Category: San Jose Earthquakes

Quakes score first, but end with 2-1 loss; SJ has dropped 5 of their last 7 games  

Published on by smallforceLeave a comment

photo from newsday.com: Alexandru Mitrita #28 of New York City FC celebrates after scoring the second goal during the first half of their game against San Jose at Yankee Stadium on September 14, 2019.

By Pearl Allison Lo

The San Jose Earthquakes remained winless versus New York City FC as they suffered their third straight 2-1 loss against them Saturday at Yankee Stadium. 

It was the top of the Eastern Conference’s seventh straight contest without a loss and they have held their opponents to one goal or less in that stretch.

Quakes coach Matías Almeyda was back on the sidelines with this team, but they continued on a five-game losing streak away from home. 

San Jose striker Chris Wondolowski broke the 0-0 tie as he struck with hits 158th goal in the 20th minute. It was his third shot out of five for the Quakes so far compared to one shot for NYCFC not on target up to that point. Magnus Eriksson received the ball on the touchline, passed to Vako and with narrow room and precision timing, Vako found Wondolowski in the goal box as Wondo extended his staggered stance past defender Alexander Callens

Off a corner, NYCFC’s Gary Mackay-Steven hit the crossbar in the 26th minute after his ball hit the Quakes’ Guram Kashia.  

New York City FC started building up their shots, none dangerous enough though until suddenly San Jose found themselves down in the 43rd minute

Keeper Daniel Vega saved a shot in the 39th minute and then another off his line in the 40th minute after Keaton Parks passed to Mackay-Steven. However, Vega caused a rebound which Tommy Thompson got a foot on before Parks blew the ball past Vega and Marcos López, who was helping in net. That deposit was Parks’ first in the MLS.

Three minutes later, with two defenders surrounding him and Vega off his line again, Alexandru Mitrita took the well-directed pass from Ismael Tajouri-Shradi and made the 2-1 tally, as he slid on the grass like a turtle with a fist pump in celebration. It was Mitrita’s second goal in as many games and third in four games. 

NYCFC finished the first half with eight shots, five on target and the Quakes with only one more shot then when they scored their goal.

San Jose was not shy about going for the equalizer to start off the second half. 

Those included attempts in the 46th & 47th minutes (both saved by keeper Sean Johnson), 51st minute (did not have Wondo at the right spot to finish), 58th minute and two by Wondolowski in the 59th and 60th minutes. 

Wondo was also involved in some off-the-ball action as he raised his right elbow against Callens, but avoided serious trouble.  

In the 65th minute, the Quakes’ Judson saved a goal after the ball hit Vega and went past him. 

San Jose defender Florian Jungwirth tripped Mitrita at the top of the box in the 81st minute, but his kick went high.

There were eight minutes of stoppage time, but the Quakes were unable to level up the game.  

Up Next: Vako added three shots in the second half along with Wondo, who ended up with a game-high six. San Jose will look to pull out a win on this road trip when they conclude it Saturday at 12:30 pm versus Atlanta United FC.

Earthquakes fall short in 1-0 loss to Real Salt Lake 

Published on by smallforceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

By Pearl Allison Lo

In a highly contested game between the fourth and fifth teams in the Western Conference, Real Salt Lake won out at home as the San Jose Earthquakes struggled on the road again.

Real Salt Lake moved to a second-place tie with the Seattle Sounders after the game. Meanwhile, it was the Quakes’ fourth straight road loss. They have been shutout in the last two with a total of two goals scored during the four-game stretch. San Jose was outshot also (12-9) for the first time since they last played Real Salt Lake on July 6. 

6’1” Damir Kreilach was the hero for Real Salt Lake. His fifth shot of the match broke an eight-game scoreless match since July 13. After a corner, Brooks Lennon chased down the ball on the other side of the net, sent the ball back and Kreilach headed the ball successfully in the 75th minute. 

After a ball from San Jose’s Cristian Espinoza, Carlos Fierro had a chance on net in the 16th minute, but Nick Rimando off his line, was able to diverte the ball sideways. 

Vega made a critical save in the 36th minute. After Paul Marie was intercepted by Lennon near midfield, Kreilach sent forward a downwards header, but Vega was able to block it with his right lower leg.

