Tag: mls

The Colorado Rapids and San Jose Earthquakes played to a draw on Saturday night at Avaya Stadium in San Jose (USA Today photo)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE, Calif- Drastic changes to the starting lineup almost paid off for Matias Almeyda.

Colorado Rapids Kai Kamara headed in a ball off a corner kick in the 81st minute as the set piece allowed the Rapids to earn a 1-1 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday evening at Earthquakes Stadium.

San Jose is winless in three straight games since coming back from Orlando and started the first phase of teams returning to play in home markets. Colorado’s winless streak reached a season high at six games.

Quakes head coach Matias Almeyda went looking for answers after an embarrassing 5-1 loss to LAFC this past Wednesday as he dramatically shook up his lineup with six changes to the starting lineup. In was Chris Wondolowski, and Danny Hoesen up front, while three quarters of the back line was switched, including Orlando Alanis, who returned from an injury.

It was the Quakes’ first at Earthquakes Stadium since March 7, nearly six months since their most recent home game. The match is the first live sporting event in Santa Clara County since the onset of COVID-19.

Both teams had early scoring chances in the first half but weren’t able to cash in any of their opportunities as they headed into halftime tied at zero.

Colorado (2-3-3) came close to breaking the deadlock in the 54th minute when Diego Rubio was open on the right slot but his shot hit off the right post.

San Jose (2-3-3) capitalized on a gift from Colorado just four minute later when Sam Vines conceded a penalty kick for the Quakes when a Christian Espinoza cross attempt went off his hand in the 58 minute.

Wondo finished off the penalty the kick right down the middle as Rapids goalkeeper guessed wrong to the left side. The MLS all-time leading goal scorer now has three goals on the season and 162 for his career.

Colorado woke up offensively as they controlled possession for the final 30 minutes of the second half and generated quality scoring chances. Quakes goalkeeper Daniel Vega came up with some key saves during that stretch, including a diving save off a header by Cole Bassett in the 77th minute.

The Rapids tenacity finally paid off with Kamara’s 129th career goal as the set piece has been the Quakes Achilles heel ever since they came back from Orlando and is an issue Almedya’s squad has yet to remedied.

San Jose best chance to go ahead late in the game came at the 84th minute when Alanis’ free kick from 20 yards out just sailed high over the net resulting in a free kick for Colorado.

GAMES NOTES: Wondolowski was named Man of the Match.

San Jose had seven corner kicks. Colorado had eight.

San Jose had four yellow card. Colorado had three.

The Quakes are recognizing an honorary captain at each of the team’s next two home matches, that included tonight. Honorary captains were selected with program partner Austen Everett Foundation. Tonight’s honorary captain was 10-year-old Santiago Lopez from San Jose. He was diagnosed on Thanksgiving 2019 with a rare form of brain cancer called DIPG. He had have a custom player card created and shared on Instagram. He also received a goody bag with a customized Earthquakes jersey, plush toys and soccer balls, with gear given to his sibling as well. The club recently captured and sent Santiago a video message from his favorite Quakes player Andy Rios.

UP NEXT: The Quakes travel up to Seattle take on the Sounders on Thursday 9/10 at 7:00pm at Century Link Field.

The Final score tells it all as LAFC remains unbeaten with a 5-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday night (@SJEarthquakes photo)

~ By Pearl Allison Lo

~ September 2, 2020

~ San Jose and LAFC went the way it has gone Wednesday, with the latter still unbeaten in now five games engaged with the former.

57th minute substitute Danny Hoesen and Cristian Espinoza connected however, with no time left, in minute 92 giving LAFC the 5-1 win over San Jose. This avoided a matching of the worst loss between the two teams March 30, 2019 where LAFC were victorious 5-0.

The Quakes did not help themselves though, this time, in that giving the ball away led to two goals. LACF outshot San Jose 19-9. 

Rossi scored the lone goal of the first half in the 21st minute.

After a 33rd minute yellow to Diego Palacios, considering his kicking position, Yueill´s shot just glanced over the top of the net.

