#mls soccer – instaimage

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Vancouver Whitecaps, March 9, 2024

Inspired by the 30th anniversary of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the official ball of the 2024 awaits warmups before the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Vancouver Whitecaps at PayPal Park in San Jose, California

March 9, 2024

MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 0, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
San Jose goes on the road to face Sporting Kansas City next Saturday

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2-0 on Saturday night at PayPal Park.

After a scoreless first half, San Jose began to turn up the heat in attack with two close attempts from forward Amahl Pellegrino. However, in the 74th minute, the visitors struck first blood when midfielder Alessandro Schöpf found the back of the net. Vancouver added an insurance goal in the 86th minute from Ali Ahmed to close the match.

The Quakes will now prepare for a road contest against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, March 16. Kickoff from Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, is set for 5:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, as well as on local radio via 810 The Spread AM (English) and 1370 KZSF AM (Spanish).

GAME NOTES

San Jose and Vancouver are celebrating their 50th anniversary in existence, as the first game in club history for both sides was a 2-1 Earthquakes win on May 5, 1974. As a tribute to that match in the North American Soccer League (NASL), both clubs wore special kits to honor their heritage tonight.

The Earthquakes now hold a 11-11-12 overall record against Whitecaps FC in MLS play and snapped a five-game undefeated streak in the series dating back to October of 2021 (3-0-2). At home, San Jose is 7-2-8 against Vancouver.

Defenders Bruno Wilson and Vitor Costa made their first MLS starts in tonight’s game, their first starts for the Quakes since joining the club last month.

The Quakes controlled possession (59.5%) and out-shot the Whitecaps (9-8) but could not avoid the clean sheet after sweeping the regular-season series over Vancouver last season and outscoring Vancouver 11-3 in their six previous contests overall in San Jose.

MATCH INFORMATION

San Jose Earthquakes 0 – 2 Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Saturday, March 9, 2024 – PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Attendance: 16,045

Scoring Summary:
VAN – Alessandro Schöpf (Ryan Gauld) 74’
VAN – Ali Ahmed (Ranko Veselinović) 86‘

Misconduct Summary:
SJ – Bruno Wilson (caution) 62’
SJ – Preston Judd (caution) 73’
SJ – Alfredo Morales (caution) 80’
VAN – Fafa Picault (caution) 80’
SJ – Tommy Thompson (caution) 90+3’

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel; Paul Marie (Tommy Thompson 86’), Bruno Wilson, Rodrigues, Vitor Costa; Carlos Gruezo (Benji Kikanović 77’), Jackson Yueill (C), Jack Skahan (Alfredo Morales 46’); Cristian Espinoza, Jeremy Ebobisse (Preston Judd 70’), Amahl Pellegrino (Ousseni Bouda 86’).

Substitutes not used: William Yarbrough (GK), Michael Baldisimo, Tanner Beason, Daniel Munie.

SHOTS: 9; SHOTS ON GOAL: 5 ; CORNER KICKS: 8; SAVES: 2; FOULS: 14; EXPECTED GOALS: 1.1

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC: Yohei Takaoka; Javain Brown (Ryan Raposo 70‘), Mathias Laborda, Ranko Veselinović, Tristan Blackmon, Luís Martins (Ali Ahmed 63‘); Pedro Vite ( Alessandro Schöpf 71’), Andres Cubas, Ryan Gauld (C), Damir Kreilach (Fafa Picault 63’); Brian White (Sebastian Berhalter 82’) .

Substitutes not used: Isaac Boehmer (GK), Balal Halbouni, Levonte Johnson, Bjørn Utvik.

SHOTS: 8; SHOTS ON GOAL: 6 ; CORNER KICKS: 6; SAVES: 2; FOULS: 15; EXPECTED GOALS: 0.7

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH LUCHI GONZALEZ

On a frustrating start to the 2024 season:
“We are definitely frustrated. We are in a hole. We’re in a hole and the way to get out is to dig ourselves out. The group has the ability to beat anybody home or away. But we’re not getting there. … I have a lot of faith in our talent, as well as our potential talent. One of these goals can change the momentum of winning games and earning points.”

On the mindset to fight for better results:
“We’ve got to create that competitive environment, and everyone’s got to be fighting. Like I said earlier, your best way is to commit, is double down on competing, and grab a spot. Even if it’s your best friend on the team, you have to grab a spot.”

