Mark-Anthony Kaye 59’), DeJuan Jones; Cristian “Chicho” Arango (C), Ousseni Bouda (Rodrigues 106’), Preston Judd (Cristian Espinoza 75’) (Benji Kikanović 90+12’).
Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK).
POSS.: 52.8%; SHOTS: 27; SOG: 11; CORNERS: 7; OFFSIDES: 2; SAVES: 5; FOULS: 27; xG: 1.92
AUSTIN FC: Brad Stuver (GK); Mikkel Desler (Nicolás Dubersarsky 91’), Oleksandr Svatok, Brendan Hines-Ike, Guilherme Biro, Jon Gallagher (Diego Rubio 66’); Dani Pereira (Ilie Sánchez 86’), Besard Sabovic (Robert Taylor 66’), Owen Wolff; Osman Bukari (Myrto Uzuni 66’), Brandon Vázquez (Zan Kolmanic 72’).
Substitutes not used: Stefan Cleveland (GK).
POSS.: 47.2%; SHOTS: 12; SOG: 4; CORNERS: 3; OFFSIDES: 5; SAVES: 3; FOULS: 28; xG: 2.49
EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA
On Cristian Espinoza having to leave the game after a challenge resulted in a large gash over his right knee and a yellow card for Austin FC defender Mikkel Desler:
“I know he needed to get stitches. The foul on him was a straight red card.”
On the defense not conceding goals in the run of play as both were penalty kicks:
“Our team played very well. Austin was not at all dangerous in attack the entire evening. We conceded two penalty kicks. That certainly is our fault, and we’re to blame for that for sure.”
On losing the lead late in extra time to a resilient Austin FC team:
“They did a good job. Obviously we made some mistakes, clearly, conceding penalty kicks and we failed in the shootout after overtime. Give them credit. They did well with their penalties. We put our best players up there, and we fell short.”
“That’s what’s disappointing. We should’ve advanced to the Semifinals, but we failed. Obviously I’m disappointed in the officiating tonight. But I thought our guys gave a good effort and we should’ve walked off the field advancing in this tournament.”
EARTHQUAKES WINGBACK JAMAR RICKETTS
On Austin FC scoring both of their regulation goals from penalty kicks:
“It’s definitely frustrating. No team wants to tie the game from a penalty kick. But I think the group of guys we have, even when we do get scored on, it’s like a quick head down and quick head up and we’re right back. That’s one thing I really like about this group of guys that we keep fighting. No matter what, even to the end of the game. If somebody gets out, the subs will come in and keep fighting. But it’s definitely frustrating, and nobody wants to go through that, to be honest.”
On the team rallying around each other tonight:
“I think it’s great how the team rallied and we kept fighting all 120 minutes. Especially the players that came off the field, like Cristian [Espinoza] was hurt, and he was on the sideline yelling. I think it’s great to know that everybody has your back. If somebody got beat, the next person was stepping up. If somebody got hurt, we were putting in hard tackles. It’s definitely a great thing to feel that in the locker room, knowing that everybody has your back. We can take it into the next game knowing that we have something to prove and that we will rally behind every single player on the field.”
On young players earning playing time under Head Coach Bruce Arena:
“I think it’s great. It just feels good that Bruce has the faith, the confidence in us to give us opportunities. Especially in today’s game. We live up to the moment. We strive for this so that when we have a regular-season game, we’ve been here before. I think it’s great from all the young guys’ perspective that we just keep going out, keep fighting.”
On the team’s hopes to make the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs:
“We definitely have high aspirations. In our heads, we’re playing playoffs no matter what. I think if we’re going to make a good run and have the chance to really win the whole thing, I think we just need to fine-tune the small things and really come together and practice and keep being in unity. I think the coaching staff does a great job revealing who we’re playing against and knowing what we need to do. We just need to be fully locked in for the whole 90 minutes—today 120 minutes.”
####
Earthquakes Communications Contacts:
Ryan Maquiñana – Director, Communications
rmaquinana@sjearthquakes.com
C: 650.243.8523
Jake Jansing – Coordinator, Communications
jjansing@sjearthquakes.com
C: 408.425.1329
PRESS RELEASE:
July 5, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, New York Red Bulls 1
San Jose earns crucial point with second-half comeback despite finishing with 10 men; Quakes return to PayPal Park on Tuesday night to host Austin FC in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes drew with the New York Red Bulls 1-1 on Saturday night at PayPal Park in front of a crowd of 17,580 fans.
The visitors struck first in the 19th minute when Peter Stroud’s through ball connected with Emil Forsberg at the edge of the box, who slalomed around the back line to promptly slot the ball home with his left foot and give New York a 1-0 lead.
The Earthquakes answered in the second half when in the 58th minute, Cristian Espinoza streaked down the right wing and his cross intended for Vítor Costa was knocked in by the Red Bulls’ Mohammed Sofo for the equalizer. However, six minutes later, San Jose defender DeJuan Jones was booked for his second yellow card and the Quakes were down to 10 players the rest of the match.
Despite the man disadvantage, San Jose head coach Bruce Arena was playing to win and brought on attackers Preston Judd and Ousseni Bouda—the latter of whom ironically contributed on defense to block two New York attempts in crunch time. The back line and goalkeeper Daniel, named the Northern California Honda Dealers Man of the Match after making three saves, closed out the game and sealed the point.
The Black and Blue will now host Austin FC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals on Tuesday, July 8. Kickoff from PayPal Park will take place at 7:30 p.m. PT, with the match broadcast via CBS Sports Golazo Network and streamed on Paramount+.
GAME NOTES
The Earthquakes are currently 17-15-11 (62 GF, 69 GA) all-time against the Red Bulls with a 13-4-4 (41 GF, 24 GA) record at home.
The last time these two clubs met on Aug. 8, 2023, they also drew 1-1 with San Jose as the road team.
Currently in playoff position (7-7-7, 28 pts), the Quakes are sixth in the West and have only lost once in their last 12 games across all competitions dating back to May 3. Meanwhile, the Red Bulls (8-7-6, 30 pts) are eighth in the East and have only lost once in eight games across all competitions dating back to May 21.
Tonight marked the first Fireworks Night at PayPal Park.
Firing the pregame siren was Matt Field, Formula Drift Pro Championship Driver. Firing the halftime siren was a quartet of current San Francisco 49ers players: Malik Mustapha, Sam Okuayinonu, Yetur Gross-Matos and Curtis Robinson.
Quakes Head Coach/Sporting Director Bruce Arena, who grew up in Long Island, New York, coached the Red Bulls in 2006-07, leading them to the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in both of his campaigns.
Daniel made three saves to run his total to 67 (seventh in MLS) and earn Northern California Honda Dealers Man of the Match honors on the heels of MLS Team of the Matchday plaudits from last Saturday’s game.
Beau Leroux, Ousseni Bouda and Mark-Anthony Kaye all played tonight; they are the only Quakes who have appeared in all 21 MLS games this season. Only Kaye has appeared in all 23 matches when also counting the two Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup games the team has played so far. In the Round of 32 match vs. Sacramento Republic on May 7, Bouda was on the roster but was an unused substitute, while Leroux was not called up that night.
Cristian Espinoza, who was not selected for the MLS All-Star Game roster, still leads the league in several stats including key passes (70) and chances created per 90 minute (2.8). He is also second in all MLS in assists (11).
Cristian Espinoza has notched double-digit assists in four consecutive MLS seasons (2022: 14; 2023: 13; 2024: 14; 2025: 11 to date). Only six players have accomplished this feat in the last 20 years:
Carles Gil (2021-24), Hany Mukhtar (2021-24), Lucho Acosta (2021-24), Nico Lodeiro (2017-20) and Brad Davis (2009-12).
Cristian Espinoza also has five seasons overall with double-digit assists during his career (2019), making him one of 13 players all-time to have 10+ assists in five or more different MLS campaigns, joining an exclusive list with Preki (8), Brad Davis (7), Landon Donovan (7), Nico Lodeiro (6), Lucho Acosta (6), Carlos Valderrama (5), Robert Warzycha (5), Marco Etcheverry (5), Jaime Moreno (5), Carles Gil (5), Diego Valeri (5) and current Earthquakes assistant coach Steve Ralston (5).
