Category: San Jose Earthquakes

Earthquakes beat LAFC at Levi’s Stadium 2-1 in front of 45k+ fans

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Photo courtesy of San Jose Earthquakes Twitter. The Earthquakes celebrate their victory after their win over LAFC at Levi’s Stadium.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme) and Marko Ukalovic

SANTA CLARA- The battle for the bay between the Earthquakes and LAFC was an exciting one that went down to the wire with San Jose ending up on top 2-1.

San Jose went into this match with a 4-3-3 record while LAFC came in with a 5-0-3 record.

The attendance at Levi’s Stadium was a solid 45,112 while the weather was slightly overcast with no rain during the game.

Both teams started in a 4-3-3 formation as JT Marcinkowski faced off against John McCarthy in goal.

The match got off to a great start for San Jose as just eight minutes in Cristian Espinoza received a beautiful pass from Jamiro Monteiro which Espinoza struck from the centre of the box into the net. The goal sent all 45,000 plus fans into a frenzy with the goal being Espinoza’s eighth of the season.

The goal gave the Earthquakes a solid spark of momentum as right after Espinoza had an attempt on net and Paul Marie had an attempt go wide.

At the 29th minute mark of the match Mateusz Bogusz was given a yellow card on a bad foul. Despite the foul Bogusz put a shot on target that Marcinkowski saved however Dénis Bouanga picked up the rebound and scored tying the game at one.

The rest of the first half saw LAFC put the heat on the Earthquakes with Marcinkowski having to make two big saves one off of Bouanag and the other off of a strike from Denil Maldonado.

Despite the pressure San Jose held on to the tie at half 1-1. At the end of the first half the total shots favored LAFC 10-6 as well as possession at 57.7%-42.3%

The beginning of the second half saw LA continuing their pressure with a couple missed attempts.

At around the 76th minute mark as there was a delay in the match because of an injury to both Paul Marie and Aaron Long though thankfully both were able to continue to play.

Not long after the delay Jeremy Ebobisse drew a foul in the penalty area brining the fans at Levi’s Stadium to their feet. Taking the penalty of course was Espinoza who converted on the penalty hitting the bottom right of the net.

A little after the goal Maldonado was given a yellow card on a bad foul continuing their foul trouble.

For LA it was crunch time as they pushed hard for a goal throwing everything at San Jose. The most threatening moment being when Timothy Tillman missed a header over the net. San Jose was able to hold on and win the match over LA by a final of 2-1 at Levi’s Stadium.

“I think we can always be dangerous at any point it’s almost a little unpredictable and I love that because I think it’s one of our strengths,” head coach Luchi Gonzalez said after the match.

San Jose plays LA Galaxy next this time on the road on 5/14 at 6:30 p.m.

Earthquakes dominate at home over Kansas City 3-0

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Photo courtesy of San Jose Earthquakes. The Earthquakes celebrate a goal at home.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

SAN JOSE- In what was a very strong performance at home the Earthquakes came out and got the win over Kansas City 3-0.

JT Marcinkowski got the start for San Jose while Tim Melia was in between the pipes for Kansas City.

The match saw a quick strike from the quakes as Cristian Espinoza just nine minutes in scored on a beautiful cross from Cade Cowell.

Just before the end of the first half Jeremy Ebobisse scored on a penalty as Robert Castellanos was given a red card for a professional foul.

The second match started with more offense as Paul Marie found Ebobisse in the box who quickly deposited the ball in the net extending their lead to 3-0.

That goal ended up being the last of the match as the Earthquakes got a convincing home win.

With that win San Jose now finds themselves fifth in the western conference with four wins.

There were three yellow cards given out during the match with all three against San Jose. Possession also favored San Jose at 53.9% to 46.1%.

The final shots favored the Earthquakes 10-9 while shots on goal finished at 6-3 in favor of San Jose as well.

The Earthquakes next game will be against Salt Lake next Saturday on the road at 6:30 p.m.

The Earthquakes remain undefeated at home beating Houston 2-1

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Photo courtesy of San Jose Earthquakes. The Earthquakes ready themselves before the start of the second half.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

SAN JOSE- In what was an interesting match to watch the Earthquakes scored two penalties against the Dynamo to win by a final of 2-1.

For San Jose JT Marcinkowski got the start while for Houston Steve Clark was in between the pipes.

The match got off to a quick start for San Jose as they played with strong pace and lead to Teenage Hadebe getting called for a handball in the penalty area.

Cristian Espinoza took the penalty shot and scored at the 7′ mark of the first half striking the bottom left part of the net.

