Tag: mls

Galaxy counter attack takes down Earthquakes 3-1 in home opener

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Los Angeles Galaxy forwards Riqui Puig (#10) and Dejan Joveljic (#9) celebrate a goal scored by Puig as San Jose Earthquakes fullback Tanner Beason (#15) watches on during a 3-1 win at Pay Pal Park on Saturday MAR 2, 2024. (Los Angeles Galaxy)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — The Los Angeles Galaxy scored three unanswered goals in a dominate 3-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes in the 99th installment of the California Classico on Saturday evening in front of a sold-out crowd at Pay Pal Park.

San Jose has started the season losing their first two matches and have lost their home opener in two of the last three seasons. Los Angeles earned their first win of the season after a 1-1 draw against Leo Messi and Inter Miami last week in its season opener.

Los Angeles (1-0-1) drew first blood in the 18th minute. Mark Delgado centered the ball from the right wing over to Joseph Paintsil who beat ‘Quakes goalie Daniel with a left footed shot for his first goal of the season.

“It’s a derby, and we didn’t play with enough pride, physicality, or energy,” said ‘Quakes head coach Luchi Gonzalez regarding his team’s disappointing performance. “We are just really disappointed. If you don’t focus on the future, you can’t control the past, which is about how people respond. I do believe in our group.”

The Galaxy doubled its lead just before halftime. This time it was Paintsil leading the counterattack. Paintsil centered the ball over to Dejan Joveljic who chipped in the ball into an empty net for his team leading second goal of the season in the 43rd minute.

The Galaxy carried the momentum the established in the first half immediately to start the second half. Diego Fagundez led a counterattack down the right sideline. Fagundez found Joveljic inside the box and the Bosnian attacker crossed the ball back into the middle where Riqui Puig blasted the ball into an empty net for his first goal of the season and LA’s third unanswered in the 48th minute.

“It wasn’t our night. We had the opportunity to get the next goal. Giving up that (third) goal was a killer. Sometimes you can regroup; we didn’t execute,” Gonzalez said.

Defenseman Bruno Wilson made his ‘Quakes debut as substitute in the 55th minute. Preston Judd also came off the bench in the 55th minute marking his second appearance in a ‘Quakes kit.

San Jose (0-2) finally broke through on the scoreboard in the 70th minute. Cristian Espinoza centered the ball into the middle of the box. The ball bounced off Martin Caceres up into the air where Judd beat Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy with a right footed shot for his first goal in a Quakes uniform against his former team.

“It was right place, right time. I was there to finish it in. As a forward my job is to try to score goals and at that point, I just needed to bring energy out there on the field. Any bit of energy helps team morale. … I’m looking forward to playing this system and moving forward. I’m looking forward to the next Clásico. There’s a lot of history in these and hopefully next time I get the game-winning goal instead of the consolation goal,” Judd said.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished the match with 10 corner kicks. Los Angeles had two.

San Jose now holds a 28-38-17 all-time record against LA, including an 18-15-11 record at home.

The match was the first time San Jose had hosted Los Angeles in its home opener.

UP NEXT: San Jose hosts the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday 3/9 at 7:30pm at Pay Pal Park.

Sportstalk podcast at Sushi Confidential downtown San Jose Feb26, 2024

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sushi Confidential at 26 San Pedro Square, downtown San Jose (photo by Sushi Confidential)

Marko Ukalovic (host and San Jose Barracuda beat writer), Titus Wilkinson (San Jose Sharks and San Jose Barracuda beat writer), Troy Ewers (San Jose State Spartans and SJ Sharks beat writer) and Chiranbir Mahal (INDTV USA) with our host owner of Sushi Confidential Restaurant Randy Musterer.

Were podcasting from the Sushi Confidential San Pedro Square location at 26 San Pedro Square in downtown San Jose. There are three Sushi Confidential locations here in the South Bay to serve you 247 East Campbell Avenue in downtown Campbell, 17340 Monterey Road Morgan Hill and right here at San Pedro Square in downtown San Jose.