San Jose´s Florian Jungwirth tackled Bradley Wright-Phillips before Rossiś goal and Judson was able to stop a breakaway by him in the 43rd minute. 

Wright-Phillips´s attack right at the start of the second half gave the Quakes a glimpse of what was to come as he would score soon and LAFC´s lead would grow larger by bounds. 

Tanner Beason, in his second start, gave the ball away to Rossi, and then Beason found himself in a foot race with Wright-Phillips. Wright-Phillips went ahead and keeper Daniel Vega slid to stop him. Wright-Phillips remained standing to clean up in an empty net in the 49th minute. He finished with a game-high six shots. 

Vega got his hand high to save a free kick from Brian Rodríguez in the 58th minute. 

In the 64th minute, Rodríguez again with ample room was stopped, but as he slid surrounded by two defenders, he was able to knock the ball through Jungwirth´s legs upon second touch to José Cifuentes. The Ecuadorian then turned around and looped the ball towards the net for his first MLS goal and a 3-0 lead.

Rossi made it 4-0 in the 69th minute. Palacios´s kick went off Jungwirth´s foot as Rossi swooped in before Vega after running past Beason for his second half goal.

Cifuentes´s teammate Danny Musovski also got in on the action with his first MLS goal in the 83rd minute.

Up Next: San Jose looks to recover on the weekend Saturday 7:30pm verus the Colorado Rapids.

 

The San Jose Earthquakes and the Los Angeles Galaxy get into a mad scramble for the football in the Cali Clasico on Sat Aug 29th in Carson City (espn.com photo)

~ By Pearl Allison Lo

~ August 29, 2020

~ Los Angeles Galaxy´s Lletget gave his team their first and final lead in the 82nd minute Saturday. This broke a three-game unbeaten streak the Earthquakes held in the California Clasico. The last four matches now have seen at least one team with three goals. 

Meanwhile, San Jose´s 16-year old Cade Cowell and Tanner Beason (also his debut) made their first MLS starts and both made an impact. 

It was the Earthquakes´ first match since outside the Orlando Bubble after Wednesday´s match was postponed due to racial injustice sit outs and their first contest since Magnus Eriksson went back to Sweden. 

The Galaxy really amped up their shots in the second half, with over half of them on target. 

San Jose led early. In the 11th minute, Tommy Thompson threw the ball in to Cristian Espinoza who kicked the ball back to Thompson. Thompson then ran to the goal line, made a perfect pass to Vako from the edge of the penalty box, and with no hesitation, Vako spun the ball past goalie David Bingham to notch his second tally of the year.

In the 32nd minute, Cristian Pavón was eventually able to shake off Thompson as they neared the goal entering the penalty box. With keeper Daniel Vega at the corner of the goal, Pavón then made a sliding sweep around kick that Beason was able to knock down at the goal line, no hands required, to save the score. Though that prompted Los Angeles´ś Ethan Zubak to put his hands to his head in disbelief, the Galaxy were for the most part undeterred as they scored in the following minute. 

Daniel Steres put the teams into a 1-1 tie as Lletget assisted with one of his three total corners in the first half.  

Pavon was the only with multiple shots in the first half as Los Angeles largely controlled possession after Vakoś goal. Pavon finished the match with a game-high six shots. 

The Galaxy´s Rolf Feltscher took a yellow card in the 52nd minute. Quakes’ Jackson Yuelil faked the kick before deferring to Cristian Espinoza. 

Los Angeles obtained a second yellow card in the 56th minute. 

It was then Cowell´s time to shine, as he won a one-on-one battle with Feltscher after a pass from Vako. Cowell got into position with two defenders near him and one of his teammates and found his spot to give his team a 2-1 lead in the 59th minute with warranted emotion as the youngest player ever on San Jose. 

 

Both teams were increasing their intensity as the Galaxy tried five shots in between the 64th and 66th minutes.   

Beason committed a handball in the 70th minute and Pavón was able to concert on the penalty kick in the 72nd minute to retie the game.