A little later in the first Jonathan Mensa was issued a yellow card on a bad foul and at the 33′ mark Carlos Akapo was given one as well.

At the 40′ mark Michael Baldisimo was issued a foul in the penalty area though it was under questionable circumstances.

Despite that Amine Bassi took the penalty shot and scored hitting the centre of the net tying the game back up. Not

Not long after the penalty Artur for the Houston Dynamo was issued a yellow card.

The end of the half showed how few shots there were as collectively there was only two shots on target between the two teams which were the two penalties.

The Earthquakes did maintain the possession in the first half at 51.3% to Houston’s 48.7%

The second half started out quite opposite to the first as early on Corey Baird got a good shot on goal that Marcinkowski fought off.

In response Espinoza also got a great shot on target that leaked through Clark’s legs but stayed out as he scrambled back and covered it.

Just two minutes after the shot Jamiro Monteiro was issued a yellow card on a bad foul.

San Jose continued the pace and Cade Cowell lead a good charge into the box but lost possession of the ball.

A little after that play the refs looked back and saw that Cowell was fouled in the penalty area and thus San Jose was awarded another penalty.

Espinoza took the penalty and scored once again this time hitting the bottom right part of the net making it 2-1.

Houston later in the half made a couple substitutions including putting out on the field Sebastián Ferreira who last year scored multiple goals against San Jose.

In stoppage time Houston was given one last chance as they were awarded a free kick on a foul by Paul Marie.

The free kick was from a dangerous position but Marcinkowski came up with an easy save as the Earthquakes held on to win 2-1.

The Earthquakes next match will be on 4/8 against New York on the road at 4:30 p.m.

Rough first half leads to loss for Earthquakes 3-0

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Photo courtesy of San Jose Earthquakes Twitter. The Earthquakes huddle up before a game.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

On the road the Earthquakes came out with a disappointing performance and dropped their first game of the regular season 3-0 against St. Louis.

For San Jose JT Marcinkowski got the start while for St. Louis Roman Bürki was in between the pipes.

Penalty trouble came early in this match for San Jose as at the 14th minute Rodrigues was given a yellow card on a foul.

At the 29th minute of the match the Earthquakes subbed in Michael Baldisimo for Carlos Gruezo.

The scoring got started at the 34th minute as forward Nicholas Gioacchini scored his first goal of the season.

The foul trouble continued in this game as Miguel Trauco was given a yellow card at the 40th minute on another foul.

Three minutes of extra time was added in the first half and João Klauss capitalized on the extra time scoring for St. Louis and making it 2-0.

At halftime the Earthquakes made a couple substitutions as Paul Marie came on for Miguel Trauco and Benjamin Kikanović was subbed on for Tommy Thompson.

Not long after being subbed in Kikanović was also given a yellow card on a foul as well.

At the 58th minute another substitution was made as Tanner Beason came on for Rodrigues.

The 64th minute saw more foul trouble for San Jose as Cade Cowell this time was hit with a yellow card.

While the beginning of the half saw the Earthquakes getting a few chances later in the half at the 68th minute of the match Tomás Ostrák scored for St. Louis putting the game away.

The win for St. Louis was historic though as they are the first expansion team in MLS history to win their first four games of their existence.

Looking at some quick number the possession percentage in the match favored San Jose at 55.1% to 44.9%. The shots in the match favored St. Louis 20-13 with shots on goal also favoring St. Louis at 8-2.

As noted throughout this recap in total San Jose took five yellow cards while St. Louis was only given one.

The Earthquakes next game will be against Toronto on March 25th at 7:30 p.m. at home.

Earthquakes drop opening game of regular season against Atlanta 2-1

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Photo courtesy of San Jose Earthquakes Twitter. Cristian Espinoza dribbles the ball upfield.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

San Jose hoped to open their regular season on the right foot but unfortunately faltered right at the finish losing against Atlanta 2-1.

For the Earthquakes Daniel De Sousa Brito started in net while Brad Guzan started for Atlanta.

An important debut was made as well in tonights game as Carlos Akapo made his first appearance for San Jose.

The Earthquakes in this match got off to as good of a start as a team could ask for as at the 12′ mark of the first half the offense struck gold.

The goal started off with Rodrigues crossing it beautifully to Espinoza who found Jeremy Ebobisse crashing the net who headed it home making it 1-0.

Despite the good start just a minute after the goal Carlos Cruezo was handed a yellow card on a foul.

On the foul Atlanta was awarded a penalty shot which went wide.

