#mlssoccer – instaimage

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Seattle Sounders, July 12, 2023

San Jose Earthquakes Defender MIGUEL TRAUCO (21) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, California

MEDIA RELEASE:
July 12, 2023

MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 2, Seattle Sounders FC 0

Quakes victorious at home, Espinoza breaks all-time club assist record

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Seattle Sounders FC 1-0 on Wednesday night at PayPal Park. A goal and record-breaking assist from Cristian Espinoza helped the Quakes earn three points at home and win the 2023 Heritage Cup. The Quakes opened the scoring in the 19th minute on a penalty kick from forward Cristian Espinoza. Jeremy Ebobisse was brought down in the box by the Seattle defense before Espinoza fired a shot into the bottom left corner to take the lead. Forward Jack Skahan almost doubled the lead in the second half, but his one-time volley in the box was ruled offside. San Jose eventually found their second goal in the 65th minute from defender Miguel Trauco, who struck a full volley from outside the box past Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland. Espinoza tallied the assist on Trauco’s goal and is now the all-time assist leader for the Quakes (51), passing club legend Shea Salinas. The Earthquakes will take a break from MLS league play and prepare for the inaugural Leagues Cup tournament. The Quakes will open the tournament on the road against the Portland Timbers on Saturday, July 22. Kickoff from Providence Park in Portland, Oregon, is slated for 7:00 p.m. PT and will be streamed globally on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app, FS1 and Univision.

GAME NOTES
The Earthquakes now hold an 8-7-8 record (32 pts.) during the 2023 MLS regular season and currently sit in fifth place in the 14-team Western Conference.San Jose currently holds a 14-15-9 record against Seattle, including a 6-5-5 record at home.With tonight’s win, the Quakes earned their second win of the season against the Sounders to claim the Heritage Cup for the second year in a row. The Heritage Cup is an annual competition between the two teams with North American Soccer League (NASL) heritage, taking place across both regular season matches. The Earthquakes have only lost once in their last five matches against Seattle and have not lost to their Pacific Northwest rival at home since May 12, 2021. San Jose have only lost once in 12 home matches this season (7-1-4). Forward Cristian Espinoza scored his 11th goal of the season and 26th of his MLS career. Espinoza has now successfully converted nine consecutive penalty kicks and has made nine of ten overall during his MLS career. He is now tied for the fifth most goals in Quakes history with Vako. Espinoza, who tallied his 51st MLS career assist on Trauco’s goal, now holds the all-time record for most assists in Quakes history.Defender Miguel Trauco scored his third goal of the season and of his MLS career. Goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski earned his fourth shutout of the season and 18th of his MLS career. Midfielder Tommy Thompson made his 200th career appearance for the Quakes, entering as a sub in the 85th minute. He is the fourth player to reach that milestone in team history.

MATCH INFORMATION2023 MLS Regular Season
San Jose Earthquakes 2 – 0 Seattle Sounders FC
Wednesday, July 12, 2023 – PayPal Park, San Jose, Calif.
Attendance: 13,577
Man of the Match: Cristian Espinoza

Scoring Summary:
SJ (1-0) – Cristian Espinoza (penalty kick) 19’
SJ (2-0) – Miguel Trauco (Cristian Espinoza) 65’

Misconduct Summary:
SEA – Nouhou (caution) 41’
SEA – Leo Chu (caution) 45+4’

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: JT Marcinkowski; Paul Marie (Benji Kikanovic 90+1’), Tanner Beason, Rodrigues, Carlos Akapo; Miguel Trauco, Carlos Gruezo, Judson (Cam Cilley 90+3’), Jack Skahan (Tommy Thompson 85’), Jeremy Ebobisse (Ousseni Bouda 90+3’), Cristian Espinoza (C).

Substitutes not used: Emi Ochoa (GK), Jonathan Mensah, Daniel Munie, Will Richmond, Niko Tsakiris.

SHOTS: 15; SHOTS ON GOAL: 3; FOULS: 9; CORNER KICKS: 5; SAVES: 2

SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC: Stefan Cleveland; Nouhou (Reed Baker-Whiting 81’) Jackson Rogen, Yeimar Gomez Andrade, Cody Baker (Alex Roldan 46’); Joao Paulo (Josh Atencio 66’), Nico Lodeiro (C) (Dylan Teves 67’), Albert Rusnak, Leo Chu, Obed Vargas; Heber (Raul Ruidiaz 66’)Substitutes not used: Andrew Thomas (GK), Abdoulaye Cissoko, Fredy Montero, Andrew Thomas.

