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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
PRESS RELEASE:
March 15, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, Colorado Rapids 2
San Jose edged in second half after Chicho Arango equalizer before intermission; Quakes go on the road next Saturday to face Charlotte FC
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes fell to the Colorado Rapids 2-1 on Saturday night at PayPal Park in front of 15,302 fans.
The visitors got on the board first in the 38th minute when Earthquakes goalkeeper Daniel parried away a cross from the left wing, but Colorado midfielder Cole Bassett poked in the rebound—one of only two Rapids shots in the half. However, San Jose answered in the first minute of stoppage time as the half wound down. Chicho Arango thumped a Cristian Espinoza corner kick into the back of the net for the equalizer to knot the match 1-1 at intermission.
The pitch opened up for both teams in the second half. In the 59th minute, Rapids winger Djordje Mihailovic broke free down the middle but his blazing shot from the edge of the box was batted away by Daniel. San Jose had a chance two minutes later but Ousseni Bouda’s blast bounced off the crossbar. Finally in the 71st minute, Colorado broke the deadlock when defender Keegan Rosenberry’s through ball found midfielder Omir Fernandez on the left wing, who then connected with second-half substitute Calvin Harris for the go-ahead goal.
The Black and Blue will now travel to Charlotte, North Carolina, next Saturday, March 22, when they take on Charlotte FC. Kickoff from Bank of America 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
San Jose moved to 33-27-19 in MLS play against the Colorado Rapids (104 GF, 100 GA) with a home record of 19-11-9 (58 GF, 43 GA).
Quakes forward Chicho Arango scored at the beginning of stoppage time in the first half (45+1’) for his second goal of the season and 55th of his MLS career. Arango also stayed hot against Colorado, earning his seventh goal contribution (5g/2a) in seven MLS matches vs. the Rapids.
Quakes forward/team captain Cristian Espinoza’s first-half assist on Chicho Arango’s goal was his third on the season and 74th career helper, extending his club record.
Quakes forward/team captain Cristian Espinoza extended his consecutive games streak—a club record and the longest active run in MLS—to 113, tying David Ousted 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)*
113 Cristian Espinoza (2021-present)*
113 David Ousted (2013-16)
112 Kevin Hartman (2006-09)
*field players
The Quakes’ attack put Colorado goalkeeper Zack Steffen to the test, unleashing 28 shots (13 on goal), the most since Nov. 7, 2021, in a 1-1 draw with FC Dallas (also 28 shots, seven on goal).
Colorado head coach Chris Armas earned 66 caps for the U.S. Men’s National Team playing for current Quakes head coach Bruce Arena and assistant coach Dave Sarachan (1998-2005). At club level, Armas also played for Sarachan on the Chicago Fire (2002-07).
Father faced son tonight as Quakes assistant coach Dave Sarachan’s son Ian is an assistant on Chris Armas’ Colorado coaching staff.
San Jose Earthquakes 1 – 2 Colorado Rapids
Saturday, March 15, 2025 – PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 55°F Partly Cloudy
Attendance: 15,302
Match Officials:
Referee: Alexis Da Silva
AR1: Adam Garner
AR2: Felisha Mariscal
VAR: Younes Marrakchi
AVAR: Mike Kampmeinert
4th Official: Corbyn May
Scoring Summary:
COL (0-1) – Cole Bassett (unassisted) 38’
SJ (1-1) – Chicho Arango (Cristian Espinoza) 45+1’
COL (1-2) – Calvin Harris (Omir Fernandez, Keegan Rosenberry ) 71’
Misconduct Summary:
COL – Reggie Cannon (caution) 57’
SJ – Chicho Arango (caution) 81’
COL – Zack Steffen (caution) 90+1’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Nick Lima, Bruno Wilson, Dave Romney, Jamar Ricketts (Vítor Costa 81’); Ian Harkes (Niko Tsakiris 81’), Beau Leroux (Mark-Anthony Kaye 58’); Cristian Espinoza (C), Chicho Arango (Preston Judd 90+3’), Ousseni Bouda (Amahl Pellegrino 81’); Josef Martínez.
Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK), Daniel Munie, Rodrigues, Oscar Verhoeven.
POSS.: 59.9%; SHOTS: 28; SOG: 13; CORNERS: 10; OFFSIDES: 1; SAVES: 2; FOULS: 9; xG: 3.1
COLORADO RAPIDS: Zack Steffen (GK); Reggie Cannon, Andreas Maxso, Chidozie Awaziem, Keegan Rosenberry (C), Wayne Frederick (Omir Fernandez 65’), Cole Bassett, Oliver Larraz; Kevin Cabral (Calvin Harris 65’), Djordje Mihailovic, Rafael Navarro.
Substitutes not used: Adam Beaudry (GK), Samuel Bassett, Michael Edwards, Ali Fadal, Alexander Harris, Ian Murphy, Darren Yapi.
POSS.: 40.1%; SHOTS: 9; SOG: 4; CORNERS: 4; OFFSIDES: 3; SAVES: 12; FOULS: 9; xG: 2.2
EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA
On bouncing back in the first half before conceding the game-winner after intermission:
“Obviously it was great to get the goal back right at the end of half. On the night we played well enough to come out of it with at least a point. And [we had] a couple mental breakdowns for sure. The second goal was just a mistake … and it cost us dearly.”
On Chicho Arango’s second goal of the season and the team’s approach in the second half:
“Chicho scored a great goal. At halftime we felt we were in control of the game although we had to come from behind. The second half, I thought we played well and they created one good scoring opportunity with that breakaway, and Daniel makes a big save. I thought we were in position to push the game real hard the last 20 minutes and get three minutes, and failed when we had a lapse defensively. You do that, you deserve to lose the game.”
On the Quakes taking 28 shots on Colorado goalkeeper Zack Steffen but unable to convert the equalizer:
“The keeper made some good saves for sure. I think we squandered a few chances and a couple plays where we needed to be cleaner on the ball to create a good chance at goal. We failed. We walk away with only one goal and I think a couple mistakes that cost us in conceding. Those things have to be cleaned up. There’s no excuses for that.”
EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER IAN HARKES
On overall thoughts of the match:
“It was a similar feeling to the Minnesota [United FC] game in terms of how much possession we had, how much we were on top of them, and starting well. I think we have to capitalize on those starts, like we did the first two games. Scoring early always helps with the confidence, but making sure we shore up the back line as well. That’s everyone, not just the back line, but all eleven players when those transition moments happen, because we knew Colorado was going to be a transition team. I think the goals you could see tonight were just too easy from us.”
On the frustration of scoring once despite taking 28 shots:
“It’s very frustrating. They have a good keeper, Zack Steffen, and he usually comes up with big saves. I think we could have definitely done better and been more clinical on our chances. We created way too much to not come away with at least a point tonight. We’re going to be frustrated with that. That’s everyone on the team, not just the strikers, but I think we have to be clinical. We had those chances, especially second half — two 3v1s and 2v1s that just weren’t finding the right pass or the final touch. We’ll get that right hopefully into next week.”