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER ALFREDO MORALES

On the takeaways from tonight’s match:
“We have a very good group for me honestly coming into this team; very good spirit and very good connections within the group. At the end of the day, that’s not enough. We have to perform on the pitch. I think we can see very good things, but at the end of the day it’s about results. This game today was there to take. I think we had too many mistakes with decision making, but that’s how it is. What matters is that you have to respond. There is always going to be adversity and tough moments especially in MLS and, in the course of a season. We need to have the vision to work and do more in times where you struggle. The best solution is when you focus on the basics and the simple things. I think this has to be the aim for us: to focus on your role and playing your part on positioning, and the simple my experience this is the way you get out of these situations.”

On shifting focus to the next game at Sporting Kansas City:
“There is nothing we can do right now; we lost this game. There is the next game coming up and we have to prepare this week. We have to work harder every single day in training, and we have to go to Kansas and get those three points. Tonight, we made mistakes, and they punished us. We have to learn from that. We have to move forward. We come back on Monday, and we go all in.”

####

Earthquakes Communications Contacts:

Ryan Maquiñana – Director, Communications
rmaquinana@sjearthquakes.com
C: 650.243.8523

Ryan Negrette – Coordinator, Communications
rnegrette@sjearthquakes.com
C: 408.489.8891

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

A pregame rondo with Los Angeles Football Club Forward GARETH BALE (11) in the middle before the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Los Angeles Football Club at PayPal Park in San Jose, California

MEDIA RELEASE:
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

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Houston Dynamo, July 17, 2022

San Jose Earthquakes Forward JEREMY EBOBISSE (11) and the starting eleven huddle prior to the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo at PayPal Park in San Jose, California

MEDIA RELEASE:
July 17, 2022
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, Houston Dynamo FC 2

Quakes’ home unbeaten streak snapped at eight

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Houston Dynamo FC 2-1 on Sunday evening at PayPal Park. The loss, which was San Jose’s first at home since the season opener on Feb. 26, snaps the club’s eight-match unbeaten streak at PayPal Park.Following a scoreless first half, the Earthquakes broke through in the 53rd minute courtesy of team captain Jackson Yueill. Cristian Espinoza played a free kick into the box, which was headed goalward by Tommy Thompson. The slow, looping ball bounced off the crossbar before falling to Yueill for the first-timed finish.Houston then scored the equalizer in the 71st minute.San Jose appeared to re-gain the lead when Jeremy Ebobisse’s right-footed shot from close range beat goalkeeper Steve Clark, but a last-ditch goal-line clearance kept the score tied. Houston then took the lead moments later through Thor Ulfarsson.Despite several opportunities to find an equalizer late in the match, the Quakes couldn’t find a second goal.The Earthquakes will now prepare to host Spain’s RC Celta de Vigo in an international friendly on Wednesday, July 20. The match will kick off from PayPal Park at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be streamed live on ESPN+.

GAME NOTES
The Earthquakes currently hold a 5-8-7 record (22 pts.) during the 2022 MLS regular season.

San Jose is now 9-16-4 all-time vs. Houston Dynamo FC, including a 7-5-3 record at home.Tonight’s result sees the Quakes snap their unbeaten streak at three and their home unbeaten streak at eight.The Earthquakes are now 5-4-4 in MLS play under interim head coach Alex Covelo.Midfielder Jackson Yueill scored his fourth goal of the season and 11th goal of his MLS career.

MATCH INFORMATION

2022 MLS Regular Season
San Jose Earthquakes 1 – 2 Houston Dynamo FC
Sunday, July 17, 2022 – PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif.
Attendance: 13,445

Scoring Summary:
SJ (1-0) – Jackson Yueill (unassisted) 53’
HOU (1-1) – Sebastian Ferreira (Fafa Picault) 71’
HOU (2-1) – Thor Ulfarsson (Darwin Quintero) 76’

Misconduct Summary:
HOU – Tim Parker (caution) 28’
HOU – Matias Vera (caution) 43’
SJ – Jamiro Monteiro (caution) 45’
HOU – Fafa Picault (caution) 90’

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: JT Marcinkowski; Paul Marie, Tanner Beason, Nathan, Tommy Thompson; Eric Remedi (Jack Skahan 83), Jamiro Monteiro, Jackson Yueill ©; Benji Kikanović (Cade Cowell 71), Jeremy Ebobisse, Cristian Espinoza.Substitutes not used: Matt Bersano (GK), Oskar Ågren, Ousseni Bouda, Jan Gregus, Will Richmond, Niko Tsakiris.