With 41 goals in 21 matches, the Black and Blue are currently tied for second in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami CF and trailing only San Diego FC (44). The Quakes currently lead all of MLS in expected goals (44.17).
San Jose Earthquakes 1 – 1 New York Red Bulls
Saturday, July 5, 2025 – PayPal Park; San Jose, California
Weather: 65°F Sunny
Attendance: 17,580
Northern California Honda Dealers Man of the Match: Daniel
*all stats unofficial
Match Officials:
Referee: Malik Badawi
AR1: Jeremy Hanson
AR2: Chris Elliot
VAR: Geoff Gamble
AVAR: Fabio Tovar
4th Official: Gerald Flores
Scoring Summary:
NYRB (0-1) – Emil Forsberg (Peter Stroud) 19’
SJ (1-1) – Mohammed Sofo (Own Goal) 58’
Misconduct Summary:
SJ – DeJuan Jones (caution) 54’
NYRB – Kyle Duncan (caution) 60’
SJ – DeJuan Jones (caution, ejection) 64’
SJ – Preston Judd (caution) 80’
NYRB – Raheem Edwards (ejection) 87’
NYRB – Ronald Donkor (ejection) 90+2’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Daniel Munie, Dave Romney, Rodrigues; Ian Harkes (Benji Kikanović 77’), Cristian “Chicho” Arango, Cristian Espinoza (C), DeJuan Jones, Beau Leroux (Mark-Anthony Kaye 85’), Vítor Costa (Ousseni Bouda 77’); Josef Martínez (Preston Judd 77’).
Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK), Max Floriani, Amahl Pellegrino, Jamar Ricketts, Reid Roberts.
POSS.: 56.1%; SHOTS: 15; SOG: 3; CORNERS: 9; OFFSIDES: 3; SAVES: 4; FOULS: 9; xG: 1.9
NEW YORK RED BULLS: Carlos Coronel (GK); Noah Eile, Omar Valencia, Kyle Duncan (Alexander Hack 59’), Sean Nealis, Peter Stroud, Emil Forsberg (Wiktor Bogacz 90’), Wikelman Carmona (Julian Hall 80’), Mohammad Sofo, Daniel Edelman (Ronald Donkor 80’); Serge Ngoma (Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting 59’).
Substitutes not used: AJ Marcucci (GK), Raheem Edwards, Dennis Gjengaar, Dylan Nealis.
POSS.: 43.9%; SHOTS: 11; SOG: 5; CORNERS: 7; OFFSIDES: 4; SAVES: 3; FOULS: 13; xG: 0.9
EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA
On the team’s scoring opportunities tonight:
“I think the clearest opportunity was [Vítor] Costa’s obviously. [New York’s] best opportunity was the corner kick that was called offside. … I thought on the night, and especially given the fact we played probably 30 minutes with 10 players, we did a good job.”
On the team’s run of losing just once across all competitions in the last 12 matches:
“The team is doing a good job. I think tonight is a game where we can get three points and obviously circumstances preventing us from doing it. No excuses. We’re 21 games in and we have 13 left. There’s a lot ahead of us. Hopefully we can have some more positive results over the next month, or put us in a position we need for a playoff spot.”
On Ousseni Bouda and Benji Kikanović coming on in the 77th minute with the team down to 10 men:
“Bouda, Benji, they both did a good job. Obviously, playing with 10 players with 30 minutes or so, it took its toll. I thought our guys held up pretty well. At the end of the game, we had a counterattack opportunity off of their corner kick, where we should have been a little bit sharp on the play. I think we had a chance to be real dangerous and possibly get the winning goal.”
“The plan was to win the game. No question about that. They gave a great effort and I thought some fresh legs would help us.”
“[Benji] gives us good depth in the wide midfield positions. He got some minutes in tonight, so it’s good to have him. We have fairly good depth in the wide positions.”
On facing Austin FC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals on Tuesday:
“We’re going to play to win. Austin’s game [vs. LAFC] was canceled tonight, so they are coming here fresh. We have a team that has to recover pretty quick, so we have to decide by Monday what kind of adjustments we’re going to make for our team. But it’s an important game.”
EARTHQUAKES DEFENDER DAVE ROMNEY
On the team’s consistency having only lost once in 12 matches across all competitions:
“I think we’ve been a hard team to beat. We’ve been hard to play against, and it was unfortunate to give away a goal. I think we played very well to finish the first half, and then we came out well in the second half and got a really nice goal.”
On head coach Bruce Arena subbing on attacking players despite being a man down:
“Not super surprising, because this staff is very aggressive to begin with. We’re keeping the other team on their toes and trying to force a turnover so we can just get the ball in their half and score really well. I think they were thinking maybe we would let down or get really, really defensive, but we ended up changing from back five to a back four, and we had actually a decent amount of counterattacking chances to kind of keep them honest and not have us pinned back in our half. Happy with how we fought and can’t be mad at the point.”
On Bruce Arena’s trust of the depth on the roster;
“He believes in the depth of the team like crazy. He’s called upon everybody on the roster. I think everyone’s got minutes, and everyone stepped up. He’s definitely trusted a lot of guys, and a lot of guys have played really well. So although we have maybe some continuity right now, you just never know with injuries or form, who’s going to step in or who’s going to be needed. So I think he’s just been very adamant on just saying we believe in all 29 of you.”
On the short turnaround with the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals on Tuesday:
“I don’t know what lineup we’re going to go with right now. We’ve so far gone with completely different lineups for both Open Cup games, and I have no clue which way they’re going to kind of take it. For this one, I’m more than happy to play, because anytime you’re three games away from a trophy, you’re getting excited.”
####
Earthquakes Communications Contacts:
Ryan Maquiñana – Director, Communications
rmaquinana@sjearthquakes.com
C: 650.243.8523
Jake Jansing – Coordinator, Communications
jjansing@sjearthquakes.com
C: 408.425.1329
PRESS RELEASE:
May 24, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 3, Houston Dynamo FC 3
San Jose rallies from two goals down to earn draw, extend unbeaten streak in all competitions to seven games; Quakes now embark on road trip starting with archrival LA Galaxy on Wednesday
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes drew with Houston Dynamo FC 3-3 on Saturday night in Major League Soccer regular-season play at PayPal Park to extend their unbeaten streak in all competitions to seven games.
The Earthquakes almost got on the board first in the seventh minute but Josef Martínez’s shot from point-blank range was stopped in the box by Houston goalkeeper Jonathan Bond. In minute 21, Martínez again broke free down the middle of the box, this time off a feed from Hernán López, but Bond got a hand on the shot in the last moment once more to slap it away. Instead, the visitors got the breakthrough in the 31st minute when Griffin Dorsey streaked down the right wing in transition and crossed it in for Ezequiel Ponce, who finished the play to give Houston the lead. The Dynamo almost doubled their advantage 10 minutes later off a free kick but Edwards Jr. leaped to tip a Dorsey attempt over the crossbar to keep the deficit 1-0 at the half.
Houston pulled ahead 2-0 in the 50th minute when off the sequence of a corner kick, Felipe Andrade’s header from the left side of the six-yard box found the back of the net. San Jose almost pulled one back in the 54th minute when López crossed it in from the left wing for Martínez, but his header bounced off the woodwork. In the 59th minute, López threaded a through ball into the box for Martínez, but once again, Bond closed the angle and parried the shot on goal out of play. In minute 62, Beau Leroux got his head on a cross but Bond turned him away, too.
San Jose then exploded for three goals in 10 minutes to start and complete a rousing comeback. In the 66th minute, the Quakes’ attack finally beat the Houston goalkeeper in the 66th minute when second-half substitution Preston Judd directed a DeJuan Jones cross into the net to make it 2-1. In the 72nd minute, Judd made it a brace when he headed home an Ian Harkes cross for the 2-2 equalizer. Then four minutes later, Daniel Munie skied to head another Harkes cross past Bond to give San Jose their first lead of the night, 3-2.