SHOTS: 9; SHOTS ON GOAL: 2; FOULS: 9; CORNER KICKS: 3; SAVES: 1

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH LUCHI GONZALEZ

On the team building strong performances and momentum:
“We started the game [last week] really well against LAFC. The game planning was really good, and the guys were executing. Tonight, we started similar in terms of our principles. We were trying to build pressure and win the ball and attack, but it was different also. We have to be ready to tweak each game and moment based on what’s available. What I want to grab are the things that have helped us compete. I feel like we have built momentum in a positive way in the past few weeks in terms of competing and responding. You just feel the guys are always ready to respond and compete, and I am proud to coach them. Those are the things we want to do with energy, enthusiasm, and intensity.”

On preparing for the inaugural Leagues Cup tournament:
“We’ll work in a positive way to get everyone full force. We want to approach Leagues Cup with as many healthy guys as possible. We are taking the next steps against very good opponents, which are going to be Portland [Timbers] and Tigres [UNAL]. We’re excited to have a little time off with family and friends to recharge our batteries, and then get back to work next week.”

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES FORWARD CRISTIAN ESPINOZA

On seeing how far he has come since first joining the club:
“I remember when I arrived here, I was very excited to play [at San Jose] and to play in the MLS, and to have this experience. To be honest, I didn’t expect what would happen [breaking the club assist record]. I am really happy with this moment and with everything that has happened before. I am very thankful for my teammates.”

On what this season means to him being a record breaker and an all-star:
“It makes me feel very happy because I can see all the effort and sacrifices that I made in every single training session since I arrived here paying off now. At the same time, I try to keep the focus on trying to help the team. I think that is the most important thing for me.”

####

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

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

San Jose Earthquakes Goalkeeper DANIEL (42) kneels in the goal before the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Portland Timbers at PayPal Park in San Jose, California

MEDIA RELEASE:
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 Midfielder CAM CILLEY (19) during the MLS Next Pro match between the San Jose Earthquakes II and the Tacoma Defiance at PayPal Park in San Jose, California

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

San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JACKSON YUEILL (14) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Philadelphia Union at PayPal Park in San Jose, California

MEDIA RELEASE:
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. Vancouver Whitecaps, September 4, 2022

Vancouver Whitecaps Forward CHRISTIAN DÁJOME (11) shields the ball against San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JACKSON YUEILL (14) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Vancouver Whitecaps at PayPal Park in San Jose, California

MEDIA RELEASE:
Sept. 4, 2022

MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 2, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 0

Quakes earn second straight victory at PayPal Park; Rodrigues makes MLS debut in shutout

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2-0 on Sunday evening at PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif. Center back Rodrigues made his MLS debut and led the Quakes to their first shutout victory since May 5.

San Jose jumped out to a very early lead, scoring in the fourth minute. Cade Cowell dribbled past two defenders before playing a lateral pass towards the center of the penalty area. An onrushing Jackson Yueill redirected the ball towards Jeremy Ebobisse, who curled his first-timed shot into the back of the net.

The Quakes were able to double their advantage before halftime. Jamiro Monteiro played a long switch to Cristian Espinoza on the right wing before darting to the top of the penalty area. He received a return pass from Espinoza and hit a low left-footed shot just out of reach of goalkeeper Thomas Hasal.

Goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski made six saves to keep Vancouver off the scoresheet and earn his third shutout of the season.

The Earthquakes will now prepare for two back-to-back road matches, first traveling to Ohio for the Quakes’ first-ever road match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, Sept. 10. The match will kick off from TQL Stadium at 4:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Bay Area, KNBR 1050 (English), and 1370 KZSF (Spanish).

GAME NOTES
The Earthquakes currently hold a 7-12-9 record (30 pts.) during the 2022 MLS regular season.San Jose is now 9-10-12 all-time vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, including an 6-1-8 record at home.The Earthquakes are now 7-8-6 in MLS play under interim head coach Alex Covelo.Forward Jeremy Ebobisse scored his 15th goal of the season and 42nd of his MLS career. It also marked his first game-winning goal of the season and sixth of his MLS career.

Midfielder Jamiro Monteiro scored his fourth goal of the season and 13th of his MLS career. He has now tied his single-season career high in goals (2019).

Forward Cade Cowell tallied an assist on Ebobisse’s goal, marking his fifth assist of the season and 12th of his MLS career. It also marked his first game-winning assist of the season and second of his MLS career.

Midfielder Jackson Yueill tallied an assist on Ebobisse’s goal, marking his second assist of the season and 12th of his MLS career. It also marked his first game-winning assist of the season and fourth of his MLS career.