Kreilach was the only one with multiple shots in the first half. His two shots were both on goal. For the game, the players with the second-most shots only had two apiece.

Judson was able to avoid a serious ankle injury in the second half.

Vega warded off a free kick by Sebastian Saucedo in the 68th minute, but could be seen favoring his left thigh after.

In stoppage time, Real Salt Lake’s Jefferson Savarino nearly had a goal of his own, hitting the bar from the near post, in between yellow cards issued to the Quakes’ Florian Jungwirth and Anibal Godoy.  

Notes: Godoy had his first start since the game versus Los Angeles Football Club. Fierro made his first MLS start. Real Salt Lake’s Douglas Martínez made his MLS debut.

Up Next: San Jose next plays New York City Football Club quickly on Saturday in a 9:30 am start for the middle game of their road trip. 

San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana Kieu: Quakes have some time to prepare for Real Salt Lake

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

On the San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana:

1. Quakes to host second Amateur Photography Night at Avaya Stadium on Wednesday, September 25.

2. With or without the Quakes, you still need to fill out your MLS fantasy lineup this weekend.

3. Magnus Eriksson named Innovator of the Month, presented by Audi.

4. Turning to college football, San Jose State lost to Tulsa 34-16 on Saturday, September 7.

5. San Jose State has a bye this week, but they’re still preparing for the Arkansas Razorbacks in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Saturday, September 21.

Ana does the San Jose Earthquakes podcast each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana Kieu: Quakes win two in a row; head to Real Salt Lake Wednesday

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

On the San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana:

1. The Quakes win two in a row to close out homestand, 3-1 over Vancouver and 3-0 over Orlando City.

2. The Quakes stop by Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, September 11.

3. The Quakes will be without head coach Matias Almeyda, whose suspension will include the September 11 match.

4. Cristian Espinoza was named to the MLS Team of the Week for Week 26.

5. Turning to San Jose State football, will they win their second straight game this Saturday?

Ana does the San Jose Earthquakes podcast each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq: Raiders’ Peterman replaced by former Packer QB Kizer; Elliott says he’ll be ready for Week 1 with Dallas; plus more

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: sports.yahoo.com

On Headline Sports podcast with London:

#1 The Oakland Raiders lost third-string quarterback Nathan Peterman to an elbow injury the injury so bad that Peterman will be out for eight weeks bringing him back at the earliest at the end of October.

#2 The Raiders signed quarterback DeShone Kizer who was just released by the Green Bay Packers after the last preseason game, Kizer was the fourth-string quarterback. The Raiders picked up Kizer just after he was released and after it was confirmed by team doctors that Peterman would be out eight weeks with the elbow.

#3 London talks about how important it is for the Dallas Cowboys to sign Ezekiel Elliott and that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says as soon as a deal is reached, the Cowboys look forward to putting Ezekiel in the line up this weekend against the New York Giants.

#4 For the second consecutive game, the San Jose Earthquakes are in the win column. The Quakes got a shutout against Orlando City FC and won convincingly 3-0. How important is a game like this to boost the Quakes’ morale after going without a win in three previous games before winning two straight?

#5 Chris Wondolowski on Saturday extended his league-leading goal total to 157 goals scoring his 20th goal of the season. A remarkable career and a remarkable season.

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

Earthquakes Saturday game recap: Wondolowski gets 157th league-leading goal as Quakes shutout Orlando City 3-0

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

photo by sjearthquakes.com: San Jose Earthquakes’ Chris Wondolowski scores his league leading MLS All-Time 157th goal at Avaya Stadium in San Jose in win Saturday over Orlando City 3-0.

By London Marq

SAN JOSE — The 2019 MLS season is rapidly approaching the business end and the San Jose Earthquakes are trying to solidify their playoff position. With seven games left, San Jose sat squarely in third place. after coming of a three-game losing streak, they won their second consecutive game convincingly against Orlando City 3-0.

San Jose started the match shot of a cannon. In the third minute of the match Magnus Eriksson wove through the box and delivered the first goal of the match. It was the beginning to a fruitful first half. Chris Wondolowski added to his legend, scoring in the 20th and 32nd minutes, increasing his MLS All-Time goals scored record to 157. The Quakes we dominant in the first half. Controlling 63% of possession with 13 shots on goal.