Sushi Confidential serves sustainable wild caught California Halibut caught off the coast of Santa Cruz. This is as fresh as it gets. Sushi Confidential offers a full menu made to order of Nigiri Sushi, special rolls, and try a favorite the sticky pork bao buns from the starter menu.

There is so much to choose from hot entrees, salads, ramen, a kids menu, to the eight piece Sushi Confidential rolls. Sushi Confidential with three South Bay locations in Campbell, Morgan Hill and downtown San Jose.

Seal the deal: FC Dallas’ Sealy boots late goal to edge Quakes 2-1 in Frisco TX

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Jose Earthquakes defender Carlos Akapo (29) and FC Dallas Dante Sealy (11) battle for the futbol at Toyota Stadium in Frisco TX on Sat Feb 24, 2024 (AP News photo)

By William Espy

The San Jose Earthquakes started their new season in Frisco, Texas as they visited FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. Last season, the two teams were only separated by two points in the standings, with Dallas finishing 7th in the Western Conference while the Earthquakes came 9th.

The Quakes had one notable change this season, which was easy to see even before kickoff. As part of their 50th-anniversary celebration, they’re wearing red on their kits to honor the original Earthquakes franchise instead of the usual blue.

The Earthquakes started with a 4-3-3 formation a slight change in the lineup from last season due to the departure of Jamiro Monteiro who moved to Gaziantep of the Turkish Super Lig on a free transfer earlier this month, while Dallas was running a 3-5-2.

The Earthquakes got out to an early 1-0 lead when Cristian Espinoza brought the ball into the offensive third of the pitch down the right side and passed it into the box to Jack Skahan who shot the ball but Maarten Paes made a sensational save for Dallas.

Unfortunately for Dallas, Benjamin Kikanovic would get a secondary scoring chance on the rebound, and put it in the back of the net in the sixth minute.

The first card of the game was given to Carlos Gruezo when he pushed a Dallas player in a fairly dangerous position. The shot was deflected wide, and Dallas got another set piece with a corner which they played short and nothing came of it.

Dallas would tie it up in the 25th minute off of another corner opportunity, when Asier Illarramendi had a great touch around the defender in front, and followed it up with a shot that Daniel had no chance to save for the Earthquakes.

Illarramendi had another great scoring chance in the 34th minute, but his header went just wide. San Jose would get a second booking just before halftime when Rodrigues made an unnecessary tackle from behind.

At halftime, it seemed clear that Dallas had outplayed the Earthquakes in nearly every aspect besides the scoreboard. Dallas led in possession, shots, and shots on target, many of which came as the result of set pieces, The expected goals though, much like the scoreboard, were even after 45 minutes.

The second half remained scoreless early, and substitutions started in the 61st minute when Dallas brought Ema Twamusi on and he immediately created a scoring chance for his team. Luchi Gonzalez countered with some substitutions of his own in the 65th minute, bringing on two debuting players Vitor Costa and Preston Judd.

Daniel was forced to make some big saves in the second half to keep his team in the fight, and he could be seen getting frustrated with his defenders in the 72nd minute. Gonzalez made some more substitutions in the 73rd minute, bringing in Amahl Pellegrino and Alfredo Morales onto the pitch.

Despite some quality scoring chances from both teams, we entered the last ten minutes before stoppage time with a 1-1 tie. In the 83rd minute, Nico Estevez made another substitution for Dallas bringing Eugene Ansah into the game. In the 84th, Gonzalez made one more of his own, Michael Baldissimo.

Nkosi Tafari took a hit to the face during play in the 87th minute, and despite protest was forced to leave the pitch with the trainers due to potential concussion concerns. He quickly rejoined play after he was deemed healthy enough to continue.

Four minutes of stoppage time were added as either team looked to score a late go-ahead goal and walk away with three points rather than one. Dante Sealy did just that for Dallas, scoring in the 93rd minute. In the 95th minute, San Jose had one opportunity to equalize but they were unable to convert and Dallas walked away with a 2-1 win, and three points. Although it was a heartbreaking loss for Earthquakes supporters, Dallas deserved the win.