On finishing goalscoring opportunities:
“I think it’s just making the right decision, picking the right pass and I think you could see that tonight. We were getting down the right side a lot with Cristian [Espinoza], with Nick Lima doing really well in the wide flank. So I think just picking the right pass and obviously just following it up with a with a clinical finish. Those moments will happen and keep falling for us, if we keep providing those opportunities.”
On looking ahead to the team’s next match on the road at Charlotte FC:
“I think we’re a confident group going into every game and I think that that’s why we’re disappointed right now. It’s only going to build even further going into Charlotte. They’re a very good team, away from home. It’s a tough place to play, so we have to be ready and we have to have a response.”
####
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 8, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 0, Minnesota United FC 1
San Jose incurs first loss of season; Quakes continue homestand next Saturday vs. Colorado Rapids
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Minnesota United FC 1-0 on Saturday night in front of 16,102 fans at PayPal Park.
The visitors got on the board first in the 33rd minute when Kelvin Yeboah volleyed home a Michael Boxall service from the right wing to give MNUFC a 1-0 lead. The Quakes went on a furious run in the second half, unleashing 11 shots, but could not find the equalizer before the final whistle for their first defeat of the season.
The Black and Blue continue their homestand next Saturday, March 15, when they take on the Colorado Rapids. Kickoff from PayPal Park 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
San Jose moved to 5-7-4 all-time vs. Minnesota United FC (21 GF, 27 GA) with a home record of 3-4-2 (13 GF, 17 GA). Tonight’s win snaps a four-game winless streak against the Loons (0-2-2). In the Black and Blue’s last win over MNUFC, Shea Salinas and Benji Kikanović netted in a 2-0 win at PayPal Park.
Minnesota United FC’s 33rd-minute goal marked the first time all season the Quakes faced a deficit after 212 minutes.
Goalkeeper Daniel shone once again, making five saves on the night.
Cristian Espinoza extended his run of consecutive MLS regular-season games played tonight to a current league-high of 112 (Oct. 2, 2021 – present). The streak is not only a Quakes record but now tied for fourth longest in MLS history with former goalkeeper Kevin Hartman and second among all field players, trailing only Chris Klein (141). Former goalkeeper Luis Robles holds the all-time league record regardless of position with 183 straight appearances (Sept. 29, 2012 – May 12, 2018).
San Jose Earthquakes 0 – 1 Minnesota United FC
Saturday, March 8, 2025 – PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 55°F Clear
Attendance: 16,102
Match Officials:
Referee: Ricardo Fierro
AR1: Chris Elliot
AR2: Eduardo Jeff
VAR: Sorin Stoica
AVAR: Craig Lowry
4th: Lorenzo Hernandez
Scoring Summary:
MIN (0-1) – Kelvin Yeboah (Michael Boxall, Tani Oluwaseyi) 33’
Misconduct Summary:
MIN – Hassani Dotson (caution) 45’
SJ – Beau Leroux (caution) 61’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Rodrigues (Niko Tsakiris 90+2’), Bruno Wilson, Dave Romney; Jamar Ricketts (Vítor Costa 69’), Ian Harkes (Mark-Anthony Kaye 70’), Beau Leroux (Preston Judd 79’), Cristian Espinoza (C); Amahl Pellegrino (Ousseni Bouda 70’), Chicho Arango, Josef Martínez.
Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK), Max Floriani, Nick Lima, Daniel Munie.
POSS.: 68.4%; SHOTS: 15; SOG: 3; CORNERS: 10; OFFSIDES: 3; SAVES: 5; FOULS: 8; xG: 1.5
MINNESOTA UNITED FC: Dayne St. Clair (GK); Anthony Markanich (Fernando Romero 87’); Michael Boxall (C), Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Morris Duggan, Jefferson Diaz (Carlos Harvey 65’); Robin Lod (Joaquin Pereyra 79’), Will Trapp, Hassani Dotson; Kelvin Yeboah (Sang Bin Jeong 65’), Tani Oluwayesi (Owen Frantz Gene 79’).
Substitutes not used: Alec Smir (GK), Devin Padelford, Hoyeon Jung, Samuel Shashoua.
POSS.: 31.6%; SHOTS: 10; SOG: 6; CORNERS: 4; OFFSIDES: 6; SAVES: 2; FOULS: 13; xG: 1.9
EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA
On his overall thoughts of the game:
“[Minnesota United FC] have an experienced team and obviously they have a very good defensive posture, and they were hard to break down. We need to be a little bit cleaner technically to try to create some other chances and give them a lot of credit. Our team played hard. They played well, in segments of the game, but not well enough to get a goal and at least walk off the field with a point.”
On conceding the lone goal of the match:
“[Minnesota United FC] defended very well. They dealt with a lot of crosses quite well. We obviously made a mistake on the goal, not clearing the ball properly, and not doing a good job stepping to the player who finished. I don’t even know who finished the goal, but bad defending on our part on that particular play, I’m not concerned about a couple of chances they got at the end of the game, because we were very exposed trying to get the goal. We opened ourselves up. We were well aware that was going to happen. I give our keeper [Daniel] credit. He made a lot of good saves.”
On trying to score on Minnesota United FC’s five-man back line:
“We could have been better in creating some better chances, but they were a tough team to break down with the numbers they put behind the ball and the back line. They did a good job.”
On the defense playing relatively well, having only conceded one goal in the run of play in three games:
“They are playing well and getting more comfortable with each other, but every phase of the game we can be better. Tonight, we didn’t create enough quality chances. That’s obviously an area we have to work on.”
EARTHQUAKES FORWARD CRISTIAN ESPINOZA
On almost converting his second-half free kick:
“Yes, absolutely yes, As soon as I saw the ball going over the wall, I was almost expecting that it was going to end up inside the net. It was very close, but unfortunately, I didn’t score the goal.”
On having Chicho Arango as a dual option on free kicks:
“It’s always pretty good to have a different option to take the free kick; it’s good for us. Unfortunately, we didn’t have Hernán [López] available, but Hernán also is a player who can also take the free kick, and he’s also a lefty. So we have a lot of options.”
On what was missing tonight in attack:
“We tried everything to break down the line of five they put in the back. I think it’s very difficult to have the opportunities to score when they put the lines too low, and when they defend for most of the game with almost nine players inside the box. But as I say, we need to keep working and improving, because probably during the season, we’re going to face another similar situation.”
On tonight’s result not affecting the team’s confidence:
“I think is so far it’s been pretty good. Tonight’s result won’t affect what we did. I think that we have a really strong team, a really strong lineup, and really good players this year. It’s a good mix between experienced and young players. We just need to keep working. We’re going to face this situation again during the year. We’re going to face teams here at PayPal Park who are going to defend the whole game, and we need to be ready for 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:
Feb. 22, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 4, Real Salt Lake 0
San Jose triumphant in new coach Bruce Arena’s Earthquakes debut; Cristian Espinoza dazzles home crowd with three assists
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Real Salt Lake 4-0 on Saturday night in front of 17,432 fans at PayPal Park to open the 2025 Major League season.
San Jose struck first in the 28th minute when Cristian Espinoza passed to recently signed midfielder Beau Leroux on the right wing. The debutant’s incisive pass rolled through the box to a streaking Jamar Ricketts, who scored his first MLS goal.