Danny Hoseen and Vako exchanged places in the 82nd minute, and in that same minute, Lletget sealed the game off a corner, which at first was debated for being a handball. 

Up Next: San Jose will face the other Southern California team LAFC midweek at 7:30pm. 

The San Jose Earthquakes tweeted a message “It was an incredible journey” they went 3-0-1 going into Saturday’s night’s game against Minnesota FC but were eliminated in the quarterfinal in a 4-1 loss. (@SJEarthquakes photo)

by Marko Ukalovic

ORLANDO, Fla— Kryptonite is kryptonite.

For the The San Jose Earthquakes their kryptonite is Minnesota FC. The Loons established its game early and never took their foot off the gas pedal in a 4-1 victory in a quarterfinals match of the MLS Is Back tournament on Saturday evening at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

San Jose has lost four consecutive games against Minnesota, including a 5-2 loss back in March at Earthquakes Stadium, dating back to last year and are 0-4 during head coach Matias Almeyda’s tenure with the Quakes.

The Cinderella run for San Jose came to an end after spending five weeks in the citrus city. They now head back to Silicon Valley to regroup while Minnesota FC head to a semifinal matchup with Orlando City FC on Thursday.

The Loons took control of the game scoring two goals in a 90 second span at the 20th minute.

Hassani Dotson sent a cross in to the left side of the box where Jose Aja headed the ball back into the middle where an unmarked Robin Lod finished the play with a right-footed chip into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.

Before the Quakes could even blink, Minnesota FC’s Dotson dribbled in from right to left with a shot on goal that Quakes goalkeeper Daniel Vega wasn’t able to control and Jacori Hayes buried the rebound into the upper right corner for a two-goal lead. It was Hayes’ first goal in a Minnesota FC uniform.

“We were outplayed by the opponent. It’s the fourth time they played us and the fourth time they beat us. In these instances, unfortunately you have to get your bags and go home. And even though I didn’t want to lose, I had illusions to keep going. All the people that were here, the players, the staff, the executives, people back home, I thank everybody for the effort,” Almeyda said.

Despite controlling the possession game in the first half 70%-30%, San Jose looked flat-footed in the first 45 minutes as Minnesota looked steps ahead playing their style of game.

San Jose changed the momentum of the game briefly at the beginning of the second half when Cristian Espinoza sent a ball into the box where Tommy Thompson’s chip went off the wrist of Hayes. After VAR review a penalty shot was awarded to the Quakes.

Once again Magnus Eriksson was the man from 12 yards out as he slammed home the shot past Minnesota FC goalkeeper Tyler Miller for his third penalty conversion of the tournament in the 50th minute. Eriksson is now a perfect eight for eight on penalty shots.

Six minutes later Minnesota FC regained their two-goal lead and ended any chance of a San Jose comeback. Lod made a pass from midfield over to Luis Amarilla. The Minnesota FC striker then dribbled the ball unchallenged all the way down inside the box before drilling a shot past Vega from 12 yards out for a 3-1 lead.

“I am really proud of the steps forward that we’ve taken in this tournament. “It was a huge commitment for us to be the first team here, and to stay as long as we did. I think it’s a testament to where this team is at. We’re confident and I think the best is yet to come. We have plenty of lessons to take, whether it’s the comeback win against Vancouver, or the convincing win against Chicago, or now those result against Minnesota. We’re going to take the good with the bad and were focusing on the future. It’s like I said, I think the best is yet to come”, said Thompson.

The Loons finished off the scoring to ice the game in the 86th minute. Dotson made a run along the right wing and centered the ball into the middle where Marlon Hairston tapped in the ball into an open net.

Miller only needed to make three saves in earning the victory. Vega made nine saves in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose had 6 corner kicks. Minnesota FC had 5.

San Jose were issued four yellow cards in the match (Chris Wondolowski, Jackson Yueill, Andy Rios and Judson).

The Earthquakes depart the MLS is Back Tournament with a 3-1-1 overall record, including a 2-0-1 record in Group-Stage play that counts towards the regular-season standings.