City of San Jose and Earthquakes partner up for state of the art public soccer fields at County Fair Grounds location

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

One of the images from the latest renderings of the soon to be built soccer fields and training facilities for the San Jose Earthquakes at the Santa Clara Count Farigrounds. (San Jose Earthquakes).

by Marko Ukalovic

San Jose is looking to become a soccer town with its latest land deal with the local MLS soccer team.

During a press conference earlier this morning that featured local dignitaries and members of the San Jose Earthquakes, the City of San Jose announced in a partnership with the Quakes to develop four public, lighted state-of-the-art soccer fields on Santa Clara County’s Fairground property near Umbarger & Monterey Roads.

In total, Santa Clara County plans to lease 30 acres of its undeveloped Fairgrounds land to the Earthquakes. In addition to the public fields, the San Jose Earthquakes plan to lease approximately 14 of the 30 acres for the team’s new practice and training facility as well as four professional quality soccer fields.  

Santa Clara County supervisor Cindy Chavez helped orchestrate the deal between the city and the Quakes. She was one of the many speakers that included San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, San Jose Earthquakes president Jared Shawlee, Quakes head coach Luchi Gonzalez and homegrown 17-year-old player Edwyn Mendoza.

“The Santa Clara County Fairgrounds belongs to the public. This is a great way for our youth to have access to outstanding soccer fields year-round for generations to come,” said Chavez, who has worked on developing the SCC Fairgrounds property for many years and represents the area. “This is an historic achievement for our community and signifies the start of many more projects that will benefit our residents.”

In total, Santa Clara County plans to lease 30 acres of its undeveloped Fairgrounds property near Umbarger and Monterey Roads to the Earthquakes. In addition to the public soccer fields on 16 acres, the Quakes plan to lease approximately 14 acres for the club’s new practice and training facility, which includes four more professional quality soccer fields. In all, the project entails the construction of eight total fields.

“Thank you to Santa Clara County and the City of San Jose for partnering with the San Jose Earthquakes to build world-class fields for our community and a premier training facility for our club,” said Shawlee. “We believe that this public-private partnership can serve as a model for connecting pro athletes to their communities while also creating greater access to safe playing spaces for children.”

Mayor Mahan believes the community will benefit from having the new soccer fields available for youth soccer.

“We’re excited to begin working with the County and the San Jose Earthquakes to develop a state-of-the-art soccer facility on a portion of the underutilized land at the fairgrounds,” said Mahan. “Once completed, this site will not only serve the pros, but act as a regional destination for youth soccer teams and residents alike.”


The approximately 35,000-square-foot professional training and practice center will house the Earthquakes’ pro teams and all youth teams within the Earthquakes Academy. The club’s training building will consist of locker rooms, a weight room, dining hall, theatre, medical treatment facility, hydrotherapy equipment, laundry rooms, staff office space and more.  

Gonzelez, who has only been in San Jose for only a year with his family, said this project is very personal to him because he grew up playing on community fields and is a great way to produce local talent.

“I have worked all across the country, and as soccer continues to grow in America, I’ve witnessed firsthand how important it is that community fields are connected to their local professional clubs.” said Gonzalez. “This past season, we led the league with 13 homegrown academy graduates, which shows our commitment to local players, but also how much further impact a first-class facility will have on their development to reach their full potential.”

Mendoza, who signed a professional contract with the Earthquakes in May, believes this facility will give more kids the ability to play the game they love.

“I grew up in San Jose, so this facility will be a game-changer, not just for the Earthquakes players, but for kids from my community who get so much joy from playing the sport they love,” said Mendoza. “For them to have the opportunity to play on fields right next to the professionals they look up to will serve as a visual reminder that they can follow their dreams and make them a reality one day.”

In June 2021, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors authorized the County Administration to enter into negotiations with the San José Earthquakes regarding its Letter of Interest to lease acreage at the Fairgrounds, on which it would construct soccer fields and a two- or three-story field building.

