San Jose Earthquakes vs. Portland Timbers, June 17, 2023

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June 17, 2023
 MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 0, Portland Timbers 0
Quakes extend home undefeated streak to nine, unbeaten in last five matches

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes and the Portland Timbers played to a scoreless draw on Saturday night at PayPal Park. The Quakes extend their home undefeated streak this season to nine games (6-0-3), their best home start to a season since 2005.San Jose featured a heavily rotated lineup due to national team call-ups, missing defenders Carlos Akapo and Miguel Trauco, and midfielders Carlos Gruezo and Jamiro Monteiro.Goalkeeper Daniel made a goal line save in the 47th minute to keep the match 0-0. Neither side was able to break the deadlock, with both teams hitting the post on multiple occasions.The Earthquakes will now prepare for two matches next week, first traveling to face Houston Dynamo FC on Wednesday, June 21. Kickoff from Shell Energy Stadium is slated for 5:30 p.m. PT and will be streamed globally on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app, as well as on local radio via 810 AM The Spread (English) and 1370 KZSF (Spanish).

GAME NOTESThe Earthquakes now hold a 7-5-6 record (27 pts.) during the 2023 MLS regular season and currently sit in fourth place in the 14-team Western Conference.San Jose now hold a 6-16-10 all-time record against the Portland Timbers, including a 6-4-6 record at home.The Quakes home undefeated streak (7-0-3) is on pace for their best home unbeaten streak since 2019 (10-0-2), and they have not lost at home since Sept. 24, 2022.San Jose have not lost at PayPal Park in 12 consecutive matches, with their last loss at the stadium dating back to Aug. 3, 2022.The Earthquakes have conceded one goal in four matches for the first time since Aug. 28, 2015.Goalkeeper Daniel has gone undefeated in his last five games in goal (2-0-3), making 26 saves and earning three clean sheets in that span.Midfielder Niko Tsakiris made his first start of the season and first since Oct. 9, 2022.

MATCH INFORMATION2023 MLS Regular Season
San Jose Earthquakes 0 – 0 Portland Timbers 
Saturday, June 17, 2023 – PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif.
Attendance: 14,188
Man of the Match: Daniel

Scoring Summary:
None.

Misconduct Summary:
POR – Santiago Moreno (caution) 18’
POR – Dario Zuparic (caution) 44’
SJ – Cade Cowell (caution) 51’
SJ – Paul Marie (caution) 54’
POR – Eric Miller (caution) 64’
SJ – Tommy Thompson (caution) 90+1’

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel; Tanner Beason, Rodrigues, Jonathan Mensah, Paul Marie; Niko Tsakiris (Jack Skahan 76’), Judson (Tommy Thompson 63’), Jackson Yueill (C); Cade Cowell (Benji Kikanović 90+4’), Jeremy Ebobisse (Ousseni Bouda 90+4’), Cristian Espinoza.Substitutes not used: JT Marcinkowski (GK), Cam Cilley, Daniel Munie, Will Richmond.

SHOTS: 12; SHOTS ON GOAL: 2; FOULS: 8; CORNER KICKS: 7; SAVES: 4

PORTLAND TIMBERS: David Bingham; Claudio Bravo, Dario Zuparic, Eric Miller, Zachary McGraw; Evander, Diego Chara (C), Cristhian Paredes, Dairon Asprilla, Santiago Moreno (Sebastian Blanco 72’); Franck Boli (Jaroslaw Niezgoda 72’). Substitutes not used: Hunter Sulte (GK), Noel Caliskan, Nathan Fogaca, Diego Gutierrez, Marvin Loria, Larrys Mabiala, Justin Rasmussen.

SHOTS: 16; SHOTS ON GOAL: 4; FOULS: 15; CORNER KICKS: 4; SAVES: 2

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH LUCHI GONZALEZ

On tonight’s result:
“I think the draw was fair. I liked our foundation in terms of build-up. We got into their half a lot, but we didn’t turn those finishing attack phases into crosses and shots in the volume that we wanted. I am happy with the foundation of how we moved the ball forward, especially against their high press. Getting zero goals against at home is always going to be positive and we’re going to grab that. We always want to win at home in front of our families and fans. At the same time, adding a point is positive. We’ll grab that, rest, and prepare for the next one.”

On goalkeeper Daniel’s performance:
“It’s great to have Daniel in a rhythm of staying healthy and having another positive performance. He is showing that he can be consistent in games as well, so credit to him. Congrats to Daniel in being important in tonight’s shutout.”

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES FORWARD CRISTIAN ESPINOZA

On tonight’s result:
“We kept their goals to zero, so that is a good thing for us. We keep improving our defense, but now we can focus on our offense. We have a couple days to work on that before we go to Houston. We will try to take three points there.”