However, Houston would answer in the 91st minute when the Dynamo caught the Quakes in transition and Dorsey emerged to score the tying goal. San Jose subsequently tried earnestly to recapture the lead in stoppage time, but the final whistle blew and the two teams split the points.
The Black and Blue will now travel to take on the LA Galaxy on Wednesday, May 28. Kickoff from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, will take place at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as via local radio KSFO 810 AM (English) and 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Earthquakes are currently 10-19-5 all-time vs. Houston Dynamo FC (44 GF, 55 GA) with an 8-6-4 (27 GF, 21 GA) home record.
San Jose is currently on a seven-game unbeaten streak in all competitions (4-0-3).
Heading into tonight, the Quakes’ attack led all MLS with 29 goals. To celebrate, the club gave away 2,900 hot dogs to fans before the match. With another three goals tonight, the Quakes stayed atop the league leaderboard with 32 goals and 34.13 expected goals.
Preston Judd scored his first and second MLS goals of the season, as well as the fifth and sixth goals of his career. Combined with his goal and assist in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play, he’s up to four goal contributions in all competitions (2g/2a).
DeJuan Jones, recently called up to the U.S. Men’s National Team for June training camp ahead of the Concacaf Gold Cup, amassed his fourth assist of the season and 26th of his MLS career.
The Quakes stayed unbeaten (3-0-3) in all games started by recent acquisition DeJuan Jones, who joined the team via trade with the Columbus Crew last month.
Ian Harkes had his first two assists of the MLS season tonight, running his career total to eight. He also had a goal vs. Inter Miami in his last league outing, giving him three goal contributions in his last two matches.
Daniel Munie’s 76th minute go-ahead goal was the first one of his MLS career.
Cristian Espinoza continues to lead all MLS with eight assists and 51 key passes.
Earl Edwards Jr.’s shutout streak in all competitions ended at 197 minutes after conceding Ezequiel Ponce’s 31st-minute goal.
Luca Ulrich, acquired via short-term loan earlier today from the Quakes’ MLS NEXT Pro team, The Town FC, was an unused substitute backing up Earl Edwards Jr. at goalkeeper.
San Jose Earthquakes 3 – 3 Houston Dynamo FC
Saturday, May 24, 2025 – PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 62°F Mostly Sunny
Man of the Match Presented by Northern California Honda Dealers: Preston Judd
*all stats unofficial
Match Officials:
Referee: Sergii Demianchuk
AR1: Chris Elliot
AR2: Stefan Tanaka-Freundt
VAR: Younes Marrakchi
AVAR: Mike Kampmeinert
4th Official: Ricardo Fierro
Scoring Summary:
HOU (0-1) – Ezequiel Ponce (Griffin Dorsey, Ondrej Lingr ) 31’
HOU (0-2) – Felipe Andrade (unassisted) 50’
SJ (1-2) – Preston Judd (DeJuan Jones) 66’
SJ (2-2) – Preston Judd (Ian Harkes) 72’
SJ (3-2) – Daniel Munie (Ian Harkes) 76’
HOU (3-3) – Griffin Dorsey (Franco Escobar, Jack McGlynn) 90+1’
Misconduct Summary:
HOU – Ezequiel Ponce (caution) 53’
SJ – Preston Judd (caution) 89’
HOU – Pablo Ortiz (caution) 89’
SJ – Reid Roberts (caution) 90+7’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Earl Edwards Jr.; Dave Romney, Daniel Munie, Max Floriani; Vítor Costa (Reid Roberts 87’), Ian Harkes, Beau Leroux, DeJuan Jones (Nick Lima 87’); Hernán López (Preston Judd 64’) (Preston Judd 64’), Cristian Espinoza (C), Josef Martínez.
Substitutes not used: Luca Ulrich (GK), Ousseni Bouda, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Benji Kikanović, Paul Marie, Amahl Pellegrino.
POSS.: 56.1%; SHOTS: 15; SOG: 8; CORNERS: 11; OFFSIDES: 3; SAVES: 1; FOULS: 14; xG: 3.9
HOUSTON DYNAMO FC: Jonathan Bond (GK); Pablo Ortiz, Femi Awodesu, Griffin Dorsey, Felipe Andrade (Franco Escobar 78’); Artur (C), Amine Bassi ( Toyosi Olusanya 83’), Ondrej Lingr, Jack McGlynn, Brooklyn Raines (Nicolas Lodeiro 83’) ; Ezequiel Ponce (Sebastian Kowalczyk 65’).
Substitutes not used: Jimmy Maurer (GK), Ethan Bartlow, Erik Duenas, Michael Halliday, Gabe Segal.
POSS.: 43.9%; SHOTS: 11; SOG: 3; CORNERS: 7; OFFSIDES: 4; SAVES: 4; FOULS: 19; xG: 1.8
EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA
On the team’s performance tonight:
“I give our players a lot of credit for coming back down from two goals and basically have the game won at the end. We didn’t manage the game very well at the end.”
“I think we could have done better on all the goals. We could have scored more goals. We should have come in at halftime ahead. We had some very good chances. We just have to be a little bit cleaner.”
On the Quakes’ seven-game unbeaten streak in all competitions:
“I mean, I’m not ready to have parade in downtown San Jose. We should have had three points.”
On the upcoming matched against LA Galaxy and St. Louis CITY SC:
“The team has done well over the last two or three weeks. We have two difficult games next week—to go to L.A. against a team that hasn’t won a game in 15 games. They’re going to be very well-prepared to try to get their first one of the year. That’ll be very challenging—as will the game in St. Louis. We have to step up and get it right there. Then take the break that we have and hopefully be prepared for the second half of this season.”
EARTHQUAKES FORWARD PRESTON JUDD
On coming back from a two-goal deficit in the second half to secure a draw:
“I think we’re trying to build our culture to never say die. We were down 2-0 and nobody really stopped believing. The result feels like a loss after the tie after we went up 3-2, but I think it’s a good learning point and to know we’re always in the game.”
“It feels a little disappointing with the draw. … I think we deserved three points there, but we did get a point down 2-0 so it’s a positive point.”
On scoring a brace off the bench against the Houston back line:
“Josef [Martínez] helped me out there because they paid a lot of attention to him, so I was able to get on their back shoulders, and they didn’t know where I was at, so I took advantage of that and finished those chances when I got them.”
“I think throughout my whole career I’ve been behind great players, and sitting behind them and learning from them is important. But when I get an opportunity, it’s important to take advantage of that. I think tonight I showed I’m ready to play when called upon.”
On any differences between last year and this year’s team:
“I try not to think too much about last year, but I think last year was just very unlucky. We’d get an unlucky bounce, or an unlucky call in the last 10 minutes, so it kind of felt inevitable at some points last year. And this year, we have the players. We have the passion. We have the grit to make a result out of it. We’re not going to stop believing.
####
Earthquakes Communications Contacts:
Ryan Maquiñana – Director, Communications
rmaquinana@sjearthquakes.com
C: 650.243.8523
Jake Jansing – Coordinator, Communications
jjansing@sjearthquakes.com
C: 408.425.1329
PRESS RELEASE:
May 14, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 3, Inter Miami CF 3
San Jose draws back-and-forth six-goal thriller to run unbeaten streak in all competitions to four games; Quakes now travel to face New England Revolution on Saturday
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes drew with Inter Miami CF 3-3 on Wednesday night in Major League Soccer regular-season play at PayPal Park in front of a sellout crowd of 18,000 fans.
The visitors struck first in the opening minute courtesy of a Maximiliano Falcón strike and Jordi Alba assist. However, the Quakes would answer immediately when Cristian Espinoza fed Cristian “Chicho” Arango for a third-minute equalizer to make it 1-1. The hosts pulled ahead in the 37th minute when Beau Leroux took advantage of a loose ball at the top of the box and drilled it home for a 2-1 lead. The two clubs then traded goals in the 44th minute and fourth minute of stoppage time, respectively. Tadeo Allende evened the score for Inter Miami, but Ian Harkes would have the final say of the first half, coolly placing the ball in the back of the net from the top of the box thanks to assists from Leroux and Amahl Pellegrino. San Jose led 3-2 at the break.