Santa Clara County and the San Jose Earthquakes entered into an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) on April 5, 2022, and amended on April 4, 2023, which provided the parties with a period of 18 months to discuss potential plans for a soccer facility at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds.

The County of Santa Clara, the San Jose Earthquakes and the City of San Jose are coming together in a joint agreement to build a practice facility for the Earthquakes, shared public fields and all the necessary infrastructure needed for the facility.

The hope is to have the facility ready to open in 2026 just before the FIFA World Cup hits the United States and locally here at Levi’s Stadium.

Sporting KC outlasts Earthquakes in penalty shootout, advance to play St. Louis

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sporting Kansas City forward Dániel Sallói celebrates with goalie Tim Melia after beating the San Jose Earthquakes in a shootout victory at Children’s Mercy Park on Wednesday OCT 25. 2023. (Sporting Kansas City)

by Marko Ukalovic

The Blue Hell continued to be a house of horrors for the San Jose Earthquakes.

Dániel Sallói kicked the winning goal in the shootout to give Sporting Kansas City a Wild Card win after winning the shootout 4-2 after both teams went scoreless for 90 minutes on Wednesday evening at Children’s Mercy Park.

Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Melia improved to 5-0 in penalty kick shootouts as his team will face St. Louis City SC in the best of three first round of the Western Conference playoffs. San Jose went home disappointed after making the playoffs for the first time in three years.

Johnny Russell opened the shootout with a goal. Cristian Espinoza then telegraphed his shot that Melia made a diving save on. Just as Alan Pulido gave the ‘Quakes life when his awkward shot was saved by an outstretched goalkeeper Daniel, captain Jackson Yueill killed any chance for a San Jose win when he overshot the ball high over the net.

Jack Skahan and Carlos Akapo scored for San Jose, but it was not enough as Sallói’s heroics in the fifth round sent the crowd of 17,437 into a frenzied celebration. The Earthquakes suffered a similar fate three years ago on the very same pitch the last time they were in the playoffs that also ended in a shootout loss.

“I thought our intensity was amazing, including our energy, our togetherness, and our work rate. I thought we got into the game eventually, and even in the second half we created good chances and with a few fresh legs coming in. I thought they did great. I thought we were unlucky at the end not to nick a last pass getting into the box. Getting just a different play that I think could have changed the game and put us in the win column in regulation. I am proud of the guys and the staff, and in our approach and our mentality going into the game,” ‘Quakes head coach Luchi Gonzalez said.

Russell was a thorn in San Jose’s side all match long with multiple scoring chances. His best chance came off a free kick in the 79th minute when his shot hit the right post. He also sailed a free kick six feet wide left from just outside the box in the 72nd minute.

Sporting KC had San Jose on its heels for the majority of the first half as they possessed the ball in the ‘Quakes zone only to have San Jose’s defense clear the ball out of the danger once it got inside the 18-yard box.

Gonzalez instilled some fresh legs in the second half in attempt to turn the tide of the momentum in his team’s favor. Forward Cade Cowell made the most of his substitution in the 57th minute when replaced Matthew Hoppe.

Cowell had the Earthquakes best scoring opportunity in the 66th minute with a long run past multiple Sporting KC defenders. However, his shot attempt into the middle of the box was blocked by a Sporting KC fullback and cleared out of danger.

Sporting KC had a golden opportunity late in the match to keep the game from going to a shootout. Sallói’s point-blank attempt in the 90th minute from 3-yards out was stoned away by a sliding Daniel after Sallói sneaked in unmarked past the ‘Quakes defense.

Daniel collected three saves and the Quakes’ defense blocked an additional four shots to keep the score deadlocked after 90 minutes despite Sporting Kansas City amassing 18 total shots.

Despite the early exit from the playoffs, it was a successful season under Gonzalez in his first year as the team’s manager. The club had a nine-point improvement from last season when it finished dead last in the Western Conference with just 35 points.

“We gave validation to all the work that we put into the season on and off the field. Trying to make our fans and families admire the way we act and play. We fought and kept building enough points to get into the playoffs. We came here on a mission and with motivation,” Gonzalez said.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished with four corner kicks. Sporting KC had eight.

