Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

By Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE, Calif. — In what must have felt like a home game for the visiting Cruz Azul, the Mexican Liga MX team, came into Avaya Stadium with the majority of the fans rooting for them and left with a 0-0 draw over the San Jose Earthquakes in an international friendly at Avaya Stadium on Saturday evening.

In front of a sold-out crowd, Cruz Azul–the current leader atop the standings in the Liga MX–dominated the first half of play as they had two scoring chances hit off the left post in the first 26 minutes of the match. Martin Cauteruccio had the best opportunity for Cruz Azul. San Jose had a tough time stopping Edgar Mendez from creating multiple chances in their defensive zone. Cruz Azul would have six corner kick opportunities in the first half (finishing with nine to the Quakes’ zero) but weren’t able to cash in on any of them.

The Quakes’ only good opportunity to score came in the 41st minute when Eric Calvillo received a pass from Chris Wehan and dribbled inside the d-box from the left point when fired a shot that Cruz Azul goalie Jose De Jesus Corona was able to make a diving save.

“I know I could’ve hit it harder,” said Calvillo. “It’s unfortunate I couldn’t get the goal I’ve dreaming about (my whole life). But I know it’s not going to be my last opportunity and I’m read for more.”

In the second half, Quakes head coach Steve Ralston flipped the lineup over and it seemed to change the momentum of the game as substitutes Danny Hoesen and Tommy Thompson generated chances for the Quakes.

“It’s been a difficult week right? A lot of stuff happening,” said Ralston. “For those guys to come out and play the way they did, I’m really pleased.”

Cruz Azul head coach Pedro Caixinha also flipped over most of his lineup in the second half bringing in the team’s leading scorer Elias Hernandez and former Quake Rafael Baca. Neither put a dent into the box score.

Cruz Azul had two late scoring chances in the final minutes, but both shot attempts sailed wide.

GAME NOTES: The Quakes’ Florian Jungwirth was issued a yellow card in the 67th minute for arguing with the referee.

Cruz Azul’s Antonio Sanchez also received a yellow card at the 76th minute for tripping San Jose’s Dominic Oduro.

Cruz Azul’s Pablo Aguilar received a yellow card in the 76th minute for a hard tackle on Jungwirth.

The Quakes’ overall record in international friendlies is 11-10-10, dating back to 1996. They have an 8-2-6 record in the past 14 friendly matches. However, against the Liga MX teams, they are 1-7-4 in international friendlies.

This was the first match since the Quakes hired Matias Almeyda as their new head coach for the 2019 season. Ralston, will remain in his role as interim head coach for the Quakes’ final two regular season matches.

UP NEXT: The Quakes will host their final regular season game on Sunday, October 21 against the Colorado Rapids at 2:00 pm PT at Avaya Stadium.