Category: MLS

San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana Kieu: Quakes blowout Galaxy in Cali Clasico; Quakes to take on Minnesota United; plus more

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Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

On the San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana:

1. The Quakes blowout the LA Galaxy 3-0 in the Cali Clasico for their second straight win.

2. The Quakes take on the Minnesota United at Allianz Field Wednesday.

3. After that, San Jose will return to Avaya Stadium to host Real Salt Lake Saturday night.

4. Vako, Tommy Thompson and Matias Almeyda were all part of the MLS Team of the Week for Week 17.

5. Vako was named MLS Player of the Week for Week 17.

Catch Ana on the San Jose Earthquakes podcasts each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

The California Clasíco

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By London Marq

STANFORD, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes and Los Angeles Galaxy are two of the original ten clubs that Major League Soccer debuted with, in 1996. The league has since bloomed and now has twenty-four teams. Separated by nearly 400 miles the Earthquakes and Galaxy continue to have one of the hottest rivalries in the league.

Known as The California Clasíco, the rivalry spans the entire 23-year history of Major League Soccer and has seen game 57 games between the regular season and the playoffs. Not only is this a geographical rivalry, but it is also marked by games that will never be forgotten. During the 2003 playoffs, San Jose scored 5 goals in a single match after being down 4-nil (on aggregate) to win the game and the series. It is one of the greatest games in MLS History and is the greatest comeback. The rivalry has exemplified the best of soccer in the United States, featuring some of the all-time greats from the U.S. such as Landon Donovan and Chris Wondolowski.

MLS soccer needs more rivalries like the California Clasíco. The league continues to expand year by year and MLS had the 3rd highest average attendance among the major sports leagues in the U.S. in 2018. Still, they struggle to gain the respect commanded by other sports. The lack of a lucrative and primetime television contract holds MLS from its true potential. But with the World Cup being hosted by the United States in 2026, it is likely that soccer will continue to grow as a priority in the American sports realm.

On June 29th, the Galaxy and Earthquakes went toe-to-toe once more at Stanford University in front of a sellout crowd of over 50,000 people. In 2017, Atlanta United set the MLS record for attendance with a crowd of nearly 75,000. With more expansion in the future for MLS, the league will continue to gain notoriety. But in order to thrive, MLS needs to invigorate rivalries between clubs that players and fans alike can invest in. Casual fans want to believe that soccer holds more weight than a 1-1 draw. They want to see exciting goals and enthralling storylines. MLS needs to take a long look at how they market themselves. An examination of the long history of the California Clasíco would be a great place to start.

Earthquakes dominate Galaxy in 3-0 Clasíco victory

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by Marko Ukalovic and London Marq

STANFORD, Calif- The San Jose Earthquakes put on a show in front of a record setting crowd in defeating the Los Angeles Galaxy 3-0 in the first round of the annual California Classico on Saturday evening at Stanford Stadium.

With the win, San Jose is currently on a six game unbeaten streak (5-0-1) and for the moment jumped ahead of Minnesota FC and the Houson Dynamo for fifth place in the Western Conference with 25 points. Los Angeles is still in second place with 31 points.

It didn’t take long for San Jose (7-6-5) to draw first blood and send the 50,850 in attendance, the most to ever attend a Classico game, into a frenzy. In the 11th minute, Jackson Yueill’s free kick from 30 yards out found Magnus Eriksson. He fed a pass over to Vako who took one dribble to the right and fired a shot past Galaxy goalkeeper (and former Quake) David Bingham into the far left corner for his fourth goal of the season and third in the past two games.

The Quakes controlled the play from the beginning and all the way up to the end of the first half despite the possession being even at 50%. They had six shots on goal compared to only two for the Galaxy.

“It was a great spectacle”, said Quakes head coach Matias Almeyda, coaching in his first Cali Classico. “It’s always important to win. We know we have to keep on this path. We have improved and we should keep on improving.”

Los Angeles (10-7-1) was finally able to get a couple of scoring chances near the end of the first 45 minutes.  Dave Romney’s shot from 10 yards out was saved by Quakes goalkeeper Daniel Vega in the 38th minute. Galaxy leading goal scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s header off a set piece from 6 yards out was also thrawted away by Vega.

“We had a few good chances”, said Galaxy midfielder Perry Kitchen. “But the broke us on the counter twice.”

The Quakes back line did well to collapse in the middle of the box to keep Ibrahimovic and the rest of the Galaxy’s offense from creating quality chances.

San Jose put the game away in the 83rd minute as Vako led a counter attack. He crossed the ball going from left to right over to Shea Salians, who entered as a substitute in the 75th minute, and he rifled a shot into the upper left corner to beat Bingham for his fifth goal of the season.