San Jose held >60% possession in all five of their matches in the tournament.

Eriksson and Wondolowski each finished with a team-high three goals during the competition.

Midfielder Jack Skahan made his Earthquakes debut, entering as a substitute in the 67th minute.

Vega and defender Guram Kashia each played all 450 minutes of the tournament.

Real Salt Lake defender Marcelo Silva, left, and San Jose Earthquakes forward Andres Rios (25) compete for the ball during the first half of the MLS Is Back knockout game Monday. (AP photo)

MLS podcast with London:

#1 Since playing in the bubble for the MLS is Back Tournament there hasn’t been any major outbreak since FC Dallas and FC Nashville had dropped out.

#2 London their are eight teams left in the MLS quarterfinals and amongst them are the heavily favorites LAFC and Sporting KC which had strong outings to get here.

#3 The San Jose Earthquakes have been the biggest surprise going 3-0-1 beating some real odds playing to a 0-0 draw to start the tournament against Seattle, then coming back from behind on the Vancouver Whitecaps for a  4-3 win, then shutting out the Chicago Fire 2-0 and then a huge win 5-2 over Real Salt Lake to go the quarterfinals with momentum.

#4 The Quakes go into the quarterfinals this Saturday as underdogs and no one would have expected them to get this far and the way they have played since the MLS is Back has folks the games asking “who are these guys”

#5 Chris Wondolowski always a key player in the Quakes success and the 86th minute of Monday night’s game against RSL was no exception with Wondolowski scoring on a rebound. Wondolowski who leads the MLS as the all time scorer scored in his third straight game.

London Marq podcasts each Friday and does analysis on the San Jose Earthquakes at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

The San Jose Earthquakes Carlos Fierro has a lot to be happy about as he’s been a big offensive contributor in the MLS is Back Tournament as the Quakes defeated Real Salt Lake in a come back match on Monday night in Orlando (@SJEarthquakes photo)

On the San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Marko:

#1 The San Jose Earthquakes once again played another come back from behind contest at the MLS is Back tournament scoring four goals in the second half to turn it around on Real Salt Lake for a three goal 5-2 win last Monday in Orlando.

#2 Marko talk about the point you had brought up in your column on Monday night San Jose had five different players tally either a goal or an assist and two players that recorded both a goal and an assist.

#3 The Earthquakes have now scored 11 goals in their last three matches of the MLS is Back Tournament, including at least four in two of the last three games.

#4 San Jose controlled the majority of play in the first half. They won the possession battle 66%-34% against Real Salt Lake.

#5 Marko talk about the upcoming game against  Minnesota FC the Quakes have this Saturday Aug 1st as they head to the quarterfinals.

Join Marko as he takes you through the excitement of San Jose Earthquakes soccer from ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.

 

The San Jose Earthquakes celebrate yet another happy ending following their victory over  Real Lake City in their three goal win to improve to 3-0-1 and move onto the quarterfinals (@SJEarthquakes photo)

by Marko Ukalovic

ORLANDO, Fla.—The San Jose Earthquakes continued their dominance in the second half. Real Salt Lake was their latest victim as they won they scored four second half goals en route to a 5-2 victory in their round of 16 match of the MLS is Back tournament on Monday evening at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

With the victory the Quakes stamped their ticket to the quarterfinals of the MLS Is Back tournament and now await the winner of the Minnesota FC-Columbus Crew match tomorrow evening.

San Jose had five different players tally either a goal or an assist and two players that recorded both a goal and an assist.

The Earthquakes have now scored 11 goals in their last three matches of the MLS is Back Tournament, including at least four in two of the three games. The club has now outscored its opponents 11-5 in the competition and 10-2 over its last 210 minutes.

San Jose controlled the majority of play in the first half. They won the possession battle 66%-34% against Real Salt Lake.

“I think the team keeps growing game after game,” said Quakes head coach Matias Almeyda. “It keeps showing a very positive attitude. In unity, in sacrifice, but more than anything in how they play. The best thing for a coach is to get the maximum level out of each player because that will allow us to have growth. Once again, I am grateful to each player and for the work they have put in.”