After intermission, Inter Miami once again knotted the score, when Lionel Messi and MLS debutant Baltasar Rodriguez assisted a streaking Allende for his second of the night. In the 62nd minute, Espinoza appeared to have recaptured the lead for San Jose with a left-footed strike, but the flag was up on the previous touch from Ousseni Bouda and game stayed tied. Though both sides had their chances to take ultimate control, the final whistle blew and the points were shared—extending the Quakes’ unbeaten streak to four matches in all competitions.
The Black and Blue will now travel this weekend to take on the New England Revolution on Saturday, May 17. Kickoff from Gillette Stadium will take place at 4:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as on local radio via KSFO 810 AM (English) and 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Earthquakes move to 0-1-1 all-time vs. Inter Miami CF (3 GF, 4 GA).
Chicho Arango scored his ninth goal of the season to move into second in the MLS Golden Boot race to Philadelphia’s Tai Baribo, who has 10. It was the Colombian forward’s 62nd career MLS goal. He would later come off in the first half after injuring his left leg.
Cristian Espinoza secured his eighth assist of the season on Arango’s goal to keep the MLS assist lead. It was his 79th career assist, a club record. He also continues to lead the league in key passes (49).
Cristian Espinoza extended his consecutive games streak—a club record and the longest active run in MLS—to 122, good for third all-time and second among field players.
Cristian Espinoza played in his 200th MLS game tonight—all with San Jose.
First-year midfielder Beau Leroux continues to impress in MLS play, scoring his second goal of the season and notching his third assist.
Ian Harkes also scored a goal (his first of the season and sixth of his MLS career) and notched an assist (his first of the season and seventh of his MLS career).
Vítor Costa had his second assist of the campaign and the fifth of his MLS career.
Amahl Pellegrino had his second assist of 2025 and the fourth of his MLS career.
Josef Martínez came on in the 69th minute. In 2023, he tallied eight goal contributions (7g/1a) for Inter Miami CF in MLS play, helping the Herons secure the Leagues Cup trophy.
Hernán López played his first MLS game since May 1, a 2-1 road win over Sporting Kansas City, coming on in the 79th minute and taking a late shot in search of a game-winning goal.
The Quakes continue to lead all MLS with 29 team goals after adding three more tonight. They are also tops in expected goals (29.78).
Daniel made two saves against Inter Miami, upping his total to 48 and keeping him second in MLS to Charlotte’s Kristijan Kahlina (54).
San Jose Earthquakes 3 – 3 Inter Miami CF
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 – PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 70°F Clear
Attendance: 18,000 (sellout)
Man of the Match Presented by Northern California Honda Dealers: Beau Leroux
*all stats unofficial
Match Officials:
Referee: Joe Dickerson
AR1: Jeremy Hanson
AR2: Kali Smith
4th Official: Victor Rivas
VAR: Chris Penso
AVAR: TJ Zablocki
Scoring Summary:
MIA (0-1) – Maximiliano Falcon (Jordi Alba) 1′
SJ (1-1) – Cristian “Chicho” Arango (Cristian Espinoza) 3’
SJ (2-1) – Beau Leroux (Ian Harkes, Vítor Costa) 37’
MIA (2-2) – Tadeo Allende (Benjamin Cremaschi) 44′
SJ (3-2) – Ian Harkes (Beau Leroux, Amahl Pellegrino) 45+4’
MIA (3-3) – Tadeo Allende (Baltasar Rodriguez) 52′
Misconduct Summary:
SJ – Vítor Costa (caution) 45+7’
SJ – Ousseni Bouda (caution) 66’
SJ – Dave Romney (caution) 74’
MIA – Noah Allen (caution) 74’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Daniel Munie, Dave Romney, Rodrigues (Max Floriani 69’); Ian Harkes (Mark-Anthony Kaye 79’), Crisitan Espinoza, Ousseni Bouda (Josef Martínez 69’), DeJuan Jones, Beau Leroux, Vítor Costa; Cristian “Chicho” Arango (Amahl Pellegrino 31 (Hernán López 79’)’).
Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK), Preston Judd, Nick Lima, Reid Roberts.
POSS.: 43.5%; SHOTS: 14; SOG:6; CORNERS: 7; OFFSIDES: 6; SAVES: 2; FOULS: 13; xG: 1.7
INTER MIAMI CF: Oscar Ustari (GK); Jordi Alba, Noah Allen, Maximiliano Falcon, Marcelo Weigandt (Gonzalo Lujan 70’); Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia (Hector Martínez 81’), Lionel Messi, Benjamin Cremaschi (Baltasar Rodriguez 46’), Yannick Bright (Federico Redondo 81’); Tadeo Allende.
Substitutes not used: Rocco Rios-Novo (GK), Leo, Afonso, Tomas Aviles, Ian Fray, Allen Obando.
POSS.: 56.5%; SHOTS: 9; SOG: 5; CORNERS: 2; OFFSIDES: 4; SAVES: 3; FOULS: 8; xG: 2.4
EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA
On facing Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF tonight:
“For the most part, we did a good job on Messi. He was threatening throughout the game. He’s a terrific player. Our guys did a good job. I think the opening couple of minutes were crazy—to concede a goal that early was poor on our part. I think the second and third goals, we could have been better. As any coach would tell you, we always look at what we could have done a little bit better. So give them credit—three goals, the finishes were great. So take the point and move on.”
“I think the biggest mistake we could have made tonight was to be too respectful of Messi. Some teams maybe get players around him a little tighter and try to dive the ball. We just want to play our game and try to be the better team tonight. At the same time, obviously have the greatest respect for a player of his skill and talent and all of that. So hopefully the people in the stands enjoyed the game.”
On Beau Leroux’s breakout debut MLS season so far:
“He’s been very good for us since game one. He came into preseason without a contract, and he earned a supplemental contract. By the end of our play in Coachella in preseason, he demonstrated that he was a player that could challenge to get into our first 11. We gave him the opportunities and he never shrunk at all. He’s just getting better and better every game. I thought his goal was outstanding tonight and [Ian] Harkes’ goal as well. So it’s good to see that those two got on the scoresheet.”
On room for improvement amid a four-game unbeaten streak in all competitions:
“Our record is not indicative of the way we’ve played over our first 13 games. We should have more points. Defensively, although we gave up three goals tonight, I thought at times we performed pretty well. The team is getting better defensively, but obviously we can’t concede in the first 15 seconds of the game. I think we could have done a better job in the second or third goal, but obviously that’s just a coach talking.”
“We’re getting better as a team. I’m hopeful that as we get through the first half of the season, we have a really good feel for who we are and where we need to go in the second half of the season.”
EARTHQUAKES FORWARD CRISTIAN ESPINOZA
On not being intimidated by the moment and playing their game:
“We came out to the field with that in mind, the mindset to deliver three points. There were a lot of moments where we had control of the game, but obviously they have a really good player. So that’s why the game was really open for both teams. But it’s really important to get points. Either it’s three points or at least one point tonight. As I said before, we tried everything. So we went for the three points, but at least we got one point. We need to keep growing as a team.”
On facing Lionel Messi again after his CD Alavés team upset FC Barcelona in 2016 at the Camp Nou:
“It was really special to me for my career. This was the second time that I could face Messi on the field. First was in Spain. I wasn’t able to get his jersey then [via trade], and today I did, so I’m really happy for that. And also being on the field as the captain of my team, while he also was a captain for Inter Miami. It was a really special moment for me, and I really enjoyed playing against Messi.”
On tonight’s energy from a sold-out crowd:
“I think it was amazing on the field for everybody. I think the fans really brought the noise today. In some moments, we only heard, “Messi, Messi,” but it’s part of the game. That’s it. I think we just did focus on the game. … But I think the team controlled their feelings really well and we just focused on what we have to do.”
On the team’s response after Chicho Arango left the game due to injury:
“The whole team was really focused on what we should do inside the field. We were preparing for this game the past four days. We knew it. We just put focus in what we have to do, and not too much focus on them. I think that was the key. And today, after their first goal, we can respond right away, and we tied the game. We were able to take the lead two times, actually, but yes, it was a really physical game.”
EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER BEAU LEROUX
On his 37th-minute goal:
“First and foremost, I want to thank God for all he had done for me. The goal just popped up on top of the box and I hit it well. It was fortunate enough to go in.”
On playing against Lionel Messi:
“I’ll remember it for the rest of my life. It’s an honor to share the field with him and all the great players on our team and their team. Not going to think about it too much. … Just looking forward to the next game.”
On his approach to the game this early in his career:
“It’s just staying humble. It really calms me and me being a follower of Christ, just it really calmed me as a player and as a person. That helps on and off the field.
On his midfield partnership with Ian Harkes, with both assisting each other on their respective goals:
“Our relationship has grown a lot. Him and I being new to the team, we have gotten better on chemistry. Like I said before, he’s like an older brother to me on the field and I just listen to him as much as possible, and we just feed and grow off of each other.”
####
Earthquakes Communications Contacts:
Ryan Maquiñana – Director, Communications
rmaquinana@sjearthquakes.com
C: 650.243.8523
Jake Jansing – Coordinator, Communications
jjansing@sjearthquakes.com
C: 408.425.1329
PRESS RELEASE:
April 19, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 3, Sporting Kansas City 5
San Jose climbs back from early 3-0 deficit but unable to complete second-half resurgence; Quakes go on the road next Saturday against Columbus Crew
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Sporting Kansas City 5-3 on Saturday night at PayPal Park in front of 14,147 fans.
Logan Ndenbe struck first for the visitors in the 18th minute when he scored from the left wing off a shared assist by Dejan Joveljic and Daniel Salloi. Three minutes later, Salloi hauled in a long ball from goalkeeper John Pulskamp and slotted it home to double SKC’s advantage. In the 24th minute, Shapi Suleymanov found Manu García in the box, who promptly finished the through ball to make it 3-0.
San Jose pulled one back in the 30th minute when defender Rodrigues dribbled deep into the attacking third and his through ball from the right wing was finished by a streaking Josef Martínez in the box. The Quakes drew closer in the 42nd minute when an Espinoza free kick near the right corner flag was headed past Pulskamp by Cristian “Chicho” Arango to make it 3-2 at intermission.
The Quakes aimed to complete the comeback in the second half, but in the 73rd minute, Salloi finished an Erik Thommy pass from the right wing into the back of the net to push the SKC lead back to 4-2. Thommy added a fifth for SKC in the 85th minute off a Manu Garcia feed. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, the Quakes drew a penalty and Arango converted from the spot for the final 5-3 margin.
The Black and Blue will now travel to Columbus, Ohio next Saturday, April 26, to take on the Columbus Crew. Kickoff from Lower.com Field will take place at 4:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as on local radio via KSFO 810 AM (English) and 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Earthquakes move to 27-33-10 all-time vs. Sporting KC (91 GF, 99 GA), with an 18-9-8 (53 GF, 40 GA) record at home. Tonight’s result evens the season series. In their last meeting back on March 1 in Kansas City, Kansas, the Quakes won 2-1 for their first road win over SKC since Aug. 19, 2015.
Quakes team captain Cristian Espinoza extended his consecutive games streak—a club record and the longest active run in MLS—to 118, third on the league’s all-time list.
The Quakes regained their spot atop the MLS team goals leaderboard after scoring three more to run their total to 19, two more than Vancouver. San Jose is also No. 1 in expected goals at 22.57, ahead of Vancouver’s 22.35.
Josef Martínez’s 30th-minute goal was his fifth of the season and 121st in his MLS career, extending his lead among all active players. He currently stands sixth all-time in MLS history. Martínez also now has six goal contributions in just five meetings with SKC (4g/2a).
Rodrigues’ assist on Josef Martínez’s 30th-minute goal was his first of the season and fourth of his career in MLS play.
Chicho Arango’s 42nd-minute and 94th-minute goals were his fifth and team-leading sixth of the season, as well as his 58th and 59th of his MLS career. Arango now has 10 goal contributions in nine MLS regular-season matches against SKC (7g/3a).
Cristian Espinoza’s assist on Chicho Arango’s 42nd-minute goal was his sixth of the season—tied for the league lead with Charlotte FC’s Pep Biel—and 77th of his career in MLS play, extending his club record. Espinoza also continues to lead MLS in key passes with 36, five more than Colorado’s Djordje Mihailovic (31).
Goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr. and defender Daniel Munie made their first starts of the season.
Max Floriani made his MLS and Quakes debut in the 88th minute, coming on for Rodrigues.
San Jose Earthquakes 3 – 5 Sporting Kansas City
Saturday, April 19, 2025 – PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 60°F Clear
Attendance: 14,147
Match Officials:
Referee: Joe Dickerson
AR1: Chris Elliot
AR2: Kevin Lock
VAR: David Barrie
AVAR: Tom Supple
4th Official: Brandon Stevis
Scoring Summary:
SKC (0-1) – Logan Ndenbe (Dejan Joveljic, Daniel Salloi) 18’
SKC (0-2) – Daniel Salloi (John Pulskamp) 21’
SKC (0-3) – Manu Garcia (Shapi Suleymanov) 24’
SJ (1-3) – Josef Martínez (Rodrigues) 30’
SJ (2-3) – Cristian “Chicho” Arango (Cristian Espinoza) 42’
SKC (2-4) – Daniel Salloi (Erik Thommy, Manu García) 73’
SKC (2-5) – Erik Thommy (Manu García) 85’
SJ (3-5) – Cristian “Chicho” Arango (penalty) 90+4’
Misconduct Summary:
SJ – Mark-Anthony Kaye (caution) 36’
SKC – Logan Ndenbe (caution) 41’
SJ – Rodrigues (caution) 52’
SKC – John Pulskamp (caution) 90+2’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK); Rodrigues (Max Floriani 88’), Daniel Munie, Dave Romney; Vítor Costa (Ousseni Bouda 78’), Mark-Anthony Kaye (Ian Harkes 46’), Beau Leroux (Preston Judd 81’), Niko Tsakiris (Amahl Pellegrino 78’), Cristian Espinoza (C); Cristian “Chicho” Arango, Josef Martínez.
Substitutes not used: Francesco Montali (GK), Nick Lima, Reid Roberts, Jamar Ricketts.
POSS.: 63.2%; SHOTS: 22; SOG: 6; CORNERS: 6; OFFSIDES: 7; SAVES: 0; FOULS: 13; xG: 4.2
SPORTING KANSAS CITY: John Pulskamp (GK); Khiry Shelton, Jansen Miller, Logan Ndenbe, Joaquin Fernandez (Robert Voloder 45+2’); Nemanja Radoja (Zorhan Bassong 67’), Jacob Bartlett, Manu García (Memo Rodriguez 90+1’); Daniel Salloi (C), Shapi Suleymanov (Erik Thommy 68’), Dejan Joveljic (William Agada 90+1’).
Substitutes not used: Ryan Schewe (GK), Stephen Afrifa, Andrew Brody, Tim Leibold.
POSS.: 36.8%; SHOTS: 8; SOG: 5; CORNERS: 0; OFFSIDES: 2; SAVES: 3; FOULS: 15; xG: 1.9
EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA
On the early first-half deficit:
“You concede three goals in the first 30 minutes; you don’t deserve to win. I give our team a lot of credit. We got it to 3-2 at halftime. I felt we were in position to win the game, but we continued to make some errors that were costly in the second half. Overall, it’s a poor performance on our part. There’s no two ways about it. … We were poor today. Give our opponent credit. They played hard. They converted the opportunities that were there. They deserve a lot of credit.”
On making costly mistakes in defense:
“Some players played pretty poorly tonight and made some big mistakes. I’ll take the responsibility for that. Those particular players are not going to step on the field again unless they can get it right and be more consistent in their play. We made some mistakes that I think cost us for sure.”