The Earthquakes’ defense earned their first postseason shutout in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs since Nov. 4, 2012, when San Jose defeated the LA Galaxy on the road, 1-0, in the first leg of the Western Conference Semifinals. Victor Bernardez scored the lone goal in the 94th minute to give the Quakes the victory.

San Jose’s all-time playoff record goes to 12-13-2 and 4-10-1 on the road, with an even 40 goals scored and 40 conceded. The Quakes’ postseason record against SKC drops to 2-2-1 with eight goals for and eight against.

Earthquakes clinch playoff spot with tie against Austin on Decision Day 1-1

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo courtesy of San Jose Earthquakes.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

SAN JOSE- The Earthquakes battled Austin on decision day and clinched a playoff spot with a 1-1 tie.

It was a sold-out crowd at PayPal Park of 18,000 ready to cheer on the Quakes into the playoffs.

There was a bit of nervous energy heading in as San Jose was barely holding on to a playoff spot with 43 points.

San Jose was able to cut through the energy with a quick goal just 17 minutes in from Cristain Espinoza on a turnover forced by Jeremy Ebobisse.

Not long after the goal Niko Tsakiris was called on a bad foul and given a yellow.

Despite all the pressure Austin countered and scored on a beautiful header in the box from Owen Wolff tying it up at one. Former Earthquakes player Nick Lima was credited with an assist as well as Sebastián Driussi.

The second half ended in a tie with San Jose registering eight shots on goal and six inside the box.

Kicking off the second half San Jose made a couple quick subs bringing in Jamiro Monteiro, Paul Marie, and Carlos Gruezo at the 57th minute.

The subs seemed to give the Earthquakes a second wind as Ebobisse hit the post on a glorious opportunity in the box.

During that play Austin was given it’s first yellow as Jhojan Valencia was called for a bad foul.

A little after the 70th minute the Quakes got a flurry of opportunities but just could not finish as keeper Brad Stuver helped keep Austin in the game.

Those saves and some missed opportunities ended up being enough for Austin to hold on to a 1-1 tie against San Jose.

At the end of the match San Jose had seven shots on target to Austin’s one. They also had a team XG of 1.3 in comparison to Austin’s 0.3.

“We’re not satisfied that we didn’t win tonight so we’re not over celebrating we’re actually quite disappointed,” manager Luchi Gonzalez said after the match.

The Earthquakes will end the season in ninth place with 44 points and a 10-10-14 record.

Due to their placement San Jose will have to play Sporting KC in a play-in game on the road on Wendsday at 6:30 p.m.

Earthquakes fight FC Dallas to 1-1 draw stay 8th in the West

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Jose Earthquakes forward Cade Cowell battles for the ball against FC Dallas midfielder Facundo Quignon at Toyota Stadium on Saturday OCT 7, 2023. (MLS)

by Marko Ukalovic

It’s going to take Decision Day 2023 to determine the two final playoff spots in the Western Conference.

The San Jose Earthquakes battled FC Dallas to a 1-1 draw on the second to last game of the season on Saturday evening at Toyota Stadium.

With the draw, San Jose stayed one point ahead of FC Dallas for the eighth spot in the Western Conference with 43 points. Two points separates five teams from eight to 11th place with Portland and San Jose tied with 43, FC Dallas with 42 and Sporting KC and Minnesota United both with 41 points.

FC Dallas has a game in hand as their game on Wednesday against the Colorado Rapids was postponed due to rain and has been rescheduled for October 14th at Toyota Stadium.

“The point is important. The point allows us to still have an edge. Now it’s very clear, we’re disappointed. We were winning and we didn’t close that out in a way to qualify tonight. So that’s disappointing. I thought we had a fantastic first half, getting pressure on the ball, attacking sequences, and defensive organization. The point is still going to give us some type of advantage with those other teams,” ‘Quakes head coach Luchi Gonzalez said.