Midfielder Cristian Espinoza tallied an assist on Monteiro’s goal, marking his 12th assist of the season and 42nd of his MLS career. He is now two assists away from tying Eddie Lewis for the most assists in a single season in club history. Espinoza is also now two assists away from tying Richard Mulrooney for the second most assists in club history.

Defender Rodrigues made his MLS debut, starting and playing 90 minutes.

Goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski made six saves and recorded his third shutout of the season and 13th of his MLS career. Tonight marked San Jose’s first shutout since June 11 (0-0 at NSH), and first at PayPal Park since May 7 (1-0 vs. COL). It also marked San Jose’s first multi-goal shutout victory since Oct. 20, 2021 (4-0 vs. ATX).The Earthquakes are now unbeaten in five straight home matches against Whitecaps FC (3-0-2).

MATCH INFORMATION

2022 MLS Regular Season

San Jose Earthquakes 2 – 0 Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022 – PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif.

Attendance: 13,211

Man of the Match: JT Marcinkowski

Scoring Summary:
SJ (1-0) – Jeremy Ebobisse (Jackson Yueill, Cade Cowell) 4’
SJ (2-0) – Jamiro Monteiro (Cristian Espinoza) 34’

Misconduct Summary:
VAN – Andres Cubas (caution) 31’
VAN – Ryan Gauld (caution) 43’
VAN – Tristan Blackmon (caution) 62’
SJ – Benji Kikanović (caution) 90+1’

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: JT Marcinkowski; Tanner Beason, Nathan, Rodrigues, Tommy Thompson (Paul Marie 81); Eric Remedi (Jan Gregus 70), Jackson Yueill ©, Jamiro Monteiro; Cade Cowell (Benji Kikanović 70), Jeremy Ebobisse, Cristian Espinoza.Substitutes not used: Matt Bersano (GK), Oskar Ågren, Judson, Shea Salinas, Jack Skahan, Niko Tsakiris.

SHOTS: 9; SHOTS ON GOAL: 5; FOULS: 9; CORNER KICKS: 3; SAVES: 6

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC: Thomas Hasal; Ranko Veselinovic, Tristan Blackmon, Javain Brown (Marcus Godinho 66); Alessando Schöpf (Sebastian Berhalter 78), Julian Gressel, Andres Cubas, Ryan Gauld, Russell Teibert © (Leonard Owusu 78); Cristian Dajome (Pedro Vite 53), Brian White (Toisant Ricketts 78).
Substitutes not used: Cody Cropper (GK), Florian Jungwirth, Jake Nerwinski, Ryan Raposo,

SHOTS: 15; SHOTS ON GOAL: 6; FOULS: 11; CORNER KICKS: 9; SAVES: 3

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES INTERIM HEAD COACH ALEX COVELO

On defender Rodrigues making his MLS debut:
“He is a physical and powerful player that could also help us out with aerial balls. With the ball, he was very comfortable today. He had a very good game defensively and offensively. Obviously physically he is not in the best of conditions but will improve step by step.”

On the team’s performance tonight:
“I’ve said it before, these guys are pretty good at understanding the game plan. Sometimes we win and sometimes not, but they are good. We knew that Vancouver was going to present this 3-4-3 with those wingbacks divided a little bit more and leave the three center backs a little bit behind. We knew that as soon as we could rotate the ball and create some pressure, we had to go for the one vs. one, whether with Cristian [Espinoza], Jebo [Jeremy Ebobisse], Cade [Cowell], or Jamiro [Monteiro] charging and find the ball to the wings. They read it very well and I think I was sitting on the bench for the majority of the first half.”

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER JACKSON YUEILL

On the Quakes’ first goal:
“We talked in training during the week about Cade’s [Cowell] speed and his ability to break out and get past and when we did that, we needed runners in the box. Once I saw him going, I saw Jebo [Jeremy Ebobisse] drift to the back a little bit and I decided to attack that space. The ball was a little bit behind me and I knew Jebo was in that area, and I didn’t know exactly where. I tried flicking it if he was a little bit in front of me, and luckily it went right to him and he had a phenomenal finish, so all the credit goes to him because it’s a tough goal, and to Cade as well because of his speed and the correct path he chose to do. Great team goal and credit to Jebo.”

On Rodrigues’ debut and performance tonight:
“It’s never easy for someone to come to a place, not speak the language, only have a week of training and step onto the field, but I thought he performed really well. He’s got a great partner there with Nathan and was able to communicate and help him throughout the week, get him acclimated to the team and the guys quickly and [Rodrigues] has done a great job. I think you can tell his defensive abilities are really, really good. He made really, really good tackles and his timing is really good. The more he’s with us, the more he’ll get used to the guys. His confidence will grow. I thought he was really good tonight and we’re happy to have him here in San Jose.”####

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