On facing a solid Timbers defense:
“I think that the other teams have been more aggressive in marking me, Jebo [Jeremy Ebobisse], and Cade [Cowell]. They know that when we have space, we are dangerous. This is something that we can improve on. We can improve our movements in those situations when the defense is tight on our backs. We have a couple days to rest and to improve in what we can do better in. We will go to Houston with everything we’ve got.”
####
Earthquakes Communications Contacts:
Pedro Ortiz – Manager, Communications
portiz@sjearthquakes.com
C: 650.457.3512

San Jose Earthquakes II vs. Tacoma Defiance, June 11, 2023

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Philadelphia Union, June 10, 2023

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June 10, 2023
 MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 2, Philadelphia Union 1
Quakes extend home undefeated streak to eight, snap Philadelphia’s nine-match unbeaten streak

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes defeated the Philadelphia Union 2-1 on Saturday night at PayPal Park. Jeremy Ebobisse and Miguel Trauco found the back of the net as the Quakes extended their home unbeaten streak to eight (6-0-2). They are also unbeaten in their last four matches (2-0-2).The Quakes opened the scoring early with an eighth minute strike from forward Jeremy Ebobisse. Cade Cowell, receiving a long ball over the defense, dribbled into space and found Ebobisse at the top of the box. He one-timed a low shot into the corner for a 1-0 lead. Philadelphia traded blows by scoring off corner kick in the 17th minute to finish the first half level. San Jose battled back in the second half to find the game-winner in the 57th minute from defender Miguel Trauco. Carlos Gruezo collected the ball near the top of the box and found Trauco, who fired his long-range shot into the top-right corner. The Earthquakes will next host the Portland Timbers on Saturday, June 17. Kickoff from PayPal Park is set for 7:30 p.m. PT and will be streamed globally on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app, as well as on local radio via 810 AM The Spread (English) and 1370 KZSF (Spanish).

GAME NOTESThe Earthquakes now hold a 7-5-5 record (26 pts.) during the 2023 MLS regular season and currently sit tied for third in the 14-team Western Conference.San Jose currently holds a 5-5-4 all-time record against the Philadelphia Union, including a 3-2-2 record at home. Tonight’s win snapped Philadelphia’s nine-game regular season undefeated streak.The Quakes earned their first win against the Union since Sept. 8, 2013.The Earthquakes extended their home unbeaten streak to eight (6-0-2), becoming one of four MLS clubs undefeated at home this season. It is also the club’s first win against an Eastern Conference team this season.Forward Jeremy Ebobisse scored his seventh goal of the season and 51st of his MLS career. He is now tied with Brian Ching for sixth most goals in club history (25).Defender Miguel Trauco scored his second goal of the season and of his MLS career. His goal marked his first game-winning goal of his MLS career.Forward Cade Cowell tallied an assist on Ebobisse’s goal, marking his third assist of the season and 15th of his MLS career. Tonight was his first appearance since returning from the FIFA U20 World Cup.Midfielder Carlos Gruezo tallied an assist on Trauco’s goal, marking his third assist of the season and tenth of his MLS career.Goalkeeper Daniel has gone undefeated in his last four games in goal (2-0-2), making 22 saves and earning two clean sheets.

MATCH INFORMATION2023 MLS Regular Season
San Jose Earthquakes 2 – 1 Philadelphia Union 
Saturday, June 10, 2023 – PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif.
Attendance: 15,512
Man of the Match: Miguel TraucoScoring Summary: 
SJ – Jeremy Ebobisse (Cade Cowell) 8’
PHI – Damion Lowe (Kai Wagner) 17’
SJ – Miguel Trauco (Carlos Gruezo) 57’

Misconduct Summary:
None.

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel; Miguel Trauco, Tanner Beason, Rodrigues, Carlos Akapo (Paul Marie 81’); Jamiro Monteiro (Jonathan Mensah 86’), Carlos Gruezo, Jackson Yueill (C) (Judson 82’); Cade Cowell (Benji Kikanović 73’), Jeremy Ebobisse, Cristian Espinoza.Substitutes not used: Michael Baldisimo, Ousseni Bouda, JT Marcinkowski (GK), Tommy Thompson, Niko Tsakiris. 

SHOTS: 10; SHOTS ON GOAL: 2; FOULS: 13; CORNER KICKS: 1; SAVES: 6

PHILADELPHIA UNION: Andre Blake (C); Jack Elliott, Jakob Glesnes, Damion Lowe (Jack McGlynn 24’), Nathan Harriel, Kai Wagner; Daniel Gazdag, Jesus Bueno (Quinn Sullivan 76’), Leon Flach (Chris Donocan 87’); Mikael Uhre (Joaquin Torres 76’), Julian Carranza.Substitutes not used: Joe Bendik, Brandon Craig, Andres Perea, Jeremy Rafanello, Matt Real.