The Earthquakes doubled their advantage in the 70th minute when Espinoza’s corner kick was headed home by a leaping Rodrigues. Four minutes later, San Jose put the match away when Espinoza’s long ball, his third assist of the night, found forward Ousseni Bouda, who coolly finished to put the Quakes up 3-0. Defender Vítor Costa added an exclamation point in the 84th minute when he slotted a Mark-Anthony Kaye pass into the back of the net for the final 4-0 margin.
The Black and Blue will now head out on their first road trip of the season to take on Sporting Kansas City next Saturday, Mar. 1. Kickoff from Children’s Mercy Park will take place at 5:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as on local radio via KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM (English) and 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
With the win, San Jose moved to 17-15-12 all-time vs. RSL (61 GF, 62 GA) with a home record of 11-7-5 (40 GF, 28 GA).
The 4-0 final margin is the Quakes’ largest victory in a season opener in club history.
Defender Jamar Ricketts, who was selected in the first round of the 2024 SuperDraft (13th overall), scored his first MLS goal in the 28th minute. Midfielder Beau Leroux, who was selected in the second round that year (42nd overall), and team captain Cristian Espinoza supplied the assists.
Forward Cristian Espinoza extended his run of consecutive MLS regular-season games played tonight to a current league-high of 110 (Oct. 2, 2021 – present). The streak is not only a Quakes record but now fifth longest in MLS history and second among all field players in MLS history, passing Darlington Nagbe (May 1, 2021 – Apr. 6, 2024). Goalkeeper Luis Robles holds the league record with 183 straight appearances (Sept. 29, 2012 – May 12, 2018).
Forward Cristian Espinoza’s three assists marked his 10th career multi-assist game in MLS play, giving him 74 total helpers to extend his career club record.
Defender Rodrigues scored his first goal of the season in the 70th minute and fifth career goal in MLS play.
Forward Ousseni Bouda scored his first goal of the season in the 74th minute and third career goal in MLS play.
Defender Vítor Costa’s first goal of the season in the 83rd minute was his third career goal in MLS play.
Midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye’s first assist in the 83rd minute was his 27th career assist in MLS play.
Goalkeeper Daniel made eight saves and earned his first clean sheet of the season, which was also his seventh career shutout in MLS play.
Midfielder Beau Leroux, who signed a first-team contract just yesterday, dished his first MLS assist. He was not only making his first MLS start for the Quakes but also his MLS debut. A San Jose native, Leroux scored five goals last season for the Quakes’ MLS NEXT Pro team, The Town FC.
A grand total of 87 Quakes players made the starting lineup in their MLS debut, with the most recent being defender Oscar Verhoeven on July 20, 2024, at Minnesota United FC. Of those 87 players, Leroux now becomes the 11th to have made a goal contribution, with the most recent being Oswaldo Alanis on Feb. 29, 2020, against Toronto FC.
Tonight’s win gives Bruce Arena his 263rd win in MLS regular-season play, a league record. The late great Sigi Schmid is second with 240 victories.
Defender Dave Romney, midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye, forward Chicho Arango and forward Josef Martínez also made their Black and Blue debuts Saturday night.
San Jose Earthquakes 4 – 0 Real Salt Lake
Saturday, February 22, 2025 – PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 60°F Clear
Attendance: 17,432
Match Officials:
REF: Malik Badawi
AR1: Corey Rockwell
AR2: Stefan Tanaka-Freundt
4TH: Brandon Stevis
VAR: Shawn Tehini
AVAR: Joshua Patlak
Scoring Summary:
SJ (1-0) – Jamar Ricketts (Beau Leroux, Cristian Espinoza) 28’
SJ (2-0) – Rodrigues (Cristian Espinoza) 70’
SJ (3-0) – Ousseni Bouda (Cristian Espinoza) 74’
SJ (4-0) – Vítor Costa (Cristian Espinoza) 83’
Misconduct Summary:
RSL – Alexandros Katranis (caution) 54’
SJ – Cristian Espinoza (caution) 73’
SJ – Ian Harkes (caution) 81’
SJ – Mark-Anthony Kaye (caution) 87’
RSL – Diego Luna (caution) 90+3’
SJ – Daniel (caution) 90+4’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Rodrigues, Bruno Wilson, Dave Romney; Jamar Ricketts (Vítor Costa 83’), Ian Harkes, Beau Leroux (Mark-Anthony Kaye 46’), Cristian Espinoza, Hernán López (Amahl Pellegrino 68’); Chicho Arango (Preston Judd 87’), Josef Martínez (Ousseni Bouda 67’).
Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK), Daniel Munie, Nick Lima, Max Floriani.
POSS.: 42.5%; SHOTS: 14; SOG: 9; CORNERS: 6; OFFSIDES: 2; SAVES: 8; FOULS: 13; xG: 2.7
REAL SALT LAKE: Rafael Cabral (GK); Justen Glad, Philip Quinton (Bryan Vera 58’), Javain Brown (Emeka Eneli 46’), Alexandros Katranis (Sam Junqua 57’); Braian Ojeda (Bode Hidalgo 77’), Pablo Ruiz, Diego Luna, Nelson Palacio, Tyler Wolf; Forster Ajago (Diogo Gonçalves 68’).
Substitutes not used: Mason Stajduhar (GK), Kobi Henry, Dominik Marczuk, Lachian Brook.
POSS.: 57.5%; SHOTS: 22; SOG: 8; CORNERS: 5; OFFSIDES: 2; SAVES: 4; FOULS: 15; xG: 2.0
EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA
On starting the season and his Quakes era with a win:
“The scoreline wasn’t fair. I don’t think that’s a 4-0 game. They had a lot going against them coming in with their game Wednesday in Costa Rica and those challenges and all of that, so as a starting point, let’s be fair about that. But our team played well. It was a good team effort, and obviously, we’re building a team that hasn’t experienced a whole lot of success, so to kick off the season with a win is great. … But let’s keep this in perspective.”
On the team’s overall performance:
“We have a lot we can learn from this. We made some mistakes. We have to get better. But the nice part of this team is that when we started to rebuild the roster, we wanted the team in place for the whole preseason, instead of bringing in guys this week or last week and two weeks from now. So we’ve had a month to try to become a team, and they needed to understand me, and I needed to understand them. So that’s been positive every day. They’ve actually gotten better, so I’m encouraged by that. But we have a long, long way to go. The Real Salt Lake team is going to be a real hard, hard team to play against when we go into Salt Lake. I can promise you that.”
On Ousseni Bouda’s goal and the overall depth on the roster:
“Bouda played very well for us in preseason and every day we saw things in that showed that he’s a really promising player. … We have, oddly enough, four players that didn’t dress tonight that can challenge to get in our first 11 at some point. So, you know, the roster is pretty good. And I think we have some good young players that have come out of our academy system that you know, have a promising future in the league.
On the attacking foursome of Josef Martínez, Chicho Arango, Cristian Espinoza and Hernán López:
“I think our attacking group is going to get better. It’s the hardest thing in this sport. That’s why they pay these guys that score goals a lot of money around the world. in time, we’ll hopefully have a good attacking team. You’re going to see Martínez and Arango scoring goals, Espinoza setting them up and López being an improved playmaker. He’s still young. He’s got a lot to learn. But he’s shown segments in games where he’s a real promising player. There’s a lot of stuff, but to me, the most encouraging part is that our back line was good, and that’s obviously an area that was our primary concern.”