“I’ve just been blessed to be put in good situations in this game”, said Salians who played his first game back from an injury. “It’s always fun to play well and score in front of 50,000 people.  I think we could’ve scored more goals. It was a good game for us.”

San Jose added on another goal just two minutes later in the 85th minute when Tommy Thompson carried the ball in from the right slot, dribbled around a Galaxy defender and then fired a shot that deflected off a Galaxy defender into the back of the net for an own goal that gave the Quakes a commanding 3-0 lead.

“I told him (Almeyda) ‘quiero esta en la concha’ I want to be on the field”, said Thompson regarding how he has been able to adapt to switching to play as a defender. “If one of the best coaches in the world says you can play this position, in your mind you gotta think I can play this position as well. It’s been new for me but it’s been a special year for me as well.”

Vega was huge in the net stopping all five shots on goal for his second consecutive shutout in just three days.

GAME NOTES: Los Angeles midfielder Flavio Alvarez was issued a yellow card in the 67th minute for an illegal tackle attempt.

Salians was isssued a yellow card for taking off his jersey in his post goal celebration.

Since 2003 San Jose is now 13-8-3 at home versus Los Angeles.

UP NEXT: The Quakes take on Minnesota FC on Wednesday 7/3 at 5:00pm at Allianz Field.

Vako’s brace powers Earthquakes over Dynamo 2-0

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Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

By Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE, Calif. — In a game that was dominated from start to finish, led by Georgian striker Vako, the San Jose Earthquakes defeated the Houston Dynamo with a convincing 2-0 win on Wednesday evening at Avaya Stadium.

Vako put on a clinic out on the pitch for San Jose, whose unbeaten streak was extended to five games (4-0-1), scoring twice and had opportunities to score more than two as Houston had no answer in trying to stop him.

San Jose continued their transformation since starting the season 0-4 and have jumped to sixth place in the Western Conference that even has surprised head coach Matias Almeyda.

“I knew it was going to take a while,” said Almeyda. “I even thought it would take a little bit longer. The start was completely negative. But it’s day to day and we have to keep insisting on improving. This is one of the team’s that has the lowest payroll in the league and watching them compete at this level makes me proud.”

The Quakes (6-6-4) drew first blood halfway through the first half. Magnus Eriksson centered a pass that split two Dynamo defenders from along the right side of the goal-line to an unmarked Vako, who one-timed a chip shot past Houston goalkeeper Joe Willis for his first goal of the game and second goal of the season in the 22nd minute.

The Quakes controlled the tempo and play in the first half as they kept the Dynamo on their heels with the majority of the possession (61%-39%) being played in the Houston’s defensive zone in the opening 45 minutes.

“Really growing that belief,” said Wondo. “It’s a funny thing, confidence. We’ve bought into Matias’ game plan and when you execute it in the right way it’s very effective. It’s a lot of fun.”

In the second half, San Jose kept the pedal to the metal as they dominated play and were constantly in Houston’s end of the pitch getting six quality scoring chances in the first 20 minutes.

When Vako wasn’t scoring, he was setting up his teammates, including captain Chris Wondolowski. Vako centered a pass over to a wide-open Wondo, who was robbed from six yards out by Willis’ great two-handed save to keep the ball out of the net.

“It would’ve been very easy for him to just throw in town,” said Wondo regarding the play of Vako, who had struggled earlier on in the season. “But he’s (done) the opposite. As you saw tonight, he’s a very great player.”

Jackson Yueill led a three-on-one attack after stripping the ball off a Houston defender from 30 yards out, but his shot sailed wide of the mark in the 69th minute.

Houston (7-5-3) could not muster much of a counter attack against San Jose. An errant pass here, a turnover there was the story of the night for the fifth place Dynamo. Their poor offensive play was the catalyst for the quick counters by the Quakes that led to their numerous scoring chances.

San Jose doubled their lead in the 75th minute when Vako scored his second tally of the evening and third goal of the season when collected a rebound inside the box, dribbled five yard into the middle and rifled a shot past Willis to put the home team comfortably ahead.

“I’m just trying to stay focus and keep going,” said Vako. “I’m just happy I had some chances and I used it.”

GAME NOTES: Quakes defender Anibal Godoy underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove scar tissue from his abdomen that was impairing his bilateral nerves. He is expected to be sidelined for six weeks.

Quakes forward Danny Hoesen missed the game with an upper thigh injury.

Defenders Nick Lima (USA) and Harold Cummings (Panama) were away on international duty for their respective countries participating in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Houston’s Ronaldo Pena received a yellow card in the 17th minute for displaying unsportsmanlike conduct. AJ Delagarza Jr. also received a yellow card in the 57th minute on a low tackle attempt.