At the end of the first half the score remained the same at 1-0.

The second half was closely played with Atlanta pushing to tie the match at one.

At the 85′ mark of the second half the Earthquakes made three substitutions putting in Tanner Beason, Jack Skahan, and Michael Baldisimo. While Miguel Trauco, Cristian Espinoza, and Jamiro Monteiro were taken off.

The 90′ mark had another yellow card given out to San Jose this time Benjamin Kikanovic was given the foul.

In the extra time was when Atlanta did their damage as at the 90′ +3′ mark Thiago Almada scored to tie the match up at one.

On the goal though Almada was also given a yellow card for excessive celebration.

That did not seem to deter Almada who instead scored another goal this time at the 90′ +9′ mark to give Atlanta the lead.

With that goal Almada put the game away as San Jose could not respond.

The Earthquakes next game will be on March 4th against Vancouver at home at 7:30 p.m.

Earthquakes get another preseason win over Minnesota United FC 4-1

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Photo courtesy of San Jose Earthquakes. Earthquakes players celebrate after scoring against Minnesota United FC on February 15th.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

After a quick start the Earthquakes were able to hold on to a victory over Minnesota United FC by a final of 4-1.

In goal for San Jose was Daniel De Sousa Brito.

Cristian Espinoza got the game started off on the right foot as he scored early finishing on a nice cross.

Feeling the momentum Espinoza was given another great opportunity and scored again getting two goals in the first nine minutes of the game.

On a penalty though Minnesota United FC struck back cutting San Jose’s lead in half.

That ended up being the score going into halftime with the Earthquakes still holding on to their lead.

In the second half San Jose stuck first as Carlos Akapo fead Niko Tsakiris in the box who settled the ball turned around and scored making it 3-1.

On a corner kick this time Daniel Munie scored on a header extending the lead to 4-1 in favor of the Earthquakes.

That score would hold as San Jose got the win 4-1 over Minnesota United FC.

The Earthquakes final preseason game will be against the New York Red Bulls this Saturday at 10 a.m.

Earthquakes come away with victory in preseason over D.C. United 2-1

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Photo courtesy of San Jose Earthquakes. Midfielder Jamiro Monteiro running during practice on February 7th 2023.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

In their second game of the preseason the Earthquakes rode a strong first half to victory over D.C. United winning by a final of 2-1.

For San Jose JT Marcinkowski started between the pipes looking to get the victory. While forward Jeremy Ebobisse started in the striker spot.

Things got off to a solid start for the Earthquakes as on a corner kick Jamiro Monteiro ended up with the ball in a perfect striking position and scored making it 1-0.

Following that up on a beautiful cross Cristian Espinoza struck the ball with precision and scored over the D.C. goalkeeper making it a 2-0 match.

San Jose held that lead until half.

In the second half the Earthquakes started off with some solid possession and passing keeping United on their heels.

On a penalty though D.C. did score making it a 2-1 game in the second half.

Despite the goal San Jose was able to hold on and got the victory by a final of 2-1.

The Earthquakes next game in their preseason schedule will be against Minnesota United FC at 12 p.m. on February 15th.

Bull Market: Kings hit another two-decade milestone in 110-101 home win over Chicago

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By Morris Phillips

SACRAMENTO–Even if the games run ragged, the Kings are winning them.

Clearly times have changed… anyone remember December 2004 with Peja, C Webb, and Mike Bibby at Arco?

That was the last time the Kings had this encouraging a start to a season after 22 games. How long ago was that? Well, for one, Vlade Divac was already gone in 2004, and since he’s materialized (as Kings GM) and disappeared a second time. Doug Christie was present in 2004 but subsequently gone, then re-emerged as a member of the Kings TV broadcast team, and now a member of Mike Brown’s coaching staff.

That’s a lot of comings and goings, but the lengthiest playoff drought in North American sports can be like that.

Brown’s arrival, a healthy roster, and (slightly) better defense are keys to the home team’s emergence, but a genuine belief might be even bigger.

“They’re connected,” Brown said after Sunday’s 110-101 win over the road-weary Kings. “They’re trying to play for each other, and when you get that with a talented group and two All-Stars in Fox and Domas, and a lot of guys who can step up, including Sixth Man of the Year (hopeful) Malik Monk, you get some nice wins.”

At 13-9, the Kings have won three straight and 11 of 16, and those anxious moments that saw fans get those negative thoughts (again) during the recent three-game skid have subsided. Seeing the team win in person at Golden 1 certainly does more than seeing them struggle on the road while watching them on television. That’s for sure.