On tempering expectations and not taking too much from one game:
“I think we need a couple months to actually see what this team’s about and where we need to go. And tonight was great to get three points and have a good showing, but we certainly have a way to go. So you know, I don’t have any anything set in stone at this point, and hopefully, as we continue to move forward as a team, we’ll create a pretty consistent mentality and a style of play right now.”
EARTHQUAKES FORWARD CRISTIAN ESPINOZA
On the changes made by the new coaching staff in the preseason:
“During preseason, I remember when the coaching staff came to me with the idea that playing this with this tactic, playing me in the right side, going forward. To be honest, I was really used to playing that position, even when we play in 4-2-3-1. I always try to help the team defensively. Tonight, I feel really comfortable in that position, I am really happy, because I can help the team with the assist.”
On the performance of Chicho Arango and Josef Martínez in their debuts:
“They are doing a really good job in their positions. They force the defenders to play low balls, and that’s really important for us. They made a lot of sacrifices today that really helped the team. That’s what the team is about. Everybody has to be engaging in the defensive part and also in the offensive part. Hopefully in the future, both of them can score more goals and be more in front of the board.”
On the debut performance of Beau Leroux:
“I’m really happy for Beau. I talked to him yesterday, and we were texting because I was really happy for him to have the opportunity to play today. I tried to give him confidence, to play calm, because he’s a really calm guy. He has to do the same thing that he was doing during the preseason. I think he played a really good game. Hopefully we can see him very often this year inside the starting 11. Also, I’m really happy for the other kids like Niko [Tsakiris], Oscar [Verhoeven]. They stepped up during preseason. This is a really good team with big names. They need to be patient and try to be ready when the opportunity comes.”
On improvements moving forward:
“Every day we are improving in so many details. When we are doing good things, maybe there’s another detail that we can fix. I think in the defensive part, we were a little bit disconnected in the end of the first half because they were pushing the game, which is normal, we need to be ready for that. In the first 15 minutes of the second half, I think that we responded really well.”
EARTHQUAKES WINGBACK JAMAR RICKETTS
On scoring his first MLS goal:
“Playing wing back, you got to be up and down the field. But as I’d seen the ball, I knew that I had to crash the back post and be aggressive. Once I’d seen the ball come across, I was like, ‘I got to be the first to win the ball,’ and that’s how I got my foot on it.”
On bouncing back from an injury-riddled rookie season:
“You know, unfortunately, last year I got injured, so I was out for most of the year, but it was kind of a blessing in disguise, because I learned a lot about my body. I was able to watch and really take in everything and learn from the vets and all the coaches. … I was ready for the moment.”
On showing his versatility playing wing back:
“Yeah, so I think it’s just having the trust from my teammates and the coaches to give me confidence to keep going forward and run, and I’m willing to work for anybody in the field as for everybody that’s willing to work for me, you know? And I think that’s what makes this group so good, And the coaching staff, they push us to work for each other. There’s no like hierarchy. Everybody just is one. And then my celebration just came from this excitement,
On opening the season with a win:
“It’s great. Everybody was just smiles in the locker room. The music was blasting. Everybody just felt happy. The coaches were happy. Everybody had a big smile. And I think it’s a this is a great steppingstone, because we got three points, but this is just a start. We have a whole, whole season ahead of us, so we can’t get too much ahead of ourselves, because it’s only one game.”
####
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:
Oct. 5, 2024
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 0, Real Salt Lake 1
San Jose edged in second half to close 2024 home slate; Quakes end season on road vs. LAFC on Oct. 19
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Real Salt Lake 1-0 on Saturday night at PayPal Park in front of 16,322 fans to close their 2024 Major League Soccer home schedule.
After a scoreless first half, the visitors appeared to score first in the 56th minute, but substitute Chicho Arango was ruled offside. At the hour mark, Rodrigues almost propelled San Jose into the lead, but his header was just wide. Five minutes later, Arango stayed dangerous, launching a deep attempt that was parried away at the last moment by Quakes goalkeeper Daniel. In the 70th minute, Dominik Marczuk’s header at the far post hit the crossbar and bounced out of harm’s way.
However, in minute 78, RSL midfielder Diego Luna’s left-footed shot at the edge of the box found the back of the net to give the visitors the lead. San Jose forward Preston Judd nearly had an equalizer in minute 90 but goalkeeper Zac MacMath batted it away.
The Quakes complete their 2024 MLS season on Saturday, Oct. 19, when they travel to Los Angeles to face 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 AM 810 The Spread (English) and AM 1370 La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Quakes moved to 16-15-12 (57 GF, 62 GA) against Real Salt Lake in MLS regular-season competition, including a 10-7-5 (36 GF, 28 GA) record at home.
San Jose split the season series with Real Salt Lake after defeating them 2-0 in Utah on Aug. 24. The Quakes also saw their two-game unbeaten home streak against RSL snapped after drawing 2-2 with them in 2022 and beating them 2-1 last year.
The Quakes celebrated 50 years with Krazy George, who has been leading cheers since the club’s first match in 1974. The first 5,000 fans through the gates received a Krazy George wig courtesy of Habbas Law.
Cristian Espinoza extended his run of consecutive MLS regular-season games played to a current league-high of 108 (Oct. 2, 2021 – present). The streak is not only a Quakes record but tied for fifth longest in MLS history. He now stands equal with Darlington Nagbe (May 1, 2021 – Apr. 6, 2024) in the all-time annals and second among all field players. Espinoza can pass Nagbe in the season finale on Oct. 19 in a road contest vs. LAFC. Goalkeeper Luis Robles holds the league record with 183 straight appearances (Sept. 29, 2012 – May 12, 2018).
San Jose Earthquakes 0 – 1 Real Salt Lake
Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 – PayPal Park, San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 84°F Clear
Attendance: 16,322
Match Officials:
Referee: Mark Allatin
AR1: Matthew Nelson
AR2: Kevin Lock
4th: Malik Badawi
VAR: Luis Guardia
AVAR: Jonathan Johnson
Scoring Summary:
RSL (0-1) – Diego Luna (Braian Ojeda) 78’
Misconduct Summary:
RSL – Alexandros Katranis (caution) 45’
RSL – Anderson Julio (caution) 53’
RSL – Zac MacMath (caution) 85’
RSL – Justen Glad (caution) 90+5’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel; Oscar Verhoeven (Vítor Costa 75’), Tanner Beason, Rodrigues, Carlos Akapo; Niko Tsakiris (Preston Judd 81’), Jackson Yueill (Alfredo Morales 75’), Hernán López; Paul Marie (Amahl Pellegrino 63’), Cristian Espinoza, Jeremy Ebobisse (Jack Skahan 63’).
Substitutes not used: William Yarbrough (GK), Daniel Munie, Tommy Thompson, Bruno Wilson.