SHOTS: 16; SHOTS ON GOAL: 6; FOULS: 6; CORNER KICKS: 8; SAVES: 2

HOUSTON DYNAMO FC: Steve Clark; Adam Lundkvist, Tim Parker, Teenage Hadebe, Griffin Dorsey; Hector Herrera ©, Adalberto Carrasquilla (Ethan Bartlow 90+2), Matias Vera (Sebastian Ferreira 69); Fafa Picault (Darwin Ceren 90+1), Darwin Quintero (Memo Rodriguez 80), Thor Ulfarsson (Tyler Pasher 80).Substitutes not used: Michael Nelson (GK), Sam Junqua, Zarek Valentin, Zeca.

SHOTS: 13; SHOTS ON GOAL: 4; FOULS: 12; CORNER KICKS: 7; SAVES: 4

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES INTERIM HEAD COACH ALEX COVELO

On the mistakes committed tonight:
“I think the mistake [on the first goal] was an individual mistake, and on the second goal we had to keep the ball out when there wasn’t a clear moment to build up, and that’s it. I don’t think it was because we were building up in the back that Houston had those opportunities. I think we committed individual mistakes and that’s why it’s a very simple analysis today.”

On why he didn’t make more substitutions:
“When you look at the team that we finished with, we had Jebo [Jeremy Ebobisse], who has 11 goals. You have Jamiro [Monteiro], an amazing quality player. We tried to be more offensive by bringing Jackson [Yueill] back as a ‘six’ and putting in Jack Skahan in his place, and with Cade [Cowell] and Cristian [Espinoza] trying to find crosses or individual actions on top. Shea Salinas has a Covid situation. We missed Marcos Lopez [due to yellow card accumulation]. Judson is injured because he has an old injury bothering him. So that’s all we have.”

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER JAMIRO MONTEIRO

On what Houston did to shut San Jose’s midfield down:
“I didn’t feel like they were making it hard for me. They were really compact, so we didn’t have a lot of space in the midfield, but it wasn’t like they were hard on me. We didn’t have enough space in this game and a lot of our balls were coming from the side instead of the midfield.”

On how he will move past this result:
“I just forget this game. It already happened. We lost. Now we’re onto next week. We still have 14 games. Tomorrow is a new day. We have a new week, new chances. Every week is a new chance for us.”####

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Austin FC, October 20, 2021

Austin FC Forward MOUSSA DJITTÉ (99) takes a shot during warmups of the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin Football Club at PayPal Park in San Jose, California

MEDIA RELEASE:
Oct. 20, 2021

MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 4, Austin FC 0
Wondolowski scores 169th MLS goal
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Austin FC 4-0 on Wednesday evening at PayPal Park. Four different players scored for San Jose, including Major League Soccer’s all-time leading scorer Chris Wondolowski.
After a scoreless first half, San Jose struck early in the second frame. Benji Kikanovic forced a turnover in the corner and carried the ball goalward. His lateral pass bounded past several players before finding Chofis at the back post for the short-range finish.
San Jose added a second just a few minutes later. Jeremy Ebobisse battled with his defender for possession of a long through ball with both eventually stumbling. Kikanovic recovered the loose ball and curled a low shot past goalkeeper Brad Stuver.
The Quakes extended their lead to 3-0 in the 59th minute. Cristian Espinoza played a floating ball into the box, which was cleared only as far as the penalty spot. Chris Wondolowski volleyed the bouncing ball into the back of the net.
San Jose then added a fourth goal in the 85th minute when Carlos Fierro headed home a corner kick by Cristian Espinoza.
The Quakes will now prepare to host Vancouver Whitecaps FC at PayPal Park, presented by Intermedia. The match, which will celebrate the 2001 MLS Cup-winning team, will kick off at 7 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on NBC Sports Bay Area, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.