The Kings weren’t great on Sunday 24 hours after they wasted the Clippers in Los Angeles. They missed shots–30 of 43 from distance–and after building an 18-point, second quarter lead saw it evaporate in the third.

In part, the visitors, led by Zach LaVine’s 41 points, weren’t keen on returning to Chicago with a losing record on their road swing. But a sixth game in 12 days wasn’t going to put them in position to be at their best, especially when they’ve been far from that in dropping 10 of 14.

You know that team won’t go away,” Fox said. “They have some guys that can really go get it. They did that tonight, and we were just trying to throw different looks at them, but I think in the fourth quarter, we were able to get stops when we needed them.”

Seven Kings scored in double figures, but no one had more than Monk’s 20 off the bench. The balanced scoring fit the uneven performance in that if you don’t have a couple of standouts to help you cruise, it’s okay to find your way with a determined committee.

That and the first triple-double from Sabonis, who had 11 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists, the first time the Kings’ center has achieved that milestone since he was traded to Sacramento. And he did it when some other big body on another team might have rested in a back-to-back scenario.

“I don’t really believe in resting,” Sabonis said before the game. “What we’re paid for as professional athletes (is to) perform. But, yeah, the West is packed. If other teams want to rest players, it’s to our advantage to go out there and take that win.”

The Kings have two days off before they take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Wednesday.

Earthquakes comeback to draw 2-2 with Sounders in season finale

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Jeremey Ebobissee celebrates his 17th goal of the season with his teammates at Lumen Field on Sunday OCT 9, 2022. (San Jose Earthquakes)

by Marko Ukalovic

It’s the end of an era, be it a short one.

The San Jose Earthquakes came back from a one goal deficit in the second half to earn a 2-2 draw with the Seattle Sounders in their season finale on Sunday afternoon at Lumen Field.

San Jose finished their turbulent 2022 season with an 8-15-11 record and 35 points to finish dead last in the Western Conference. Seattle had a subpar season finishing with a 12-17-5 record and 41 points to finish in 11th place and out of the playoffs.

This match marked the final one for interim head coach Alex Covelo, who took over for Matias Almeyda after he was dismissed following an 0-6 start. Covelo won his final home match last weekend, a 2-0 victory over Minnesota United.

The Quakes finished with an 8-11-8 record in MLS play under Covelo. Next season the ‘Quakes will be led by recently hired head coach Luchi Gonzalez, who is currently an assistant coach for the U.S. Men’s National Team that will be playing in the World Cup next month in Qatar.

“I talked about my emotions the other day. I didn’t talk about it in the past and I am not going to talk now. I think that these guys, this locker room, is very unique. They are very unified, and they are enjoying the way that we are playing. And at the same time, I cannot be more proud. We are working here everyday downstairs, every day with the players, from the medical part and also with Wondo [Chris Wondolowski], Lucho [Luciano Fusco], Steve [Ralston]. We have a lot of value, not only provisional but also as human beings, which is very important. But I am not going to talk more about emotions,” Covelo said.

Seattle drew first blood in the match’s opening minute. Alex Roldan crossed a ball into the middle over to Nicholas Lodeiro who one-timed a left footed shot past ‘Quakes goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski for his sixth goal of the season.

San Jose answered back three minutes later. A shot from Cristian Espinoza was punched out to the middle by Souders goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland. Jeremy Ebobisse cleaned up the rebound for his team leading 17th goal of the season.

It was also Ebobisse’s 44th of his MLS career. He set a new single-season career-high in goals and finished the season third in goals among all American players in MLS, only behind FC Cincinnati’s Brandon Vazquez (18) and FC Dallas’ Jesus Ferreira (18).

Lodeiro gave the Sounders back their lead in the 49th minute when he recorded his brace. A corner kick was headed back to the D and Lodeiro one-timed the ball out of the air with a power shot into the left corner of the net for his seventh goal of the season, which was second best on the Sounders.

San Jose scored the equalizer in the 75th minute. Defender Miguel Trauco found Cade Cowell along the left sideline. Cowell dribbled down the middle before pin placing a right footed shot past Cleveland into the lower right corner of the net for his third goal of the season.

“It shows a lot of what we have been doing this year. This is a resilient team. I think we battled until the end, and there is a lot of character and a lot of passion in the locker room. The guys have been fantastic the whole year. This is a hard place to play, and although they are not in the MLS Playoffs, they’re a really, really, really good team. To play how we did, we suffered at times, but it was a positive end to the season and I’m proud of the guy’s work today,” ‘Quakes captain Jackson Yueill said.