POSS.: 45.6%; SHOTS: 5; SOG: 1; CORNERS: 2; OFFSIDES: 2; SAVES: 5; FOULS: 9; xG: 0.5
REAL SALT LAKE: Zac MacMath; Alexandros Katranis, Philip Quinton, Justen Glad (C), Javain Brown; Braian Ojeda, Nelson Palacio (Emeka Eneli 71’), Diogo Gonça lves; Diego Luna, Dominik Marczuk (Matt Crooks 71’), Anderson Julio (Chicho Arango 55’). (Andrew Brody 87’) (Lachlan Brook 87’)
Substitutes not used: Gavin Beavers (GK), Noel Caliskan, Maikel Chang, Erik Holt.
POSS.: 54.4%; SHOTS: 14; SOG: 6; CORNERS: 9; OFFSIDES: 2; SAVES: 1; FOULS: 20; xG: 1.1
NOTE: All stats are unofficial.
EARTHQUAKES INTERIM HEAD COACH IAN RUSSELL
On the team’s attack against RSL:
“Niko [Tsakiris] and Jackson [Yueill] broke the lines decently well, but I felt like after that, we didn’t have a lot of tempo change to get in behind them. I think Salt Lake does a pretty good job. They press pretty well, but I actually liked some of the combination plays with Niko, Hernán [López] and Jackson. But I think we were missing that next step to create a big chance.”
On the lone goal of the game:
“It was a really good strike by [Diego] Luna. Good player. They had some chances early on, and then most of their chances came from outside the box. Unfortunately, that one went in. They did hit the crossbar and one back post header. But if you look at the chances, we didn’t have a lot, but we had two really big chances. One with Rodrigues’ header that normally, he can put those away, six yards out, seven yards out, and then Preston Judd had a late one. So that’s a little frustrating. I thought Salt Lake was pretty good tonight. But chance-wise, most of them were outside the box. They did have some really early on in the game. For six minutes they were on this, but I thought we dealt with it pretty well, and it was a good strike.”
On looking ahead to the season finale vs. LAFC:
“Sometimes you’re going to win; sometimes you’re going to lose. What really gets me is if a player is not working hard enough, and for the most part, this group works hard, that’s going to be a big test. LAFC is very good, and they’re still playing for positions in the standings. We do match up pretty well against them. We beat them already this season. so just go down there, play good football, defend well, look at their chances and try to hurt them.”
EARTHQUAKES FORWARD PAUL MARIE
On areas of improvement for next season:
“We are going into the offseason after the next game. I think there’s always areas of the game to improve. Individually, everybody will be able to do their thing. I’ll do my thing. I’ll like to work on the physicality, on being more fit, on being more sharp on the ball. I’ll do all of this, and I’ll work with the coaches on it.”
On transitioning from defender to the forward position late in the season:
“I see myself competing for that position. I think I’ve shown defensively that I can help a lot. You have someone who’s completely acting on the job of doing his defensive part and helping the team. I can definitely get sharper in the final third and help a lot more, but I see myself competing in that.”
On the fans sticking with the team throughout the campaign:
“We have a lot of respect for the people who stayed with us the whole season. We’ve been very lucky to have the support we’ve been having with the stadium and all the fans coming to see us. They pay to come see us, so we have a lot of respect for that. We would love to give them a lot more than what we have been giving them. But we just love their support all year long, and hopefully next year we can give them a little bit more.”
####
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:
Oct. 2, 2024
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 3, FC Dallas 2
Hernán López brace, Jeremy Ebobisse insurance goal power San Jose to victory; Quakes head into home finale Saturday night vs. Real Salt Lake
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes defeated FC Dallas 3-2 on Wednesday night at PayPal Park.
San Jose struck first blood in the 14th minute when defender Bruno Wilson collected a loose ball and funneled it to forward Cristian Espinoza on the right wing, who found Hernán López at the edge of the box. The midfielder spun and unleashed a left-footed clinical finish to beat Dallas goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer. However, the visitors would equalize in the 41st minute when midfielder Paul Arriola’s cross from the left wing was chested down by forward Petar Musa. The ball bounced over to forward Alan Velasco, whose left-footed blast evened the score heading into intermission.
In the second half, the Black and Blue went on the offensive and found the breakthrough in the 79th minute when Amahl Pellegrino’s pass from the left wing fed López for his second goal of the night. Four minutes later, the Quakes got an insurance goal to make it 3-1 when midfielder Niko Tsakiris streaked down the left wing and swept the ball over to forward Jeremy Ebobisse for the finish. FC Dallas were awarded a penalty late but Quakes goalkeeper Daniel dove to his right to save a Jesus Ferreira attempt from the spot in minute 89. Sebastien Ibeagha scored moments later for Dallas off a Sebastian Lletget assist to draw the visitors close before the final six minutes of stoppage time, but they would get no closer as San Jose secured all three points.
The Quakes complete their final homestand of the season on Saturday, Oct. 5, when they face Real Salt Lake. Kickoff from PayPal Park 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 KNBR 1050 AM (English) and AM 1370 La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Quakes moved to 30-22-22 (113 GF, 91 GA) against FC Dallas in MLS regular-season competition, including a 18-8-12 (65 GF, 44 GA) record at home.
San Jose is unbeaten at home vs. FC Dallas in their last eight games dating back to 2017 (3-0-5), with the teams battling for three consecutive draws.
2017: 1-1 D
2018: 4-3 W
2019: 2-2 D
2020: No Game
2021: 3-1 W; 1-1 D
2022: 1-1 D
2023: 1-1 D
2024: 3-2 W
Hernán López scored his fifth and sixth goals of the year in the 14th and 79th minutes, running his goal contribution total to eight in MLS play (6g/2a) and 12 in all competitions (9g/3a). Tonight also marked his first ever two-goal game since joining San Jose in May.
Amahl Pellegrino’s 79th-minute assist was his second in MLS play and fourth in all competitions, running his goal contribution total to nine in MLS play (7g/2a) and 11 in all competitions (7g/4a).
Niko Tsakiris recorded the first assist in his MLS career in the 83rd minute; it was his second assist and goal contribution in all competitions (0g/2a).
Jeremy Ebobisse’s 83rd-minute goal was his sixth goal in MLS play and 10th in all competitions, running his goal contribution total to eight in MLS play (6g/2a) and 12 in all competitions (10g/2a).
Bruno Wilson made his first appearance since injuring his hamstring on the road against NYCFC on May 31. His assist of Hernán López’s 14th-minute goal was his third of the season in MLS play, running his goal contribution total to four on the season (1g/3a).
Cristian Espinoza’s assist of Hernán López’s 14th-minute goal was his 14th of the season in MLS play, lifting him to a tie for sixth on the overall league leaderboard. The assist also puts him now at 18 goal contributions in MLS play (4g/14a) and 21 in all competitions (5g/16a).
Cristian Espinoza is the first player in Earthquakes history to have three straight seasons with 10 or more assists in MLS play (2022: 14; 2023: 13; 2024: 14 and counting).
Cristian Espinoza extended his run of consecutive MLS regular-season games played to a current league-high of 107 (Oct. 2, 2021 – present). The streak is not only a Quakes record but sixth longest in MLS history and third among all field players. He now stands one game away from tying Darlington Nagbe (May 1, 2021 – Apr. 6, 2024) for fifth all-time and second among all field players. Goalkeeper Luis Robles holds the league record with 183 straight appearances (Sept. 29, 2012 – May 12, 2018).