GAME NOTES
The Earthquakes now hold a 9-12-9 record (36 pts.) during the 2021 MLS regular season and are currently in 10th place in the Western Conference.
San Jose is now 2-0-1 all-time vs. Austin, with a 1-0-0 home record. The Quakes have scored four goals in each of their last two meetings with Austin.
San Jose’s last victory by a margin of 4+ goals was vs. LA Galaxy (4-0) on Oct. 14, 2020.
The Quakes recorded their first multi-goal shutout victory since Sept. 29, in which the Quakes defeated LAFC 2-0 at PayPal Park.
Midfielder Chofis scored his team-leading 12th goal of the season, his first season in MLS. His 12 goals are the most by any first-year player in MLS. His goal also marked his second game-winning goal of the season.
Rookie forward Benji Kikanovic scored his third goal of the season.
Forward Jeremy Ebobisse tallied the assist on Kikanovic’s goal. It marked his first assist of the season and ninth of his MLS career.
Forward Chris Wondolowski scored his third goal of the season and 169th of his MLS career. Along with two postseason goals, he now has 171 combined regular season and playoff goals, surpassing Landon Donovan (170) for most all-time.
Midfielder Carlos Fierro scored his second goal of the season and fourth of his MLS career.
Midfielder Cristian Espinoza tallied the assist on Fierro’s goal. It marked his team-leading seventh assist of the season and 29th of his MLS career.
Tonight’s shutout marks JT Marcinkowski’s fifth shutout in 2021, and 10th of his MLS career. His five shutouts are a single-season career-high.

MATCH INFORMATION
MLS Regular SeasonSan Jose Earthquakes 4 – 0 Austin FCOct. 20, 2021 – PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif.Attendance: 12,035Man of the Match: Benji Kikanovic

Scoring Summary:SJ (1-0) – Chofis (unassisted) 46’SJ (2-0) – Benji Kikanovic (Jeremy Ebobisse) 53’SJ (3-0) – Chris Wondolowski (unassisted) 59’SJ (4-0) – Carlos Fierro (Cristian Espinoza) 85′
Misconduct Summary:SJ – Nathan (caution) 25’ATX – Jhohan Romaña (caution) 39’ATX – Alex Ring (caution) 45+1’SJ – Marcos Lopez (caution) 81′

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: JT Marcinkowski; Marcos Lopez, Tanner Beason, Nathan, Tommy Thompson (Paul Marie 58); Eric Remedi, Jackson Yueill, Cristian Espinoza, Chofis (Cristian Espinoza 58); Andy Rios (Chris Wondolowski 58), Benji Kikanovic (Carlos Fierro 65), Jeremy Ebobisse (Cade Cowell 65).
Substitutes not used: Oswaldo Alanis, Tanner Beason, Judson, Shea Salinas, Daniel Vega.

SHOTS: 20; SHOTS ON GOAL: 9; FOULS: 14; CORNER KICKS: 10; SAVES: 4

AUSTIN FC: Brad Stuver; Jhohan Romaña, Julio Cascante, Zan Kolmanic, Nick Lima; Tomas Pochettino, Alex Ring, Sebastian Driussi (Dani Pereira 70); Cecilio Dominguez (Rodney Reyes 46), Diego Fagundez (Kekuta Manneh 80), Moussa Djitte (McKinze Gaines 46).
Substitutes not used: Sebastian Berhalter, Jon Gallagher, Hector Jimenez, Aedan Stanley, Andrew Tarbell.

SHOTS: 15; SHOTS ON GOAL: 5; FOULS: 12; CORNER KICKS: 8; SAVES: 5

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH MATIAS ALMEYDA
On his impressions of the match and shutout victory:“I think we played a great game. The strategy went well because we won the match by creating many opportunities to get shots on goal. When the team plays well, everyone plays well, even the guys who came off the bench. I think if we were able to maintain this consistency, intensity and style, surely our outlook would be different. It makes me happy for the young players. They showed they go for more even in a complicated present. I asked them to play for honor and they did that.”
On Benji Kikanovic’s impact as a winger:“I decided for him to play on the left side. Benji, Cade Cowell, Cristian Espinoza, Carlos Fierro can all play in different positions. That is what we are looking for and try to transmit to them. I have been saying for a while that when the young players have 30 matches played for San Jose, they will be more complete. Among four to five players, younger guys such as Tanner Beason, Jackson Yueill, Benji need these minutes to improve, make mistakes and grow physically and mentally.”