SHOTS: 19; SHOTS ON GOAL: 7; FOULS: 21; CORNER KICKS: 6; SAVES: 0

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH LUCHI GONZALEZ

On tonight’s win against the Philadelphia Union:
“At the end of the day we put away our chances and that’s what is most important. I thought we were efficient in the chances we had, and we showed high quality in our finishes. Both of the goals were excellent. Defensively I’m really proud of the guys in the run of the play. I mean we conceded on a corner, but in the run of play defended well, covered each other and handled Philadelphia’s attack and found a way to win. These are not easy games; you have to grind through them and find a way. I’m proud that we put away our chances.”

On the team performing well in stoppage time:
“Recently I think we’ve just talked about it, reflected on it, and taken it very personal and focused on it as a team. How can we make it our strength? How can we make it San Jose’s time in stoppage time where we’re focused and excited? We’ve worked hard to put ourselves in that position and we’re excited to get the job done. We ourselves have intentionally tried to turn that script, turn that mentality, and approach it so we show more courage in it. It’s all a process. Every game is going to be a little bit different. We have to be ready to adapt. I am proud of our guys.”

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES DEFENDER MIGUEL TRAUCOOn scoring tonight’s goal and earning the win:
“Being able to score this goal, which was aesthetically pleasing, is special and it was helpful for us to earn the three points. That makes me really happy as well as the team’s full effort on the field. It’s a pleasure playing with this team because everyone played well and thanks to God I was able to score the goal, which makes me happy.”

On his thought process prior to scoring his goal:
“Those decisions come in the spirit of the moment. I try to take a shot whenever I have a ball in front of me and in front of the net. I had good control of the ball and I didn’t think about it twice. I had the confidence in shooting it towards goal and it turned out to be a beautiful goal. But most importantly is that it helped us earn the three points. That’s what makes me the happiest.”

####
Earthquakes Communications Contacts:
Pedro Ortiz
Manager, Communications
portiz@sjearthquakes.com
C: 650.457.3512

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Los Angeles FC (LAFC), August 20, 2022

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Aug. 20, 2022   

MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 2, LAFC 1
Quakes now 5-2-0 in last seven matches vs. LAFC; Eighteen-year-old Cade Cowell scores game-winner in front of sellout crowd

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes defeated first-place LAFC 2-1 in front of a sellout crowd on Saturday night at PayPal Park. LAFC entered the match on a seven-game winning streak and hadn’t lost since July 2.San Jose broke the deadlock in the 14th minute. Cristian Espinoza played a through ball to Tommy Thompson, who dribbled to the end line before playing a cut-back to forward Benji Kikanović for the first-timed finish (highlight).The Quakes held onto the lead into halftime before LAFC equalized in the 54th minute through Kwadwo Opoku.The Earthquakes then regained the lead on a thunderous strike by 18-year-old Cade Cowell in the 77th minute. Espinoza and Thompson combined again down the right flank with Thompson sending in a cross to the back post. Cowell volleyed the ball past goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau and into the roof of the net (highlight).The Earthquakes will now travel to face Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, Aug. 27. The match will kick off from Children’s Mercy Park at 5:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Bay Area, KNBR 1050 (English), and 1370 KZSF (Spanish).

GAME NOTESThe Earthquakes currently hold a 6-11-9 record (27 pts.) during the 2022 MLS regular season.San Jose is now 5-7-0 all-time vs. Los Angeles Football Club, including a 4-2-0 record at home. San Jose is now 5-2-0 in their last seven meetings with LAFC, including three straight home wins.The Earthquakes are now 6-7-6 in MLS play under interim head coach Alex Covelo.Benji Kikanović scored his fifth goal of the season and the ninth of his MLS career.Cade Cowell scored his second goal of the season and eighth of his MLS career.Tommy Thompson tallied his first and second assists of the season and 10th and 11th assists of his MLS career. It marked his second career multi-assist match (10/7/20 vs. VAN).Cristian Espinoza tallied his 10th and 11th assists of the season and 40th and 41st assists of his MLS career. He has passed Chris Wondolowski on the club’s all-time assists leaderboard and now ranks fourth in club history, just three behind third-place Richard Mulrooney.