The Quakes broke through in the 21st minute. Magnus Eriksson started a rush up the pitch where he found Vako open in the middle. Vako then sent a pass out to the right wing where Cristian Espinoza gathered the ball, made a move inside and fired a shot past Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Zac MacMath back into the left corner of the goal for his second goal in as many games.

Real Salt Lake caught San Jose sleeping at the subsequent kickoff. A long ball surprised the Quakes backline and sprung Douglas Martinez who came in all alone from the left wing. Quakes goalkeeper Daniel Vega came out to challenge the play but Martinez chipped the ball over Vega for a goal just 21 seconds later at the 22nd minute.

San Jose regained their composer and toward the end of the half had numerous attempts for the go-ahead goal but weren’t able to capitalize.

It didn’t take long for San Jose regain the lead once the second half started. In the 48th minute with the Quakes in possession, Eriksson split RSL’s defense with a splendid pass over to Tommy Thompson who broke in from the right side of the D. Thompson had a stride on Alvin Jones, who ended up pushing down Thompson inside the box resulting in a penalty kick for the Quakes.

Eriksson buried the ball into the upper right corner for the first of his two-goal evening for San Jose.

“We have been shooting penalties during the week and I felt pretty confident. I had a really great feeling before both penalty kicks. There was no doubt from my side. I am really happy with the performance tonight with the boys and everybody around the team, so it is a great evening for us,” Eriksson said.

Real Salt Lake pushed back in the 59th minute when Martinez drove into the box but his shot was saved by Vega.

San Jose gained their first two-goal lead two minutes later in the 61st minute. Vako collected a turnover from 30 yards out. He dribbled up the middle before sending a pass to the left where Andy Rios gave back a pretty centering feed to Vako who tapped home the ball for for his first goal of the tournament.

Once again Martinez tried to get Real Salt Lake back into the match. He centered a pass over Damar Kreilach but Vega was there with a diving save off to spoil Kreilach’s chance in the 63rd minute.

Kreilach gave Real Salt Lake a glimmer of hope in the 75th minute when he slammed home a pass from Marcelo Silva past into the right corner past Vega cutting the Quakes lead to just one goal.

Silva received a red card in the 84th minute for a dangerous tackle attempt on Jackson Yueill that had the Quakes midfielder withering in pain on the grass for a few minutes.

With San Jose up with a man advantage, Chris Wondolowski put the game away in the 86th minute when Shea Salinas made a move around Justin Meram and centered the ball that deflected off the foot of MacMath over to the MLS all-time leading goal scorer who had the ball tap off his shin and sneak into the right corner of the net for his third goal in three games.

Wondo increased his current MLS record for goals to 162.

Eriksson put the cherry on top in the final minute of stoppage time when he cashed in his second penalty shot of the night after a hand ball by Kyle Beckerman inside the box gave the Quakes their second opportunity from 12 yards out. Beckerman was issued a red card and ejected from the match for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Vega finished with three saves on fives shots on target as he stayed undefeated in the tournament (3-0-1). MacMath finished with three saves on eight shots on target in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose had six corner kicks to Real Salt Lake’s four.

The only stat Real Salt Lake dominated in was fouls. They had 19 to only nine for San Jose.

The Quakes have taken more than twice the number of shots as their opponents in the MLS is Back Tournament (76 to 37).

Rios tallied his first assist of the MLS is Back Tournament and first of the year in all competitions.

Sixteen-year-old Cade Cowell made his second appearance of the MLS is Back Tournament, entering as a substitute in the 81st minute.

Real Salt Lake’s Justen Glad was issued a yellow card in the 66th minute for tripping Espinoza. Corey Baird (33rd minute) and Aaron Herrera (29th minute) also drew yellow cards. Espinoza received his own yellow card in the 31st minute.

UP NEXT: San Jose take on the winner of the Columbus-Minnesota match on Saturday 8/1 at 5:00pm at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.