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES FORWARD CHRIS WONDOLOWSKI
On scoring his 169th MLS goal:“To be honest, it was a bit of a combo, both relief and joy. Joy to get that win, especially a breakout win in front of our home fans. It’s been a strong point for us to be better at home and to pick up points and it’s exciting to be able to get more points at home for it to be a fortress. That’s something that we try to work on and keep trying to continue to improve. To have this breakout game at home was very satisfying, very nice. For myself, I grab joy from that and for myself it’s a bit of a relief. It’s been a while since I’ve seen it hit the back of the net, so to do that was special as well.”
On the team’s confidence heading into the remaining few games after tonight’s win:“I think it’s something that was needed. I think it was great for the morale in the locker room. It was nice to have one of those tangible wins where everything went well. We worked on set pieces, and we were able to get a set piece goal. We worked on our diagonals and crosses, and we were able to get a goal like that. It was nice to have everything kind of click so I think that it’s very beneficial for us as we close on these last four games and try to make the best run as we can.”

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES GOALKEEPER JT MARCINKOWSKI
On Tanner Beason’s impact in the defense:“Tanner has done really well. He’s a gamer. I think he’s someone who leaves it all on the line. I think you can see that in his save and the countless number of blocks he makes throughout a match. I think the entire team played really well tonight because of the way we pressed in the first and second half. It was really effective. Our backline was really sharp and compact, and communicated really well with each other. Nathan, Marcos Lopez, Tommy Thompson and Paul Marie played well. I think Eric Remedi had six or seven key tackles in the middle, same with Jackson Yueill. It was overall a team effort and we were fortunate to get the clean sheet.”
On the team’s communication in the locker room:“Before the game, I think there was a really good vibe in the locker room. Matias Almeyda has always told us to play with love, passion and honor. I think that’s what we showed tonight. We played for each other, with each other as a team. At halftime, we tried to continue what we were doing in the first half. We created some good chances, and we knew if we kept a high intensity, goals would come in the second half. I think it was crucial getting a few early and putting ourselves on the front foot. I think that’s something we haven’t done well this year, putting teams away when we can. We let a lot of teams back into the game when they shouldn’t have been there. It was nice to finally get one where we scored goals when we needed to. After the match, it was a good vibe, but we’re ready for Saturday. It’s a quick turnaround. There’s only a short amount of time before the next game. All eyes are on Vancouver.”

####

Contact:
Jake Pisani – 408-556-7774 – jpisani@sjearthquakes.com
Pedro Ortiz – 408-556-3415 – portiz@sjearthquakes.com

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake (RSL), September 15, 2021

San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JUDSON (93) dribbles away from Real Salt Lake Midfielder DAMIR KREILACH (8) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, California

MEDIA RELEASE:
Sept. 15, 2021

MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 3, Real Salt Lake 4Quakes midfielder Chofis scores hat-trick
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Real Salt Lake 4-3 on Wednesday night at PayPal Park.

The Quakes jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute. After receiving a long ball over the top, Chofis cut onto his left foot and blasted a shot around goalkeeper David Ochoa.
Just moments before halftime, Real Salt Lake scored the equalizer. A low header off a corner kick forced a diving save by Quakes goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski, but the ball rebounded off Rubio Rubin and into the back of the net.
RSL took the lead four minutes into the second half when Albert Rusnak received a pass at the top of the box and sent his low shot just out of reach of Marcinkowski’s outstretched arms.
San Jose responded immediately with an equalizer just one minute later. Chofis received a pass from the kickoff and proceeded to dribble half the length of the field, evading multiple defenders before beating Ochoa.
Chofis then finished off his hat-trick with a goal in the 65th minute as his curling corner kick beat Ochoa at the near post.
RSL equalized once again six minutes later when a free kick into the box glanced off Justin Meram’s head and caromed off Quakes defender Oswaldo Alanis and into the net.
The visiting side then took the lead in the 81st minute through a low shot from Rubin.
The Earthquakes will now prepare to travel to Texas to face Austin FC on Saturday, Sept. 18. The match kicks off from Q2 Stadium at 5:00 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on NBC Sports Bay Area Plus, KGO 810 and 1370 KZSF.

GAME NOTES
The Earthquakes now hold a 6-9-9 record (27 pts.) during the 2021 MLS regular season and are currently in 11th place in the Western Conference.
San Jose is now 13-12-11 all-time against Real Salt Lake, including a 9-6-4 record at home.
The Quakes have scored first in 10 of their last 13 matches (conceded first twice and had one match finish in a scoreless draw).
Midfielder Chofis scored his team-leading sixth, seventh and eighth goals of the season and of his MLS career. It also marked his first multi-goal game since joining the Quakes and the first hat-trick by an Earthquakes player since Chris Wondolowski on May 18, 2019. Chofis is the first player to score 8+ goals in his first season with San Jose since Alejandro Moreno in 2005 (8).
Defender Luciano Abecasis tallied the assist on Chofis’ first goal. It marked his third assist of the season and third of his MLS career.
Goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski made a career-high nine saves.