MATCH INFORMATION
2022 MLS Regular Season
San Jose Earthquakes 2 – 1 Los Angeles Football Club
Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022 – PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif.
Attendance: 18,000 (sellout)
Man of the Match: Tommy Thompson

Scoring Summary:
SJ (1-0) – Benji Kikanović (Tommy Thompson, Cristian Espinoza) 14’
LAFC (1-1) – Kwadwo Opoku (Kellyn Acosta) 54’
SJ (2-1) – Cade Cowell (Tommy Thompson, Cristian Espinoza) 77’

Misconduct Summary:
SJ – Tommy Thompson (caution) 30’
SJ – Nathan (caution) 31’
LAFC – Sebastien Ibeagha (caution) 42’
SJ – Benji Kikanović (caution) 60’
LAFC – Kellyn Acosta (caution) 67’
LAFC – Ilie Sanchez (caution) 67’
SJ – Eric Remedi (caution) 74’
LAFC – Ilie Sanchez (ejection) 79’
LAFC – Jose Cifuentes (caution) 86’
LAFC – Cristian Arango (caution) 90+6’

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: JT Marcinkowski; Paul Marie, Tanner Beason, Nathan, Tommy Thompson; Jackson Yueill ©, Jan Gregus (Eric Remedi 69), Jamiro Monteiro; Benji Kikanović (Cade Cowell 69), Jeremy Ebobisse, Cristian Espinoza.Substitutes not used: Oskar Ågren, Matt Bersano (GK), Ousseni Bouda, Judson, Shea Salinas, Jack Skahan, Niko Tsakiris.

SHOTS: 10; SHOTS ON GOAL: 5; FOULS: 14; CORNER KICKS: 11; SAVES: 1

LOS ANGELES FOOTBALL CLUB: Maxime Crepeau; Diego Palacios, Sebastien Ibeagha, Jesus Murillo, Franco Escobar (Eddie Segura 87); Kellyn Acosta ©, Sebastian Mendez (Jose Cifuentes 64), Latif Blessing (Ilie Sanchez 64); Kwadwo Opoku (Gareth Bale 76), Cristian Arango, Ryan Hollingshead (Carlos Vela 64).Substitutes not used: John McCarthy (GK), Brian Rodriguez, Daniel Trejo.

SHOTS: 12; SHOTS ON GOAL: 1; FOULS: 14; CORNER KICKS: 5; SAVES: 3

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES INTERIM HEAD COACH ALEX COVELO
 
On tonight’s perseverance to get a signature win at home:
“Emotions are high right now. We need to be calm, but I believe tonight is one of the best games I have seen from this team this season. When you lose, you ‘stink’ and when you win, everybody wants to talk good things about you. The guys showed that we have personality and played good with and without the ball. And we did it.” 
 
On where the motivation came from for tonight’s match even with the new coach announcement earlier this week:
“From the beginning when I took the team, I said I am here with San Jose and for San Jose. I was going to do whatever it takes to help the team. The players took the notice, took the news, they are professionals and know what they have to do. We are in this together. As I said in the past, the team trains fantastic every day, every week, following the game plan, and giving their best. We did it naturally and understanding there were nine games left and now eight. Before tonight, we were behind 9-10 points, and we have to still fight. We have to keep fighting and take this naturally.” 
  
On the atmosphere in the stadium and what it meant to the team tonight:
“Tonight, we played with 12 players. Anything can happen when the stadium is like that. It was incredible. It was amazing that the fans pushed the team and accompanied us. It helped us a lot.”

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES DEFENDER TOMMY THOMPSON
 
On tonight’s performance:
“It felt great. The atmosphere was electric. I give a lot of credit to the fans that came out to support us. There is no doubt. We’ve had some difficult moments this year, but it’s moments like that that shows the strength of this team mentally, physically, and the ability that we have to compete with some of the best teams and the best players in this league. For me personally, it felt great to put in a good shift with the team, but I give a lot of credit to all the guys out there that fought until the end right in the middle of the difficult moment that we’re in. I think it’s exciting and it’s a night that I won’t forget anytime soon.”
 
On the team’s mentality for tonight after the hiring of Luchi Gonzalez as the next Quakes head coach:
“I think we’re all excited about the hire [Luchi Gonzalez]. It was a great hire, but at the end of the day, our focus is the here and now. I give a ton of credit to the guys that came in: Lucho [Luciano Fusco], [Alex] Covelo, Wondo [Chris Wondolowski], Steve Ralston, Tubo [Fernandez]. All those guys came in at a really difficult moment. I think it was seven games into the season and they provided us with the positive energy that we needed. If you look at our record over that time period, it shows that we’ve been competitive consistently over the past couple of months. I think that’s a really positive piece of this season and I give those guys a ton of credit. It was a difficult moment and we’ve fought through those difficult moments. So, the hire is exciting, it’s exciting for the fans and the players. I think Luchi coming in is a step in the right direction and we’ll all be ready once he arrives in San Jose, but right now, we’re focused on giving the fans performances like we did tonight and I just wanted to give credit to the coaches here that have done something special over the course of the last 15 games or whatever it may be because I’m grateful for that. Whether I was playing or not playing, I’m grateful for that positive energy that has just provided us with that stimulus that we needed this year.”###
Earthquakes Communications Contacts:
Jake Pisani – Director, Communications
jpisani@sjearthquakes.com
C: 650.483.0701

Pedro Ortiz – Manager, Communications
portiz@sjearthquakes.com
C: 650.457.3512