Marinkowski finished the match with four saves on six shots on target in his final match of the season. Cleveland made two saves on four shots.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished with one corner kicks. Seattle had four.

San Jose is now 12-15-9 all-time vs. Seattle Sounders FC, including a 6-10-3 record on the road.

Trauco made his first MLS start, playing 78 minutes. He also tallied an assist on Cade Cowell’s goal, marking his second assist of the season and of his MLS career. He has now tallied two assists in his last three matches.

Salinas goes out a hero in final home match of his career in Earthquakes 2-0 shutout win over Minnesota United

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Shea Salinas being celebrated by his teammates after his final home match, a 2-0 win over Minnesota FC, at Pay Pal Park in San Jose on Saturday Oct 1, 2022. (San Jose Earthquakes)

by Marko Ukalovic

It was a swan sung to remember for Shea Salinas.

The San Jose Earthquakes veteran midfielder, who played in his final home match of his storied career, scored the game winning goal in a 2-0 shutout victory over the Minnesota United on Saturday evening in the home season finale at Pay Pal Park.

Salinas, who announced his retirement from the game this past Wednesday, was given the start in the midfield by interim head coach Alex Covelo in his final home match of his career.

He made the most of his 63 minutes on the pitch with the goal on two shots. The Man of the Match received a standing ovation from the ‘Quakes faithful on hand that witnessed the final time he donned the home jersey. Covelo substituted in forward Benji Kikanovic in the 64th minute.

Salinas’ goal came in the 52nd minute off a free kick just inside the D. His shot deflected off the leg off Emmanuel Reynoso and past United goalkeeper David St. Clair for his first goal of the season. It was the 22nd goal of his 15-year career in his 375th MLS appearance.

Salinas set up his own goal two minutes earlier when he intercepted a pass at midfield and raced down the middle of the pitch only to be tripped up by Michael Boxall before making a shot attempt on net.

“Tonight was special, (it fees) still kind of surreal, the whole thing,” Salinas said after the match. “It doesn’t feel like the last game (at home). I felt good out there but (I’m) also excited for the future. I thought it was a good way to end it, it was fun.”

San Jose won just their eight match of the season with one left go before they wrap it up for 2022. It was big blow to Minnesota’s playoff hopes as they weren’t able to gain any ground as they stood stuck with 45 points, one point ahead of Real Salt Lake for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. They are 0-5-1 in their last six matches.

“For me, to coach Shea (Salinas) is a pleasure. I’ve known him since I came here in 2017. He always has been a role model on and off the field. I was on the bench in 2017 when Shea scored the second goal and gave us the victory that day at Stanford. It has been a pleasure,” Covelo said.

Kikanovic gave San Jose (8-15-10) an insurance goal in the 71st minute. Jeremy Ebobisee chipped a ball over Kikanovic out to the middle and he dribbled out the right wing before depositing the ball into the lower left corner for his sixth goal of the season.

Minnesota United (13-14-6) came out flat with hardly any desperation setting up a winner take all scenario heading into Decision Day next Sunday against Vancouver in a race that has five teams separated by only four points.

The best scoring chance for the visiting team came in the 48th minute when a shot from the left wing by Reynoso was knocked away by ‘Quakes goalkeeper JTMarcinkowski and out of danger.

Marcinkowsi finished the match stopping the two shots on target to earn his fourth clean sheet of the season. St. Clair made four saves on six shots on target in the losing effort.

In the end it was a scripted ending perfect for Salinas that everyone had hoped for but no one expected.

Salinas said to closed out by saying “It was pretty funny. They were huddled up, talking about some plan, and I was jokingly over their shoulder like, ‘Hey guys, I’m just going to shoot it,’ and I walked away. But they were like, ‘No, seriously, that’s fine. Shoot it.’ I haven’t taken a direct free kick my entire career.  I think God had this all planned out and I got to celebrate.”

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished with seven corner kicks. Minnesota had six.

San Jose is now 5-4-2 all-time vs. Minnesota United FC, including a 3-2-1 record at PayPal Park.

The Earthquakes are now 8-11-7 in MLS play under Covelo.

Minnesota United had it seven match unbeaten streak snapped as they were 5-0-2 previously against San Jose

San Jose has scored 29 goals in the second half this season.

Salinas still holds the club record with 50 assists.

UP NEXT: San Jose closes out the regular season against the Seattle Sounders on Sunday 10/9 at 2:00pm at Lumen Field.