San Jose Earthquakes 3 – 2 FC Dallas
Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 – PayPal Park, San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 89°F Clear
Match Officials:
Referee: Lorenzo Hernandez
AR1: Logan Brown
AR2: Diego Blas
4th: Marcos Deoliveira
VAR: Younes Marrakchi
AVAR: Jozef Batko
Scoring Summary:
SJ (1-0) – Hernán López (Cristian Espinoza, Bruno Wilson) 14’
DAL (1-1) – Alan Velasco (Petar Musa, Paul Arriola) 41’
SJ (2-1) – Hernán López (Amahl Pellegrino) 79’
SJ (3-1) – Jeremy Ebobisse (Niko Tsakiris) 83’
DAL (3-2) – Sebastien Ibeagha (Sebastian Lletget) 90’
Misconduct Summary:
DAL – Nkosi Tafari (caution) 15’
SJ – Paul Marie (caution) 37’
DAL – Alan Velasco (caution) 55’
DAL – Sebastien Ibeagha (caution) 60’
SJ – Carlos Gruezo (caution) 73’
DAL – Paul Arriola (caution) 74’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel; Oscar Verhoeven, Tanner Beason, Bruno Wilson, Carlos Akapo (Vítor Costa 63’); Carlos Gruezo (Alfredo Morales 81’), Jackson Yueill (Niko Tsakiris 75’), Hernán López; Paul Marie (Amahl Pellegrino 75’), Cristian Espinoza (C), Jack Skahan (Jeremy Ebobisse 63’).
Substitutes not used: William Yarbrough (GK), Daniel Munie, Rodrigues, Tommy Thompson.
POSS.: 41.7%; SHOTS: 10; SOG: 4; CORNERS: 4; OFFSIDES: 3; SAVES: 3; FOULS: 11; xG: 2.2
FC Dallas: Jimmy Maurer; Marco Farfan, Nkosi Tafari, Sebastien Ibeagha; Ruan (Bernard Kamungo 46’), Paul Arriola (C), Asier Illarramendi (Sebastian Lletget 89’), Show; Alan Velasco (Katlego Ntsabeleng 71’), Jesus Ferreira, Petar Musa (Logan Farrington 71’).
Substitutes not used: Antonio Carrera (GK), Patrickson Delgado, Omar Gonzalez, Sam Junqua, Ema Twumasi.
POSS.: 58.3%; SHOTS: 17; SOG: 5; CORNERS: 5; OFFSIDES: 2; SAVES: 1; FOULS: 16; xG: 1.9
NOTE: All stats are unofficial.
EARTHQUAKES INTERIM HEAD COACH IAN RUSSELL
On initial reflections of the victory:
“It’s been a tough season, but these fans deserve a win. The team deserves a win. So I said [to the team], ‘Just enjoy tonight.’ The game did feel pretty comfortable. Dallas is a good team that likes to be in control of the ball. They did out-possess us; that is what it is. I’m not super concerned with that. They weren’t getting in behind us. I thought Paul Marie, as a winger, did really well at being compact and tucking in and almost played in more of a traditional 4-4-2 midfielder. Cristian [Espinoza] was a little bit higher, where we can press their three [defenders]. The compactness was really good. We looked dangerous on the break. The last four or five games have been pretty dangerous on the break, but this one, we finished our chances.”
On intangibles going San Jose’s way tonight:
“We haven’t had a lot of breaks this year. We got a pretty good one when the two players collided. We get the ball, we score on that play, and then Daniel making a huge penalty save. Overall, I just felt like we were really getting in our 18[-yard box] defensively, and we finished our chances when we had them. We had a couple big chances right away in the game as well. We came out on the front foot, which again, when you have a season like this, the players can pack it in. But they came out flying, and it was a good result.”
On rotating the lineup:
“We rotated the squad a lot — three games in a week, but we have really good quality coming in. Jackson [Yueill] started tonight. I thought he was really good. Paul Marie, very good. Bruno Wilson, he hasn’t played in four or five months, and he goes 90 minutes, just to name a few. Then Hernán [López], two goals. He’s a special player when he plays simple and doesn’t try to overdo things in bad areas. He’s one of the top players; he really is. He’s a young player still, so he’s going to continue to grow and get better. But I think you see when he plays well, the team plays well.”
On Bruno Wilson returning to action for the first time since May:
“Bruno is a player that’s really technical, very good on the ball, very calm, organized as well. He can speak three different languages, so he communicates with everyone in the back line. He’s played at a very high level. He just brings a lot of composure. I think he was all of that tonight. I think the penalty, yeah, it was a foul, but that’s just a bit of bad timing. He hasn’t played in four or five months, and then he goes 90 minutes. So I was very happy with him and Daniel.”
EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER HERNÁN LÓPEZ
On scoring two goals and if he could have netted a third:
“I was happy to score tonight. Obviously the season hasn’t gone our way, but being able to finish the season strong, we’re happy to see that and I’m thrilled with the victory … Obviously, you’d like to score three goals, but I wasn’t able to do that. I’m just very happy to be able to score two goals at home. … I was able to dedicate those goals to my mother and my father and my family.”
On adjusting to life in America and MLS with his new teammates:
“Everything is new, coming from Argentina. It’s a new team, new style of football, new culture. Everything is different. I feel like I’ve been able to adjust, and I feel really good where I am now.”
“It’s a good group. A very united group. Many different cultures and nationalities in the locker room. Even in the good times and the bad times, we’ve been there for each other.”
On what the emphasis will be in the offseason:
“I just want to go to into the offseason and work hard. Do what I can do to prepare myself the best way for the next season … At the end of the year, we’ll talk with the team and see what we need to do, as far as which details specifically we need to work on so that we can go into next season on the front foot, better and stronger.”
On looking ahead to the home finale Saturday:
“We won at home tonight, and it’s always good to win at home. We definitely want to win this last one as well for the fans so that they can see the effort we’ve been putting forward to win these games at home and to close the season strong.”
####
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 ADVISORY:
Aug. 31, 2024
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, Minnesota United FC 2
Bouda equalizes for San Jose but Loons edge Quakes in second half; Black and Blue now head into international break before resuming MLS play Sept. 14 on road vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Minnesota United FC 2-1 on Saturday night at PayPal Park in front of 15,122 fans.
The visitors got on the board in the ninth minute when Robin Lod controlled a loose ball and found Bongokuhle Hlongwane on a diagonal run for the one-timed finish. But the Earthquakes would answer in the 33rd minute when Amahl Pellegrino headed an aerial ball in the box toward a charging Ousseni Bouda, whose left-footed strike beat goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. Bouda almost had a second off a header but St. Clair made a spectacular save to keep the score level. The half ended 1-1.
MNUFC regained the lead in the 63rd minute when off a long throw-in, the Quakes cleared two point-blank attempts by Hlongwane in the box, but not a third, as the Loons forward’s industriousness paid off for his second goal of the match. San Jose pushed for an equalizer but could not get one before time expired.