San Jose leads the overall series 7-4-2.

UP NEXT: The Quakes host the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday, June 29 in the annual California Clasico at Stanford Stadium at 6:30 pm.

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq: Trump says Rapinoe’s protest is inappropriate; War of words starting to brew between Trump and Rapinoe over protests; plus more

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photo from time.com: Megan Rapinoe #15 of USA (center) and her teammates are standing for the national anthem during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Group F match between USA and Chile at Parc des Princes on June 16, 2019 in Paris, France.

On the Headline Sports podcast with London:

#1 The war of tweets and words has initially begun at the US World Women’s soccer matches between President Trump and US Women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe. Rapinoe originally took a knee during national anthems during the 2016 games. Now she stands without putting her hand over her heart unlike the rest of the teammates. Rapinoe said she will not visit the White House if the US team wins the championship. Trump says by her not doing it, Rapinoe is inappropriate and said she should win first before she talks.

#2 Rapinoe said that the reason she is protesting is because of unjustified treatment by police and law enforcement officials towards minorities and people of color. Rapinoe told American Soccer Now, “Being a gay American, I know what it means to look at the flag and not have it protect all of your liberties.” With the World Cup going on, this will most likely not be the last of the stand off between Trump and Rapinoe.

#3 We asked London about the World Cup putting up signs on the scoreboard indicating that there will game delays for replay reviews. This lends to fans following the games and thinking that their team has the game in hand, but they’ll wait until a replay review has been called for.

#4 After going five straight games without a loss the San Jose Earthquakes lost to LAFC who took it to the Quakes with a 3-1 win in Los Angeles last week on Thursday. For LA, Adama Diomande scored twice, which led LAFC to the two-goal win.

#5 The Quakes continue their road trip tonight against Houston at Avaya Stadium in San Jose as they face the Dynamo. The Dynamo are in fifth place in the MLS West at 7-3-4. The Dynamo are 2-1-3 in their last six games and have lost their last two games to Minnesota and Portland.

London Marq covers the San Jose Earthquakes and does Headline Sports podcasting each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana Kieu: Here’s your weekly dose of Quakes news

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Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

On the San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana:

1. The Quakes partnered with Telemundo 48 to air three matches in Spanish during the 2019 season.

2. Quakes to host eighth annual Wine and Dine event on August 25th.

3. Nick Lima and the US men’s soccer team got their first Gold Cup win Tuesday, a 4-0 shutout of Guyana.

4. Quakes Academy midfielder Sophie Jones was named Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year.

5. The Quakes faced LAFC in Los Angeles on Thursday in the US Open Cup’s Round of 16.

Ana does the San Jose Earthquakes podcasts each week for SportsRadioService.com

Earthquakes unable to move on in U.S. Open Cup

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Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

By Pearl Allison Lo

LOS ANGELES– The Southern California team advanced in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 as the Los Angeles Football Club defended its turf 3-1 Thursday.

LAFC was 7-0-1 at home before this game and will move on to face the Portland Timbers (who shut out the Los Angeles Galaxy 4-0) in the Quarterfinals match July 10.

San Jose is now 0-4-0 all-time versus LAFC. However, for facing the number one team in MLS, the Quakes held their own, especially in the first half score wise, and scored their first goal at Banc of California Stadium.

LAFC’s Diego Rossi had a goal and an assist. Keeper Pablo Sisniega made eight saves and San Jose’s Andrew Tarbell six.

“The keeper made a couple great saves, and changed the game in that sense…they finished their chances and have that killer instinct,” remarked Quakes’ Captain Chris Wondolowski.

LAFC controlled the first third possession-wise, bur Vako picked up right where he left off in U.S. Open Cup Play, after scoring his second goal in the 91st minute versus Sacramento Republic Tuesday the previous week. Jackson Yueill found an opening for the ball to send it upfield to Cristian Espinoza, who passed to his left to Vako who was then able to score in front of his defender near Sisniega in the 7th minute. It was another statistical contribution in the tournament for Espinoza, who scored in the 38th minute last game.

In the 20th minute, Wondo had a header that went off Sisniega’s fingertips and into the net, but Wondo was offsides.

Rossi had a one-on-one battle near goal in which he and the home crowd thought he got fouled.  

Rossi finally broke through the defense with a diagonal kick to tie the game up in the 35th minute. Lee Nguyen got the assist.

Latif Blessing narrowly missed in the 40th minute after it went off Tarbell’s fingers.

Vako and Rossi both led the first half with three shots apiece. San Jose had four shots on target compared to one for LAFC.

Rossi delivered the ball and Adama Diomande gave LAFC its first lead in the 60th minute when he sped to get around Tarbell, resulting in the goal.