The second half of the match slowed down considerably. A frustrated Orlando City began playing a high press and the game became more physical, causing multiple altercations. Whereas there were no bookings in the first half, there were four yellow cards in the second. Despite the constant pressure Orlando was able to produce the San Jose defense was able to hold up. The Quakes defense has been suspect at times this season but they Quakes rectified that by getting the clean sheet.

The Earthquakes have been galvanized by their head coach Matias Almeyda. Almeyda is serving a three-game league suspension after a heated argument with the referees after no-call on a clear handball in the box during a game in in Los Angeles a week ago.

When asked about the suspension Wondolowski stated, “Love his passion, I love that he was sticking up for us. It was clear handball in LA, we don’t normally get those calls.” The Orlando City game was the second without Almeyda, who will be back in action on September 14th.

For now, the Quakes must stay focused on the final six games of the season. With the win over Orlando they moved into second place in the Western Conference. They will head east for a three-game road trip.

Florian Jungwirth, defender emphasized the importance of road games after the win, said, “Now it’s important to show the same performance on the road that we do at home.”

If San Jose can manage that, they will be hosting a playoff game come October.

Final: San Jose def. Orlando City 3-0

San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana Kieu: What’s the scoop on the Quakes?

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

On the San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana:

1. The Quakes lost to LAFC 4-0 in Los Angeles last Wednesday.

2. Former Quakes striker Junior Agogo passed away in London at age 40 last Thursday.

3. It was deja vu as the Quakes defeated Vancouver WhiteCaps FC 3-1 in San Jose last Saturday.

4. The Quakes host Orlando City SC this Saturday.

5. Nick Lima and Jackson Yueill were called up to the U.S. Men’s National Team.

Ana Kieu does Earthquakes podcasts each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq: TMZ reports D. Cousins threatens to put bullet in head of ex-girlfriend; Cal hopes to work towards a bigger bowl game this year; plus more

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: sportsgossip.com

On Headline Sports with London:

#1 Former Golden State Warrior and now Los Angeles Laker DeMarcus Cousins threaten to put a bullet in the head of his ex-girlfriend Christy West. West filed a restraining order against Cousins. Cousins wanted their seven-year-old son to attend the wedding of his and his girlfriend, but West said she wouldn’t have it, which touched off the argument. Cousins is out for the season with a torn ACL.

#2 The Cal Bears’ Justin Wilcox preparing his team for this Saturday’s game against UC Davis. Wilcox led Cal to a 7-6, 4-5 record last season. They got in the Cheez-It Bowl last season, but are looking for a bigger bowl this season.

#3 Kansas City Royals owner David Glass is close to selling the Royals for $900 million. The deal for $1 billion would go to John Sherman, a Kansas City businessman. Under Glass, the Royals won the 2015 World Series against the New York Mets.

#4 The San Jose Earthquakes picked up a key win after going winless in four of five games they got the victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Quakes’ Judson, Chris Wondolowski, and Andres Rios all scored for San Jose for the 3-1 win.

#5 London has Orlando City at San Jose this Saturday night at Avaya Stadium. The Quakes are looking for their second straight win. Does playing at home give them that chance?

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

San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana Kieu: What’s the scoop on the Quakes?

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

On the San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana:

1. The Quakes lost to LAFC 4-0 in Los Angeles last Wednesday.

2. Former Quakes striker Junior Agogo passed away in London at age 40 last Thursday.

3. It was deja vu as the Quakes defeated Vancouver WhiteCaps FC 3-1 in San Jose last Saturday.

4. The Quakes host Orlando City SC this Saturday.

5. Nick Lima and Jackson Yueill were called up to the U.S. Men’s National Team.

Ana does the San Jose Earthquakes podcast each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Earthquakes set MLS record in 3-1 victory over Whitecaps

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

photo from sjearthquakes.com: The San Jose Earthquakes get some love finally getting into the win column after five games with a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps at Avaya Stadium on Saturday night.

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE, Calif. — In a historic night that featured first goals for three different players, the San Jose Earthqaukes used two of them to their advantage as they cruised to a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday evening at Avaya Stadium.