The Quakes will now head into the international break before resuming MLS regular-season play on Saturday, Sept. 14, when they travel north of the Canadian border to face Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Kickoff from BC Place is set for 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 AM 810 The Spread (English) and AM 1370 La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Quakes move to 5-6-4 (21 GF, 26 GA) in the all-time series against Minnesota United FC and 3-3-2 at home (13 GF, 16 GA). Not counting the two clubs’ clash in the 2020 MLS Is Back Tournament where San Jose was technically the home team but the match was held at a neutral site in Florida, tonight’s loss snapped the Quakes’ home unbeaten streak over MNUFC in San Jose at three games (1-0-2).
Forward Ousseni Bouda’s 33rd-minute goal was his first of the MLS season and second in all competitions. His other goal was a May 7 game-winner over Oakland Roots SC in the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32.
Per the Apple TV telecast, Bouda was also the fastest player on the field tonight, reaching a top speed of 21.2 miles per hour.
Forward Amahl Pellegrino stayed hot, notching his second assist of the MLS season on Bouda’s goal. The play also marked his 10th goal contribution across all competitions and fourth in as many total games.
Forward Cristian Espinoza extended his run of consecutive MLS regular-season games played to a current league-high of 102 with his start tonight (Oct. 2, 2021 – present). The streak is not only a Quakes record but the seventh-longest in MLS history. Luis Robles holds the league record with 183 straight appearances (Sept. 29, 2012 – May 12, 2018).
MATCH INFORMATION
San Jose Earthquakes 1-2 Minnesota United FC
Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 — PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 68°F Clear
Attendance: 15,122
Match Officials:
Referee: Sergii Demianchuk
AR1: Stefan Tanaka-Freundt
AR2: Eduardo Jeff
4th Official: Tim Ford
VAR: Edvin Jurisevic
AVAR: Tom Supple
Scoring Summary:
MIN (0-1) – Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Robin Lod) 9’
SJ (1-1) – Ousseni Bouda (Amahl Pellegrino) 33’
MIN (1-2) – Bongokuhle Hlongwane (unassisted) 63’
Misconduct Summary:
MIN – Jefferson Diaz (caution) 79’
SJ – Carlos Gruezo (caution) 87’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel; Vítor Costa (Paul Marie 72’), Rodrigues, Daniel Munie, Benji Kikanović (Tanner Beason 77’); Carlos Gruezo, Jackson Yueill (C) (Niko Tsakiris 72’), Hernán López; Amahl Pellegrino (Jack Skahan 72’), Cristian Espinoza, Ousseni Bouda (Preston Judd 77’).
Substitutes not used: William Yarbrough (GK), Alfredo Morales, Tommy Thompson, Oscar Verhoeven.
POSS.: 54.1%; SHOTS: 5; SOG: 2; CORNERS: 3; OFFSIDES: 1; SAVES: 4; FOULS: 7; xG: 1.1
MINNESOTA UNITED FC: Dayne St. Clair; Miguel Tapias, Michael Boxall (C), Jefferson Diaz; Joseph Rosales ( DJ Taylor 71’), Robin Lod (Carlos Harvey 90+2’) , Wil Trapp, Hassani Dotson; Kelvin Yeboah, San Bin Jeong (Tani Oluwaseyi 63’), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Devin Padelford 71’).
Substitutes not used: Alec Smir (GK), Franco Fragapane, Matúš Kmet, Teemu Pukki, Samuel Shashoua.
POSS.: 45.9%; SHOTS: 13; SOG: 6; CORNERS: 8; OFFSIDES: 1; SAVES: 1; FOULS: 18; xG: 2.7
EARTHQUAKES INTERIM HEAD COACH IAN RUSSELL
On Ousseni Bouda’s performance and return from his loan spell with Monterey Bay FC:
“I thought we didn’t start great. It’s good for [Ousseni] Bouda to get that goal. Bouda’s been a really bright spot these last two games. I thought he played well in Salt Lake [City] and played well tonight. Glad he got rewarded. But again, we have to be consistent right from the start of the first whistle. We had some moments, but I think it wasn’t our best game tonight.”
“Bouda played two games with Monterey Bay, and in both games he did really well, scored a goal and was just a handful. He’s a tough player to play against — he’s strong, physical, wants to run, looks to running behind. We liked what we saw and we’re going to look to get [Bouda] some minutes here. He’s taken that and done really well.”
On the lead-up to tonight’s match:
“We had a really good week of training. The start of the half, or end of this first half, I thought we started getting control of the game and created some chances. We didn’t capitalize, and they did. They had a long throw, they flicked it in and got it to go that way. It’s just been trying to be consistent. I think over the last seven games, we’ve been pretty good in every game. This is a game that we could have tied at the end, so we’re making progress, but it’s frustrating to lose.”
On Minnesota United FC’s second goal:
“We scored, and they come back and capitalize on a long throw, a set piece, basically. So it’s frustrating. But again, I felt like the players didn’t quit. We tried to get that second goal. We almost did with [Daniel] Munie, actually who was really injured at the time. As long as we’re fighting and trying to equalize late, that’s all we can do.”
On the team’s continued improvement:
“It’s been getting consistently better defensively. Starting with our front three pressing. We’ve been winning a lot of balls high at the field. We created turnovers against [Real] Salt Lake that led to two goals. It’s about being consistently good at doing that, but just limiting chances. I think as the season has gone, we’ve gotten gradually better at that. So I’m happy with that.”
EARTHQUAKES FORWARD OUSSENI BOUDA
On scoring the first-half equalizer:
“For me, I’m happy with the goal for sure. I thought I was going to get a second one. I think there is overall a lot of things in the game that I have to keep working on, trying to get better at. Link the game, do the running for the team and all of that. I look forward to keep progressing.”
On tonight’s game:
“I think we could have done better in this game; we could have won it. We could have started better. I think we weren’t necessarily on the front foot to begin the game. That’s what we need to correct and keep pushing. Obviously, not to concede off a long throw for example, to lose a game like that, especially when we work so hard to get back in the game and we are at home and towards the end, we know that we could grab a winner. I think we need to start better.”
On returning from his brief loan stint with Monterey Bay FC:
“When I came back, it was right before Leagues Cup. Ian [Russell] told me that he was happy with what he saw at Monterey. It was a short time, but he recalled me back and was like, ‘Keep pushing, work hard, then we’ll see what happens because there might be opportunities.’ I was excited to be back for sure.”
On making the most of his opportunities on the field:
“For me, regardless of whether it’s one minute or 90 minutes, this is what I love to do. This is my dream. I love playing for the Quakes. I just want to just give it my all, all of the time, because that’s really all I can control. Whether I miss a chance, or whether I’m in for five minutes and maybe I don’t touch the ball, just always control whatever you control. And I hope that I continue to do that, and then just keep my head down whether I’m scoring hat tricks in games or not, that’s just the mentality I aspire to have.”
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 31, 2024
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, LA Galaxy 2
San Jose drops 102nd California Clásico in all competitions; Sunday’s group stage conclusion between Chivas and LA Galaxy will now determine if Quakes advance to Leagues Cup Round of 32
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes fell to the LA Galaxy 2-1 on Wednesday night at PayPal Park in 2024 Leagues Cup West 2 Group Stage play.