Espinoza almost single-handedly took back the goal in the 63rd minute after a long pass, but was stifled by Sisniega.

Espinoza’s fifth shot attempt in the 76th minute left two Quakes sprawled in the grass.

Captain Carlos Vela then made his mark in front of an already hyped crowd. He maneuvered his way to the front of the net as Tarbell went the opposite direction in the 85th minute to make it 3-1. Tristan Blackmon was credited with the helper.

“We weren’t clinical enough,” noted Wondolowski, but also in reply to the 5-0 drubbing from their opponents on March 30, “we’re not scared of anyone anymore.”

Up Next: Vako led with six shots, followed by Espinoza’s five and Vela and Rossi with four apiece. San Jose will now travel back home for the regular season to play host for two games, starting with the Houston Dynamo Wednesday at 7:30 pm.   

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq: Women’s US Soccer team prepares for Sweden; Brazil gets 1-0 World Cup win; plus more

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USA Today photo: June 18: Brazil forward Ludmila shoots against Italy goalkeeper Laura Giuliani. Alexis Reau, Presse Sports-USA TODAY Sports.

On the Headlines Sports podcast with London:

#1 Abby Dahlkemper said that it’s in the USA women’s soccer DNA to “win and do really well.” The women’s US team, who are the defending champs, are preparing for their game against Sweden. Both teams have clinched for berths in the top 16.

#2 World Cup soccer Brazil team got a 1-0 victory over Italy in Valenciennes, France, the win advanced Brazil for the sixth time to the knockout rounds. Brazil got their goal from Marta, who is playing in her fifth World Cup at 33 years old.

#3 The US Men’s team gets the gold with a win over Guyana. The US’s Tyler Boyd scored two goals as the US got a convincing 4-0 win over the Guyana team on Tuesday night in St. Paul, Minnesota for the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

#4 There was relief when former XFL player Rod Smart, who was famously known for his football jersey when he played for the Las Vegas Outlaws in 2001 that read “He Hate Me” came up missing for six days. His family expressed concern. The Smart family are happy to announce that Smart was found safe and sound and no reason given for his absence. Smart played a season with Philadelphia and four with Carolina in the NFL.

#5 The San Jose Earthquakes are on a good run. They have gone undefeated in their last four games, and if you include their US Open Cup run against Sacramento, five undefeated games. The Quakes play LAFC on Thursday night to try to keep it going.

London Marq does Headline Sports podcasting each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana Kieu: A lot of good things are happening to the Quakes

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Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

On the San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana:

1. Nick Lima was in the USMNT’s lineup in Sunday’s match against Venezuela.

2. Chris Wondolowski was named MLS Player of the Month.

3. The Quakes began their US Open Cup run Tuesday night at Avaya Stadium against Sacramento Republic FC.

4. The Quakes will face Spanish La Liga side Real Valladolid at Avaya Stadium on Tuesday, July 16.

5. The Quakes’ next home match will be on Wednesday, June 26 against the Houston Dynamo.

Ana does the San Jose Earthquakes podcast each week for SportsRadioService.com

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq: World Cup–US Women no match for Thailand in 13-0 blowout; Kings to host Summer League at Golden 1; plus more

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Photo credit: @BostonGlobe

On the Headline Sports podcast with London:

#1 In the World Cup, US Women downed Thailand 13-0, Alex Morgan scored five goals and there was no mercy rule as the US Women kept pouring it on in Reims, France. The US took it to Thailand right from the kickoff.

#2 The win by the US topped the old record when Germany took it to Argentina in an 11-0 win in the 2007 World Cup.

#3 The Sacramento Kings will be hosting a California Classic Summer League at Golden 1 Center from July 1st through 3rd. Fans will get to take a look at the following teams: the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings.

#4 With the Summer League coming up, where does Sacramento Kings head coach Luke Walton stand? He has been accused of sexual assault. His accuser is also holding the Warriors and Lakers legally responsible for the attacks. Is the Luke Walton case going to be a distraction or can Luke guide the Kings and get past it?

#5 The San Jose Earthquakes won a friendly 4-3 over Sacramento Republic FC on Tuesday night at Avaya Stadium. Earthquakes star Chris Wondolowski said that the team is in a zone a winning mental state right now, and even though it was like a preseason game, the Quakes are pushing to win and won’t take any prisoners right now.

#6 Former San Francisco Giants right fielder Hunter Pence hit another one off the fence for the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night against the Red Sox. Pence chalked up his 14th home run for an inside-the-park home run against the Boston Red Sox. Pence has been in the zone this season. He’s also got the Rangers clubhouse pretty loose right now.

London Marq does Headline Sports each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com