On the team’s inconsistent performance:
“You want consistency. You prefer to have players at this kind of level (makes straight-line motion with hand from left to right) as opposed to this (makes up and down motion with hand). We still have players that operate this way—very good, not good, very good, not good. That’s not good. We need more consistency from the individuals in the team. That’s something we’ve actually addressed. We need to be a smart team.”
EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER IAN HARKES
On where tonight’s game falls in relation to the rest of the season so far:
“There was kind of a good spark in terms of the season and how we started, and you know there’s bumps up and down in the road, but a game like tonight, you never want to see happen. … We have to bounce back. We know that the mistakes were unacceptable, and you can’t have that.”
On the team falling behind early and the comeback falling just short:
“I think we need to look at ourselves in terms of responsibility, the team and the mentality going into it. Because, like you said, seeing the way we were playing, the way we came back in the in the first half, it was just a classic way-too-late situation of where the game gets going and the players start to pick themselves up, but it’s already too late. We shouldn’t wait ‘til it’s 3-0 down to kind of have a kick in the butt, in terms of getting our mentality right. So we have to look at ourselves in the mirror. Every single person has to stand up, and try and be better.”
On adapting to injuries and stepping up collectively ahead of next Saturday’s game in Columbus:
“Yeah, it’s a responsibility of everyone on the team. You have to step up and the next guy up. When these things happen, injuries are going to happen. We don’t want them to, especially to top guys, but the next one has to step up and perform better. And I think again, it’s a mentality thing, and it doesn’t get any easier. We’re going to Columbus Crew, and they’re flying as a team and as a whole culture and club. So it’s going to be tough, but not impossible, and we have to get a desperate kind of three points now.”
####
Earthquakes Communications Contacts:
Ryan Maquiñana – Director, Communications
rmaquinana@sjearthquakes.com
C: 650.243.8523
Jake Jansing – Coordinator, Communications
jjansing@sjearthquakes.com
C: 408.425.1329
PRESS RELEASE:
April 6, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 6, D.C. United 1
Explosive first half, Josef Martínez hat trick propel San Jose back into win column on historic day commemorating 30 years of MLS; Quakes now go on the road to face LAFC next Saturday night
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes defeated D.C. United 6-1 on Sunday afternoon in Major League Soccer regular-season play at PayPal Park in front of 14,196 fans.
Today’s match commemorated Major League Soccer’s Inaugural Game on April 6, 1996. The Quakes, then known as the Clash, defeated D.C. United 1-0 on a late Eric Wynalda goal in front of 31,683 fans at Spartan Stadium in San Jose—an attendance record for a sporting event in the city at the time. Current Earthquakes Head Coach Bruce Arena was on the opposite sideline in the same role for D.C. United, while current Earthquakes midfielder Ian Harkes’ father John was a defender for the visitors.
Several former players from both teams were honored on the field at halftime: Wynalda, John Doyle, Eddie Lewis, Altimont “Freddie” Butler, Troy Dayak, Tom Liner, Dave Gold, Ramiro Corrales and Dave Salzwedel for the Clash, and Arena, Harkes, Jeff Agoos, Shawn Medved and Marco Etcheverry on hand for D.C. United. Quintessential Earthquakes and Clash cheerleader Krazy George also made his triumphant return to PayPal Park.
As for the game, the Quakes got off to a scorching start in the eighth minute when forward Cristian “Chicho” Arango headed a Cristian Espinoza corner kick off D.C. forward Christian Benteke past goalkeeper Joonhong Kim for a 1-0 lead. The hosts doubled their advantage in the 16th minute when forward Josef Martínez and midfielder Niko Tsakiris played an unconventional one-two with their heads in transition, with a streaking Martínez the final beneficiary for the clinical finish. The goal was Martínez’s 118th in MLS play, elevating him past Bradley Wright-Phillips for sixth on the league’s all-time list. San Jose wasn’t finished, and in the 20th minute, midfielder Beau Leroux was awarded a penalty kick after being fouled in the box by midfielder Matti Peltola. Quakes forward Cristian Espinoza converted from the spot in the 20th minute to make it 3-0. With his 33rd goal in Black and Blue, the Argentine captain jumped to fourth on the club’s all-time scoring list, passing Landon Donovan. Christian Benteke pulled one back for the visitors in the third minute of stoppage time in the first half after heading home a Derek Dodson cross from the right wing to make it 3-1.
The second half saw more attacks coming to fruition for the Black and Blue, as Martínez made it a brace in the 81st minute. The Venezuelan striker took in an incisive pass from forward Amahl Pellegrino and blasted it home to make it 4-1. Pellegrino added a goal of his own in the 90th minute for his first of the season, assisted by second-half substitutes Jamal Ricketts and Mark-Anthony Kaye for a 5-1 margin. Then in the second minute of stoppage time, Espinoza curled a ball from the right wing behind the D.C. back line for Martínez, who slotted the ball into the back of the net for the hat trick and final 6-1 scoreline.
The Black and Blue will now travel to Los Angeles next Saturday, April 12, to take on Los Angeles Football Club. Kickoff from BMO Stadium will take place at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as on local radio via KSFO 810 AM (English) and 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Quakes are currently 19-15-9 (72 GF, 69 GA) against D.C. United, with a 10-5-7 (41 GF, 31 GA) record at home. San Jose is now unbeaten in their last four against D.C. dating back to 2019 (2-0-2).
The Quakes scored six goals for the first time in MLS play since Sept. 19, 1999, when as the Clash, they defeated the Miami Fusion 6-1 powered by a brace from Ronald Cerritos.
Today’s match commemorated Major League Soccer’s Inaugural Game on April 6, 1996. The Quakes, formerly known as the Clash, defeated D.C. United 1-0 on an Eric Wynalda goal in front of 31,683 fans at Spartan Stadium in San Jose—an attendance record for a sporting event in the city at the time. Current Earthquakes Head Coach Bruce Arena was on the opposite sideline in the same role for D.C. United, while current Earthquakes midfielder Ian Harkes’ father John was a defender for the visitors.
Several former players from both teams were honored on the field at halftime: Wynalda, John Doyle, Eddie Lewis, Altimont “Freddie” Butler, Troy Dayak, Tom Liner, Dave Gold, Ramiro Corrales and Dave Salzwedel for the Clash, and Arena, Harkes, Jeff Agoos, Shawn Medved and Marco Etcheverry on hand for D.C. United. Quintessential Earthquakes and Clash cheerleader Krazy George also made his triumphant return to PayPal Park.
Quakes team captain Cristian Espinoza extended his consecutive games streak—the longest active run in MLS—to 116, third on the league’s all-time list.
With his 8th-minute goal, Quakes forward Cristian “Chicho” Arango scored his team-leading fourth goal this season and 57th of his career.
Assisting on Chicho Arango’s 8th-minute goal and Martínez’s 92nd-minute goal, Cristian Espinoza notched his fourth and fifth helpers of the season, and 75th and 76th of his career to extend his club record.
Cristian Espinoza also extended his league lead in key passes to 29, five more than Colorado’s Djordje Mihailovic and Seattle’s Albert Rusnák who are tied for second with 24.
With his 20th-minute penalty kick goal, Cristian Espinoza scored his first one of the season and passed Landon Donovan for fourth on the club career scoring list with 33.
With his 16th-minute, 81st-minute and 92nd-minute goals, Quakes forward Josef Martínez scored his second, third and fourth goals of the season as well as passed Bradley Wright-Phillips for sixth on the MLS career scoring list, going from 117 to 120 goals. The Venezuelan now has 12 goal contributions (11g/1a) in 15 matches vs. D.C.
Josef Martínez also became the seventh player in club history to record a hat trick. Only Chris Wondolowski has multiple three-goal games for San Jose (5).
Assisting on Josef Martínez’s 16th-minute goal, Niko Tsakiris notched his first helper of the season and second of his early MLS career.
Assisting on Josef Martínez’s 81st-minute goal, Amahl Pellegrino notched his first helper of the season and third of his MLS career.
Assisting on Amahl Pellegrino’s 90th-minute goal, Jamar Ricketts notched his first career MLS assist. Mark-Anthony Kaye also assisted on the goal, amassing his second helper of the season and 28th in his MLS career.