MLS Regular SeasonSan Jose Earthquakes 3 – 4 Real Salt LakeSept. 15, 2021 – PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif.Attendance: 9,636Man of the Match: Chofis

Scoring Summary: SJ – Chofis (Luciano Abecasis) 26; RSL – Rubio Rubin (unassisted) 45+2; RSL – Albert Rusnak (Pablo Ruiz) 49; SJ – Chofis (unassisted) 50; SJ – Chofis (unassisted) 65; RSL – Justin Meram (Albert Rusnak) 71; RSL – Rubio Rubin (Albert Rusnak) 81.
Misconduct Summary: RSL – Nick Besler (caution) 8; SJ – Judson (caution) 59; RSL – Donny Toia (caution) 65; RSL – Pablo Ruiz (caution) 67; SJ – Chofis (caution) 69; SJ – Eric Remedi (caution) 72; RSL – Damir Kreilach (caution) 75.

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: JT Marcinkowski; Marcos Lopez, Tanner Beason, Oswaldo Alanis, Luciano Abecasis (Cristian Espinoza 63); Judson (Paul Marie 63), Eric Remedi; Carlos Fierro (Cade Cowell 64), Jackson Yueill, Chofis (Andy Rios 80); Chris Wondolowski (Benji Kikanovic 63).
Substitutes not used: Jack Skahan, Daniel Vega, Tommy Thompson, Jacob Akanyirige.

SHOTS: 13; SHOTS ON GOAL: 6; FOULS: 15; CORNER KICKS: 4; SAVES: 9

REAL SALT LAKE: David Ochoa; Donny Toia, Justen Glad, Marcelo Silva (Erik Holt 22); Justin Meram (Ashtone Morgon 90), Jonathan Menendez (Pablo Ruiz 46), Albert Rusnak, Nick Besler, Maikel Chang (Toni Datkovic 83); Damir Kreilach, Rubio Rubin (Anderson Julio 82).
Substitutes not used: Bode Davis, Milan Iloski, Justin Portillo, Andrew Putna.

SHOTS: 18; SHOTS ON GOAL: 13; FOULS: 20; CORNER KICKS: 3; SAVES: 3

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER CHOFIS
On his emotions during and after the match:“Honestly, I am sadder than I am happy because of the result. We would have liked to win and things would have been very different. I am sad because we didn’t win. My only thoughts are in the 10 matches that are left. I really want to make it to the playoffs. I’ve never had a match as great as today. That doesn’t matter anymore. We will try to turn things around and focus on Saturday. I wish it were Saturday already. I want to play and get the three points that we need, and that is where my thoughts are.”
On the decisions going into his substitution:“I was a little sore in the leg. Truthfully, I gave it my all. I tried helping in everything and I became tired. I just want to clarify that we were being precautious. I was tired and had some pain in my leg.”
On his future in San Jose:“Yeah, it’s true that I still have a little left in my loan here. The truth is that I’m loving my time here. I love the people, I love the city, I love the environment. Everyone has treated me very well since I arrived, and I would love to continue to be here. Hopefully this team buys my clause and I can stay a lot longer. But it’s true that I belong to another team right now and I still have a lot of respect for them and that’s who I belong to.”

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Contact:
Jake Pisani – 408-556-7774 – jpisani@sjearthquakes.com
Pedro Ortiz – 408-556-3415 – portiz@sjearthquakes.com

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Minnesota United FC (MNUFC), August 17, 2021

San Jose Earthquakes Defender NATHAN (13) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Minnesota United Football Club at PayPal Park in San Jose, California

MEDIA RELEASE:
Aug. 17, 2021

MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, Minnesota United FC 1
Quakes extend unbeaten streak to nine; Wondo makes 400th MLS appearance

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes and Minnesota United FC played to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday night at PayPal Park. The draw extends the Quakes’ unbeaten streak to a league-best nine matches and sees them climb to ninth place in the Western Conference, level on points with seventh place Portland and eighth place LAFC. Chris Wondolowski made his 400th MLS appearance in the match, entering as a second-half substitute.