San Jose set an MLS record for most shots in a game with 43 against Vancouver. The previous record for most shots in a match was 38.

It was also the first match without head coach Matias Almeyda who was suspended for the match due to his ejection for arguing a non-call in the match this past Wednesday in the 4-0 loss to LAFC.

The win snaps their three-game losing streak and four-game overall winless streak. The victory also propelled them into fourth place in the Western Conference as they are tied with the Los Angeles Galaxy with 41 points. Vancouver is 2-2 in their last four games and sit in the cellar with 27 points.

“It was a big example of character”, said defenseman Shea Salinas on how the team responded without Almeyda being out there on the sidelines. “We have a bunch of leaders on this team. Every single guy that steps out there make sacrifices for the team and it showed tonight. It was an amazing performance.”

Vancouver (6-13-9) drew first blood for the Whitecaps in the seventh minute when Jakob Nerwinski received a ball along the right sideline from Theo Blair. Nerwinski dribbled past Vako and bent in a left footed shot into the lower left corner for his first goal of the season in an entertaining opening 10 minutes.

San Jose (12-10-5) countered immediately on the next possession. Captain Chris Wondolowski received a nice ball inside the box from 10 yards out from Christian Espinoza. He one-timed a pass over to Judson who fired a shot into the lower left corner of the goal that beat Whitecaps goalie Maxime Crepeau for his first goal of the season in the eighth minute.

“We knew we had to hit the reset button”, said Wondolowski. “No need to panic but at the same time iron out the details. It was good to get the three points.”

The Quakes dominated the first half from there on out and never looked back as they peppered Crepeau with shots all the way up to the halftime whistle blew. Crepeau amazingly kept the Whitecaps in the game stopping eight of the nine first half shots, including a right footed shot from Vako that was destined for the far corner of the goal only to have Crepeau get a hand on it at the last second, poured on by the home team.

In the 29th minute, Ali Adnan apparently tripped up Mangus Eriksson inside the box but referree Ramy Touchan allowed play to go and no penalty was called.

San Jose gained the lead in the 34th minute off a set piece. A corner kick by Eriksson serviced into the middle where Florian Jungworth’s header attempt deflected over to an open Wondolowski who one-timed a header into the back of the night for his team leading 11th goal of the season.

To say the Quakes controlled possession in the opening 45 minutes would be an understatement as they had a 80%-20% advantage.

In the second half, San Jose continued its exhibition against Vancouver creating numerous chances agianst the porous Whitecap defenese in the first 25 minutes of the half. However they weren’t able to cash in on any of them whether it not being able to finish their attempts or because of Crepeau’s wall of stone.

“To be honest I think we match up well with them (Vancouver)”, said Wondo. “Our style (of play) kind of helps us dictate the game against them.”

San Jose’s hard work paid off for them in the 73rd minute when Eriksson dribbled inside the box, then found a wide open Andres Rios, who came in as a substitute in the 70th minute for Vako, just outside from 20 yards out and his one-timer fired off the left goal post and into the back of the night for his first career MLS goal.

“I’m really happy”, said Rios. “It was my first goal at home. It’s an important victory for the team in our fight to get to the playoffs.”

Daniel Vega finished with two saves in a light night for the Quakes goal keeper. Crepeau, who was arguably the Whitecaps best player of the match, finished the evening with 14 saves on 16 shots on goal.

“43 shots on goal, you’d expect a few more goals,” Salinas joked about his team setting the league record. “He’s (Crepeau) been making saves like that all year. He’s a great goal keeper.”

GAME NOTES: San Jose had an astounding 16 corner kicks to only 1 for Vancouver. San Jose led in fouls 10-9.

San Jose is now 4-1-6 all time against Vancouver.

Carlos Fierro and Shea Salinas came in as subsitutions for Wondo and Espinoza in the 80th minute.

Jungworth was isssued a yellow card in the 31st minute for unsportmanlike conduct toward Touchan. Marco Lopez was also issued a yellow card in 72nd minute.

UP NEXT: The Quakes host Orlando City FC next Saturday, August 31 at 7:15 pm at Avaya Stadium.