In addition to the big day in attack, goalkeeper Daniel’s performance in net was not to be overlooked. The Brazilian faced 17 shots (10 on goal), saving nine to keep D.C. United to one goal. Daniel now leads all MLS goalkeepers with 37 saves, four ahead of Charlotte’s Kristijan Kahlina with 33.
San Jose Earthquakes 6 – 1 D.C. United
Sunday, April 6, 2025 – PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 74°F Cloudy
Attendance: 14,196
Match Officials:
Referee: Victor Rivas
AR1: Jeremy Kieso
AR2: Stephen McGonagle
VAR: David Barrie
AVAR: Matthew Rodman
4th Official: Joe Dickerson
Scoring Summary:
SJ (1-0) – Chicho Arango (Cristian Espinoza) 8’
SJ (2-0) – Josef Martínez (Niko Tsakiris) 16’
SJ (3-0) – Cristian Espinoza (penalty kick) 20’
DC (3-1) – Christian Benteke (Derek Dodson) 45+3’
SJ (4-1) – Josef Martínez (Amahl Pellegrino) 81’
SJ (5-1) – Amahl Pellegrino (Jamar Ricketts, Mark-Anthony Kaye) 90’
SJ (6-1) – Josef Martínez (Cristian Espinoza) 90+2’
Misconduct Summary:
DC – Christian Benteke (caution) 18’
SJ – Dave Romney (caution) 59’
SJ – Vítor Costa (caution) 70’
DC – Lucas Bartlett (caution) 72’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Dave Romney, Bruno Wilson, Rodrigues; Vítor Costa (Jamar Ricketts 76’), Ian Harkes (Mark-Anthony Kaye 69’), Beau Leroux (Oscar Verhoeven 85’), Cristian Espinoza (C), Niko Tsakiris (Amahl Pellegrino 69’); Chicho Arango (Ousseni Bouda 85’), Josef Martínez.
Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK), Preston Judd, Daniel Munie, Reid Roberts.
POSS.: 45.8%; SHOTS: 20; SOG: 9; CORNERS: 3; OFFSIDES: 2; SAVES: 9; FOULS: 9; xG: 3.5
D.C. UNITED: Joonhong Kim (GK); Lucas Bartlett, Kye Rowles, Derek Dodson (Aaron Herrera 57’), David Schnegg; Matti Peltola (Randall Leal 73’), Joao Martins Peglow, Gabriel Pirani, Dominique Badji, Hosei Kijima (Rida Zouhir 46’); Christian Benteke (C).
Substitutes not used: Luis Barraza, (GK) Boris Enow, Lukas MacNaughton, Jacob Murrell, Brandon Servania, Jared Stroud.
POSS.: 54.2%; SHOTS: 17; SOG: 10; CORNERS: 4; OFFSIDES: 3; SAVES: 3; FOULS: 13; xG: 1.6
EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA
On facing D.C. United:
“I think the first 10 minutes of the game they had an advantage on us. I thought they came out well. They pressed us up high. Second half, they started and got a really good chance. It could have been 3-2 and then you see people get a little nervous at that point. I think the scoreline is a little unfair. They’re a team that’ll be fine as they move forward. As a starting point, to have the best goalscorer in the league doesn’t hurt. I think they’re going to find ways to win games and be very competitive.”
On the team’s dominant attack today:
“Niko [Tsakiris] did well. As he gets more experience, I think he’ll get a little better at this level and play a little quicker. He’s a kid with some talent. There were some good plays and good passes on his part. That’s encouraging. [Amahl] Pellegrino is a goalscorer. He’s got a good nose to the goal. He knows how to get good forward positions and nice to see him finishing today. He had a couple chances during the year that he hadn’t put in the back of the net. It’s good to see that he got a goal today. [Josef] Martínez has three goals, Chicho [Arango] goal and [Cristian] Espinoza. A good afternoon. Let’s be fair. I don’t think that’s a fair score line today. That’s not a 6-1 game. I’m going to take it. Schedule this game every 30 years and we’d be in good shape.”
On Josef Martínez’s impact on the team:
“He’s a pure 9 (striker). He has a great nose for the goal. I think some of our issues in our first six games away, Josef missed one of the games with international duty. We haven’t found him. We haven’t noticed some of the runs he’s made today. He’s getting some chances. He scored three goals. He could have had a fourth one right at the end. That’s a real positive. I’ve been around players like Josef in my career, so I have a good sense of how they’re thinking. … I had Marco Etcheverry here this weekend, who I absolutely love and is one of the greatest players in history of this league. I talked to him about some of his counterparts in South America. I love these players. They come here and they really buy into the league. It’s really rewarding to have those kind of players on the team.”
On the growth of MLS since 1996:
“The talent and league have improved. The American players are considerably better. The facilities at some of our clubs are world-class. They’re beautiful stadiums, great training facilities and good coaches. The league is moving forward. I think the World Cup is going to be exciting for the sport in this country. It’s going to be a big boost to MLS because I think we’re going to see some real players coming to MLS for the 2027 season.”
On American players in MLS:
“I’m very much in favor of getting Americans developed. Even today, we see two young players in the midfield for us in Beau Leroux and [Niko Tsakiris]. [Jamar] Ricketts played. In the back line, we have [Dave] Romney as an American player and [Ian] Harkes as well. I think that’s important that we can continue to grow the sport in our country and develop our players as well.”
EARTHQUAKES CAPTAIN CRISTIAN ESPINOZA
On the decision to take the penalty kick over forwards Josef Martinez and Chicho Arango:
“In the moment, I felt really confident to take it and I asked them if they would let me take the P.K. They were really open to let me take it.”
On the dominant scoreline at the end of the first half:
“In football, you never know what’s going to happen. The game is 90 minutes. You have to be focused the entire time. We were winning 3-0. By the end of the first half, a goal put them in a good position to fight for the game again. We knew it. In the second half, we came out on the field knowing that [D.C. United] was going to push the game. We had to be ready to respond. That’s what we did.”
“It’s amazing. I always enjoy when I see my teammates score. Obviously, even more when I help them.”
On the team’s areas for improvement moving forward:
“We’re improving a lot in so many things. I think the compactness of the team is really important to keep all the lines together. When you move as a team, you keep the shape really tight between lines. Don’t let the other team play in between you. Sometimes you need to sacrifice yourself. Run a little bit more. That’s what we demand inside the field for each other.”
On Beau Leroux’s performance this season:
“He was not part of the first team last year and the previous years, but we were training together. I saw right away the quality of player that he is. He has a chance to show that every single weekend. He’s doing an amazing job. He’s becoming a really important piece for this team.”
EARTHQUAKES FORWARD JOSEF MARTÍNEZ
On scoring the hat trick:
“It’s taken maybe seven games to get sharp. Today’s special, not because of the three goals, but because my son was here. That’s what was most important for me. We worked a lot this week and we pushed a lot. We deserved this game. The last two games at home, we didn’t get the result the way we wanted, but today was a special day for everyone, and we gave them what they deserved.”
On D.C. United’s approach to defend:
“We saw in the video that D.C. United was a tough team. Maybe we didn’t expect to score that early, but the second one and third one came easier because they pushed a lot and were leaving a lot of space for us. The moment we were more patient with the ball, we created more chances. Maybe today was a good example and we have to continue with that.”
On the decision for Cristian Espinoza to take the penalty kick:
“When the penalty was there to take, Chicho and myself discussed who wanted to take it. We didn’t want to fight and we saw Cristian had a chance to score, so we left it with him. We have a lot of confidence in eac other. We’re not jealous of who scores. And in the end, it’s a team, so if you score, we’re happy, we’re winning, and that’s what’s important for us.”
On the league’s growth since his arrival in 2017:
“Amazing. I came here in 2017, and today, it’s another league, especially the level. The teams come here to fight and compete, bringing in important players. Every game is a battle. I’m so happy to be in this league for all this time, and I’m happy to be in San Jose.”