The 102nd California Clásico across all competitions almost began with a Galaxy goal in the ninth minute, but goalkeeper William Yarbrough’s spectacular double save prevented two dangerous shots from crossing the goal line. In the 18th minute, Amahl Pellegrino unleashed a low shot in the box that required a kick-save from LA goalkeeper Novak Mićović to keep the match scoreless. In minute 21, San Jose had two sizable opportunities to score. However, Jeremy Ebobisse’s left-footed strike sailed above the bar, and moments later, Carlos Gruezo’s attempt in the box was turned away by Mićović, while Hernán López’s shot off the rebound bounced out of play. In the 41st minute, the visitors finally broke the deadlock when Diego Fagundez curled a shot from the left wing at the edge of the box into the back of the net.
Entering the second half down a goal, the Quakes looked to push the issue. In the 67th minute, Cristian Espinoza broke free down the right wing, but could not connect with Pellegrino on the cross. Moments later, LA’s Joseph Paintsil eluded two defenders, but he could not do so a third time, as Rodrigues recovered the ball in the box to thwart the threat. In the 73rd minute, Quakes midfielder Hernán López drew a foul a few feet from the top of the box; the ensuing free kick was blocked. In the 75th minute, San Jose’s high pressure finally paid off in an equalizer, as team captain Jackson Yueill intercepted a wayward LA pass and found Gruezo, whose through ball for Ebobisse was coolly gathered and slotted home from the top of the box. However, the visitors would emerge in the 89th minute with a goal by Miguel Berry.
Despite the loss, the Quakes’ chances to advance to the Leagues Cup Round of 32 are still alive. After earning two points from their penalty shootout win over Chivas Guadalajara last Saturday, San Jose will now await the result of Sunday’s 7:30 p.m PT match between the Galaxy (3 points) and Chivas (1 point) to close the West 2 Group Stage. The two top teams in the group after Sunday will advance to the Leagues Cup Round of 32; the Quakes would go through if the Galaxy win Sunday by any means (in regulation or via penalties).
All Leagues Cup games are broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with San Jose’s matches in the competition also airing on local radio AM 810 The Spread (English).
GAME NOTES
Leagues Cup represents a monumental new chapter for North American soccer. Beginning last year, MLS and LIGA MX pause their regular seasons each summer and all 47 first-division professional clubs in both leagues compete in the official Concacaf-sanctioned tournament, which will qualify the top three finishers to the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Tonight’s Leagues Cup group stage match marked the 102nd California Clásico across all competitions between the Quakes and Galaxy, with San Jose now holding a 33-50-19 record (143 GF, 168 GA). The Earthquakes are 28-40-17 against LA in MLS play, with a 1-4-1 record in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and a 4-5-1 record in the MLS Cup Playoffs. The Quakes also went to 18-17-11 in their all-time home record against their SoCal rivals.
Quakes forward Jeremy Ebobisse stayed hot with his second goal in as many Leagues Cup games to run his total to six in all competitions in 2024.
Defensive midfielder Carlos Gruezo broke up several Galaxy attacks while also earning his first goal contribution of the season with his 75th-minute assist to Ebobisse.
MATCH INFORMATION
San Jose Earthquakes 1 – 2 LA Galaxy
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 — PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 76°F Sunny
Match Officials:
Referee: Lukasz Szpala
AR1: Chris Ellliott
AR2: Cameron Blanchard
4th Official: Joe Dickerson
VAR: Daniel Radford
AVAR: Tristley Bassue
Scoring Summary:
LA (0-1) – Diego Fagúndez (Gabriel Pec) 41’
SJ (1-1) – Jeremy Ebobisse (Carlos Gruezo) 75’
LA (1-2) – Miguel Berry (Miki Yamane) 89’
Misconduct Summary:
SJ – Cristian Espinoza (caution) 56’
LA – John Nelson (caution) 60’
LA – Maya Yoshida (caution) 82’
LA – Miki Yamane (caution) 90+6’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: William Yarbrough; Vitor Costa, Tanner Beason ( Ousseni Bouda 89’), Rodrigues, Benji Kikanović; Carlos Gruezo, Jackson Yueill (C), Hernán López (Daniel Munie 83’) ; Amahl Pellegrino (Paul Marie 72’), Cristian Espinoza, Jeremy Ebobisse.
Substitutes not used: Daniel (GK), Jacob Jackson (GK), Michael Baldisimo, Preston Judd, Alfredo Morales, Will Richmond, Jack Skahan, Tommy Thompson, Oscar Verhoeven.
POSS.: 44.6%; SHOTS: 14; SOG: 4; CORNERS: 2; OFFSIDES: 3; SAVES: 7; FOULS: 8; xG: 1.8
LA GALAXY: Novak Mićović; Miki Yamane, Jalen Neal, Maya Yoshida (C), John Nelson (Miguel Berry 77’); Edwin Cerrillo ( Gastón Brugman 71’), Marco Delgado, Diego Fagúndez (Mauricio Cuevas 59’) , Riqui Puig, Gabriel Pec; Joseph Paintsil.
Substitutes not used: John McCarthy (GK), Brady Scott (GK), Emiro Garcés, Tucker Lepley, Isaiah Parente, Eriq Zavaleta.
POSS.: 55.4%; SHOTS: 20 ; SOG: 9; CORNERS: 6; OFFSIDES: 1; SAVES: 3; FOULS: 13; xG: 2.8
EARTHQUAKES INTERIM HEAD COACH IAN RUSSELL
On overall reflections of the match:
“This one really hurts, especially because it was so late in the game and we just scored. It’s a really quality team. Galaxy is a very good team. But I still feel like we had enough chances to at least get a result in this game. But you have to finish and you have to defend late. You have to defend your box. We’ll look at the goal again, and I’ve seen it a few times, and there were three or four errors on that play that are so preventable, and that’s what’s frustrating.”
On Jeremy Ebobisse’s second goal in as many games:
“We felt pretty confident once we scored, we went to a back five, which really should prevent any diagonal balls that get in behind your back line at that point. But Jeremy’s been really good. Really good finish. I thought we pressed really well on that goal, and we played them and he finished it coolly. So two goals for Jeremy in this tournament, and he’s looking really sharp.”
On the decision to go with Will Yarbrough at goalkeeper after Daniel started his first game since March 16 last Saturday vs. Chivas:
“Daniel was really sore from last game. Daniel was out for [four] and a half months. He played a really good game, but fitness-wise, health-wise, he just didn’t feel ready to go and I have a lot of belief in Will. He made some really big saves again tonight. So whether it’s Will or Jacob or Daniel, I’ve got confidence in these guys.”
On the high pressure bearing fruit compared to the June 29 game vs. the Galaxy at Stanford Stadium:
“We got a good goal from it tonight. I thought we played tonight better than we did at Stanford. I think there’s improvement there. You still want more. At least a tie. I think a tie would’ve been a fair result with the amount of chances. They had a big chance early on with the one that hit William Yarbrough, but I think that was offside anyway. But yeah, I think we’ve improved.”
On moving forward after the result knowing the team’s Leagues Cup chances are still alive:
“We’ve had a few of these late goals. That’s frustrating, so the message is we’re going to come into tomorrow to train. Re-gen for some guys. We’ll watch some film, and then we have to move on. It is frustrating. This one definitely hurts, but you have to move on, and again, we’re still in it because of our result against Chivas, and we’ll go from there.”
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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