The Earthquakes will advance to the playoffs with a win in two weeks on Decision Day against Austin FC, who were eliminated from playoff contention earlier in the day. A draw or loss might move them out of the eight-ninth play-in game to determine the eighth and final seed of the Western Conference Playoffs.

“Look, I’ve been around long enough to know that Decision Day is crazy. We can still finish seventh or maybe even higher. Games in hand have to be won, they’re not automatic three points. We will see how the other teams do and be ready to push for the highest position possible on the last day,” ‘Quakes forward Jeremy Ebobisse said.

San Jose (10-10-13) drew first blood in the third minute. Cristian Espinoza found captain Jackson Yueill along the right wing. Yueill centered a pass into the middle where Ebobisse slid feet first to punch the ball past FC Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes for his 10th goal of the season.

Ebobisse became third ‘Quakes to score 10 plus goals in back-to-back seasons joining Chris Wondolowski and Ronald Cerritos.

“When we came into the game from the beginning, we wanted to go for three [points]. We wanted to clinch playoffs tonight. We started off quite well in that. I think that [FC Dallas] were naturally going to get some chances and build some momentum at home as any home team would. We did a pretty good job of repelling those with guys making some plays. Ultimately that dam broke a little bit. You have to manage each situation. The point is still very valuable,” Ebobisse said.

FC Dallas (10-10-12) scored the equalizer in the 57th minute. Jesus Ferreira glided a pass up the middle of the pitch. Jader Obrian raced out and got in front of Tanner Beason before depositing the ball over ‘Quakes goalkeeper Daniel for his fifth goal of the season.

Daniel finished four saves on five shots on target. Paes made two saves on three shots on target from San Jose to earn the draw.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished with two corner kicks. FC Dallas had three.

The Quakes now hold a 29-21-22 record against FC Dallas, including a 12-13-10 record on the road. They have only lost once to Dallas in their last 13 MLS regular season matches (4-1-8)

Yueill’s fifth assist of the season was also his 17th of his MLS career.

Espinoza tallied his 13th assist of the season, furthering his own all-time club assist record to 57.

UP NEXT: San Jose concludes the regular season when they host Austin FC on Saturday 10/21 at 6:00pm at Pay Pal Park.

Earthquakes late goal in second half salvages 1-1 draw with Minnesota FC

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Jose Earthquakes defender Rodriguez battles for a loose ball with Minnesota FC midfielder Franco Fragapane at Allianz Field on Saturday SEP 30, 2023. (Minnesota FC)

by Marko Ukalovic

The San Jose Earthquakes needed some late match comeback magic to earn a critical point.

Paul Marie scored the equalizer in the 82nd minute as the Quakes settled for a 1-1 draw with Minnesota FC on Saturday evening at Allianz Field.

San Jose stayed in eight place in the Western Conference with the tie to stay one point ahead (42) of FC Dallas (41) who earned a point with a 0-0 draw with the Houston Dynamo. Minnesota is on the outside looking in as they are tied for 11th place in the conference with Sporting Kansas City with 38 points.

Minnesota FC (9-11-11-38 points) controlled the first 15 minutes of the match as they generated scoring chances from Emanuel Reynoso and Bongokuhle Hlongwane only to have both players miss their targets.

San Jose (10-10-12-42 points) generated two scoring chances late in the opening 45 minutes when shots from Cristian Espinoza and Matthew Hoppe were off target against Minnesota goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.

Minnesota FC broke the seal in the 56th minute on a counterattack. Bongokuhle tried to dribble through two ‘Quakes defenders inside the box when the ball deflected off Carlos Akapo. Teemu Pukki cleaned up the loose ball and buried a shot past ‘Quakes goalkeeper Daniel for his sixth goal of the season.

“In the first half, I thought we did have some moments of possession, but not enough. I thought we could have connected more and been a little more patient in our build up. I thought it was a pretty fair and even game. We started the second half quite well, but they hurt us in transition. We were down 1-0, and we responded with some aggressive subs with guys who could give us some verticality and speed and take the game to another gear,” Earthquakes head coach Luchi Gonzlez said.