####
Earthquakes Communications Contacts:
Ryan Maquiñana – Director, Communications
rmaquinana@sjearthquakes.com
C: 650.243.8523
Jake Jansing – Coordinator, Communications
jjansing@sjearthquakes.com
C: 408.425.1329
PRESS RELEASE:
March 29, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, Seattle Sounders FC 1
San Jose draws first leg of 2025 Heritage Cup; Quakes continue homestand at PayPal Park next Sunday afternoon vs. D.C. United in match commemorating 30 years of MLS since inaugural game at Spartan Stadium in 1996
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes drew with Seattle Sounders FC 1-1 on Saturday night in Major League Soccer regular-season play in front of 15,228 fans at PayPal Park.
The Quakes struck first in the 32nd minute when midfielder Beau Leroux intercepted a pass in the center of the pitch and unleashed a shot from just outside the box. The ball deflected off a sliding defender and floated over Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei for the San Jose native’s first MLS goal.
After intermission, the visitors assailed the net in search of an equalizer, but the Quakes’ sturdy back line and goalkeeper Daniel repeatedly turned them away, making seven consecutive saves. However, in the 80th minute, forward Albert Rusnak’s blast from the right wing found the back of the net to knot the score 1-1.
The Black and Blue will continue their homestand next Sunday, April 6, when they take on D.C. United in a match commemorating 30 years of MLS since the inaugural game took place at Spartan Stadium, which took place between the two clubs at Spartan Stadium in 1996. Kickoff from PayPal Park will take place at 2 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as on local radio via KSFO 810 AM (English) and 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Quakes move to 15-15-11 all-time against Seattle Sounders FC in MLS play (48 GF, 58 GA) with an 8-5-6 home record (25 GF, 19 GA). San Jose is 5-0-3 vs. Seattle in all competitions since 2021, 4-0-3 in MLS play, and 3-0-1 at PayPal Park during that stretch.
Tonight marked the first leg of the 2025 edition of the Heritage Cup, a competition honoring the two teams’ history in the North American Soccer League (NASL). Head-to-head points determines the winner, with goal differential followed by total goals during the two matches as the first tiebreakers. Seattle has won eight times (2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021), while San Jose has won eight times (2009, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024) and is aiming to keep the Heritage Cup a fourth consecutive year.
Quakes forward/team captain Cristian Espinoza extended his consecutive games streak—a club record and the longest active run in MLS—to 115, good for third all-time. Only Luis Robles (183) and Chris Klein (141) are ahead of him on the list.
MLS ALL-TIME CONSECUTIVE GAMES
183 Luis Robles (2012-18)
141 Chris Klein (2005-09)*
115 Cristian Espinoza (2021-present)*
113 David Ousted (2013-16)
*field players
Defender Reid Roberts, who made his MLS and Quakes debut in the second half last Saturday vs. Charlotte FC, made his first start tonight. The Quakes acquired the fifth overall pick in the first round of this year’s MLS SuperDraft from the New England Revolution to select Roberts out of the University of San Francisco.
Quakes midfielder Beau Leroux, a San Jose native and 2024 MLS SuperDraft second-round pick out of San Jose State, scored his first MLS goal in the 32nd minute. He had an assist in the Feb. 22 season-opening win over Real Salt Lake.
Daniel again showed why he is one of the league’s elite goalkeepers, facing 26 shots (19 in the second half) and saving nine of them. The Brazilian now leads all of MLS in saves as of Saturday night with 28.
MLS 2025 GOALKEEPER SAVE LEADERS
28 Daniel (SJ)
27 Kristijan Kahlina (CLT)
27 Jonathan Sirois (MTL)
27 Zack Steffen (COL)
San Jose Earthquakes 1 – 1 Seattle Sounders FC
Saturday, March 29, 2025 – PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 55°F Cloudy
Attendance: 15,228
Match Officials:
Referee: Guido Gonzales, Jr.
AR1: Micheal Barwegen
AR2: Gerard-Kader Lebuis
VAR: Michael Radchuk
AVAR: Kathryn Nesbitt
4th Official: Malik Badawi
Scoring Summary:
SJ (1-0) – Beau Leroux (unassisted) 32’
SEA (1-1) – Albert Rusnak (Cristian Roldan, Jesus Ferreira) 80’
Misconduct Summary:
SJ – Cristian Espinoza (caution) 35’
SJ – Ousseni Bouda (caution) 59’
SEA – Jackson Ragen (caution) 90+2’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Rodrigues, Bruno Wilson, Dave Romney; Cristian Espinoza (C), Ian Harkes, Cristian “Chicho” Arango, Beau Leroux (Mark-Anthony Kaye 86’), Reid Roberts (Daniel Munie 73’); Ousseni Bouda (Josef Martínez 73’), Preston Judd (Nick Lima 66’).
Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK), Paul Marie, Amahl Pellegrino, Jamar Ricketts, Jack Skahan.
POSS.: 40.4%; SHOTS: 10; SOG: 3; CORNERS: 4; OFFSIDES: 2; SAVES: 9; FOULS: 18; xG: 1.1
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC: Stefan Frei (C) (GK), Nouhou, Jackson Ragen, Yeimar; Joao Paulo (Danny Musovski 46’), Paul Rothrock (Georgi Minoungou 73’), Alex Roldan, Obed Vargas; Cristian Roldan, Albert Rusnak, Jesus Ferreira.
Substitutes not used: Andrew Thomas (GK), Cody Baker, Reed Baker-Whiting, Jonathan Bell, Kim Kee-hee, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, Danny Leyva.
POSS.: 59.6%; SHOTS: 26; SOG: 10; CORNERS: 12; OFFSIDES: 6; SAVES: 2; FOULS: 13; xG: 2.3
EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA
On the team’s overall performance tonight:
“The first half we played well, but the second half we did not. Give Seattle a lot of credit; they have a good team. [They’ve] been together a long time, very experienced and obviously put on a lot of pressure. To get a point is a fair result.”
On the team’s standing in the league during this early juncture of the season:
“We’ve played six games to date. The first four games, we should have got a result in every game. In Charlotte, we didn’t play well. Tonight, against a real good team, we had a good first half. Second half wasn’t what I wanted. … There’s a lot of things going on in the league right now. If you look at some of the scores today, it’s a league where everybody’s a little bit up and down right now. It’s still early in the season and we’ll take it one game at a time.”
On the team’s attack and finishing ability:
“It’s certainly something that we know has to get better. Against this team tonight, they’re a good team. I think they scored five or six goals a couple weeks ago. We have to get [Josef] Martínez and [Chicho] Arango on the field together. We had to be careful with Josef tonight because of his traveling [due to international duty]. I think we really need to see our team through the first half of the season to really be able to analyze correctly where we’re at and where we need to go.”
On Beau Leroux returning to the starting lineup and scoring his first MLS goal:
“Beau has been very good. He’s a player with not a whole lot of experience at this level and he’s done very well. I thought he ran out of gas a little bit tonight. That’s why we made the change. He’s been a pleasant surprise.”
“I’m not sure that’s one he’s going to be showing his grandchildren, but it’s nice to get a goal.”
EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER BEAU LEROUX
On developing as a young player and having veterans like Ian Harkes for guidance:
“It’s been great, just learning something new every day from the guys and being involved in trainings and games, just growing and learning as a player.”
“It’s been great. I mean Ian and I get along so well. You know, people have told me that he looks like an older brother on the field, and that’s kind of how it’s been and feels like.”
On the significance of scoring his first goal:
“I kissed the badge. This club means everything to me. You know they took a chance on me. I just love this club. I love San Jose and the people. I definitely feel some weight off my shoulders, but still have a lot to work on. So we still have a lot to do to get these results and go for three points.”
On head coach Bruce Arena having faith in him to start after making his MLS debut this season:
“It’s great. I thank Bruce a lot that he trusts me that much, and the whole coaching staff and the players trust me that much. I just go out there and do the best I can to help the team.”
####
Earthquakes Communications Contacts:
Ryan Maquiñana – Director, Communications
rmaquinana@sjearthquakes.com
C: 650.243.8523
Jake Jansing – Coordinator, Communications
jjansing@sjearthquakes.com
C: 408.425.1329