San Jose opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Cristian Espinoza received a long switch from Marcos Lopez and sent a low cross across the six-yard box, deflecting off a back-tracking defender and into his own net.
The Quakes dropped to 10 men in the 21st minute after Nathan was shown a straight red card. Minnesota capitalized on the man advantage immediately, finding the equalizer one minute later through Wil Trapp.
San Jose played nearly 70 minutes plus stoppage time with 10 men and were able to secure a point.
The Earthquakes will now travel to southern California to face the LA Galaxy in the third California Clasico of the season. The match kicks off from Dignity Health Sports Park at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes, and via radio on KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.

GAME NOTES
The Earthquakes now hold a 5-7-8 record (23 pts.) during the 2021 MLS regular season and are currently in ninth place in the Western Conference.
The Quakes extended their unbeaten streak to eight matches (2-0-7). It marks the club’s first unbeaten stretch of 9+ matches in a single season since the final nine matches of 2012 (5-0-4).
San Jose is now 4-3-2 all-time against Minnesota, including a 2-2-1 record at PayPal Park.
The Quakes have now allowed one or fewer goals in eight consecutive matches.
Forward Chris Wondolowski made his 400th MLS appearance, entering the match in the 86th minute. He became just the seventh player, fifth non-goalkeeper, and first forward to reach the milestone.

MLS Regular SeasonSan Jose Earthquakes 1 – 1 Minnesota United FCAug. 17, 2021 – PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif.Attendance: 10,353Michelob Man of the Match: Judson

Scoring Summary: SJ – Bakaye Dibassy (own goal) 12; MIN – Wil Trapp (Adrien Hunou, Ethan Finlay) 22.
Misconduct Summary: SJ – Nathan (ejection) 21; MIN – DJ Taylor (caution) 82; MIN – Bakaye Dibassy (caution) 89; SJ – Marcos Lopez (caution) 90+4.

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: JT Marcinkowski; Marcos Lopez, Tanner Beason, Nathan, Luciano Abecasis (Carlos Fierro 74); Shea Salinas (Paul Marie 55), Judson, Eric Remedi (Chris Wondolowski 86), Jackson Yueill, Cristian Espinoza (Cade Cowell 55); Jeremy Ebobisse.
Substitutes not used : Oswaldo Alanis, Siad Haji, Andy Rios, Jack Skahan, Daniel Vega

SHOTS: 4; SHOTS ON GOAL: 1; FOULS: 11; CORNER KICKS: 3; SAVES: 2

MINNESOTA UNITED FC: Tyler Miller; Bakaye Dibassy, Brent Kallman, Romain Metanire; Jan Gregus (Justin McMaster 64), Emanuel Reynoso, Ethan Finlay, Wil Trapp, DJ Taylor, Hassani Dotson; Adrien Hunou (Juan Agudelo 79).
Substitutes not used: Osvaldo Alonso, Michael Boxall, Fred Emmings, Jukka Raitala, Patrick Weah, Adrian Zendejas.

SHOTS: 15; SHOTS ON GOAL: 3; FOULS: 12; CORNER KICKS: 7; SAVES: 1

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH MATIAS ALMEYDA
On tactical decisions made after the red card:“When I make substitutions, I am sending a message. The message is that I want to win. It’s simple. The players were great interpreters and we corrected things during halftime. Defensively, the players executed perfectly. We had our chances to score from counterattacks.”

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES DEFENDER LUCIANO ABECASIS
On the team’s mindset after Nathan’s ejection:“It was a valuable point with how the match turned out in the end and the fact that we were playing for a long time with one less player. It was clear by the team’s ambition that we wanted the three points because we needed them. The red card limited us a lot, but it forced the best out of each of us and we were able to hold onto the game and create chances on top of that. I think that the draw was fair given we were one man down. They had their chances and we had ours. We spoke in the locker room about staying focused, that we needed everyone’s maximum effort. That’s what we did, and I think we left a really good image with one less player.”
On giving advice to his substitute Carlos Fierro:“I didn’t speak much with him because we had already chatted in the locker room during halftime. Matias spoke to us, went over the changes we had to make for those of us playing outside, and for those that were going in to play in those positions, Matias asked them to pay attention. Carlos was one of them, so I think it was a credit to him for understanding it fast and credit to the coach for letting him know and preparing the moves beforehand because we knew that the game could happen that way.”

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Contact:
Jake Pisani – 408-556-7774 – jpisani@sjearthquakes.com
Pedro Ortiz – 408-556-3415 – portiz@sjearthquakes.com