Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

By: Ana Kieu

The San Jose Earthquakes were back in action with a cross-country match against the Orlando City SC at Orlando City Stadium Saturday.

The Quakes players sported jerseys made of 100% recycled materials, courtesy of the MLS and Parley, in support of the annual Greener Goals week as Earth Day is just around the corner.

The Quakes were off in Orlando, but the Lions jumped out to an early 1-0 lead at the second minute. Christopher Mueller streaked down the right side and put one past Andrew Tarbell for the fastest goal in Lions’ history.

Following the Lions’ early surge, the Quakes casted stronger spells of possession and attack. Tarbell made a tremendous save at the 12th minute, but Orlando City interrupted San Jose’s defense with a goal from Sacha Kljestan, who finished an unselfish assist from Mueller, for a 2-0 lead at the 35th minute.

The Quakes trailed the Lions 2-0 at the end of the first half.

The Quakes were back for the second half. San Jose made it a one-goal game, but they fell just short of what could’ve been a possible win over Orlando in front of a sold-out crowd of 25,527 in attendance.

Justin Meram kicked the ball to Dom Dwyer, who completed an onside kick for a 3-0 lead at the 70th minute.

Florian Jungwirth scored a goal to help the Quakes avoid a shutout at the 78th minute.

San Jose made their final change of the evening as they took out Danny Hoesen in favor of Quincy Amarikwa at the 82nd minute. The change occurred just minutes after Orlando City pulled Mueller for Josue Colman.

Once again, Tarbell made a high-caliber save to keep the score a one-goal game as the clock winded down to four minutes of stoppage time following regulation. Then, Jungwirth notched his second goal of the game, pulling the Quakes within one at the 90th minute.

Josue also constructed a salivating cross at the 90th minute. Nobody was at the end of it, which was a good thing for the Lions.

The Lions picked up their fourth straight win with a 3-2 victory over the Quakes.

Notes
Quakes’ starting lineup

Lions’ starting lineup

Up Next
Quakes take on the Columbus Crew SC on Saturday, April 28th at 4:30 pm PT.

Lions face the Colorado Rapids on Sunday, April 29th at 1:00 pm PT.