Espinoza, who has been the catalyst for San Jose’s offense all season, set up the late match heroics when he made a move around Franco Fragapane just outside the box before depositing a cross to the left side where an unmarked Marie one-timed the ball with an arial volley into the upper right corner of net for his third goal of the season.

“Starting or not, (Marie) has been in rotation and involved. He’s important. I think he’s a starting caliber fullback/wingback, not just for us but for the league. I am proud of his mentality, being ready no matter what, starting or not. Knowing the game will have a role for him, and he came in showed that. I am very proud of him, and that shows what kind of a teammate he is to this group,” Gonzalez said.

Both goalies had one save on two shots on target to each the draw.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished with seven corner kicks. Minnesota FC has four.

The Quakes now hold a 5-4-4 record against Minnesota United FC, including a 2-2-2 record on the road.

Espinoza tallied his 11th assist of the season and 56th of his MLS career. Akapo tallied his fourth assist of the season and of his MLS career.

UP NEXT: San Jose finishes its regular season road schedule against FC Dallas in a battle for 8th place in the West on Saturday 10/7 at 5:30pm at Toyota Stadium.

Earthquakes battle to frustrating tie against Nashville 1-1

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo courtesy of San Jose Earthquakes.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

SAN JOSE- After their loss against Portland San Jose looked for a bounce back against Nashville but was only able to force a draw 1-1.

Getting the start in goal for San Jose was Daniel while for Nashville Elliot Panicco was in-between the pipes. San Jose started in a 4-3-3 with Nashville countering in a 4-2-3-1.

After a quick chance for San Jose in the first half from Ebobisse things remained pretty quiet between the two teams. Both Nashville and SJ only totaled seven shots with only two on target.

There was two yellows given in the first with one against Cristian Espinoza and the other against Anibal Godov.

The second half ended up being an immensely different ballgame as San Jose completely dominated. In the second half alone the Earthquakes fired off 18 shots with four of them landing on target.

One of those shots on target went in from an unlikely player as Matthew Hoppe scored his second goal in as many matches. The goal come off of a pass from Carlos Akapo that streaked across the box and found Hoppe wide open to drive the ball home.

That goal came at the 74th minute and the pressure did not stop as they looked to break the tie.

At one point the Quakes had a flurry of chances as Monteiro was robbed off a header then Hoppe on the rebound had his shot blocked. The ball then bounced back out to Jackson Yueill who fired it off of the post. The chances didn’t stop there as Espinoza fired one on goal forcing Panicco to make another save.

With the crowd nearly on its feet a goal seemed inevitable as Hoppe came running in on a loose ball. Hoppe then proceeded to poke the ball in between Panicco’s legs but the ball rolled on the goal line and off the post.

Nashville continued to be on it’s heels for the rest of the half but San Jose could not deliver the killing blow ending the game in a tie at 1-1.

“I think with the few games we have left we know where we are on the table and we know that we need to maximize the points,” midfielder Jackson Yueill said after the match.

With the tie San Jose is now in eighth in the West with 41 points.

San Jose’s next match will be on Saturday against Minnesota on the road at 5:30 p.m.

Timbers edge Earthquakes 2-1 climb up to 8th in Western Conference

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Portland Timbers foward Cristhian Paredes battles San Jose Earthquakes defender Tanner Beason for a loose ball at Providence Park on Wednesday SEP 20, 2023. (Portland Timbers)

by Marko Ukalovic @MarkoUkalovic

Providence Park continues to be a house of horrors for the San Jose Earthquakes.

The Portland Timbers continued its dominance on their home turf against the ‘Quakes as they held on for a thrilling 2-1 victory on Wednesday evening.

Portland has won three matches in a row and are on a five-match point streak (4-0-1). San Jose had its three-match point streak snapped with the loss. The Timbers climbed up to eight place in the Western Conference with 39 points, one point behind the ‘Quakes who currently are in seventh place.

San Jose still has not been able to break the Providence Park curse as they have not won in 17 straight MLS matches in Portland with a record of 0-13-4.

Portland (10-11-9-39 points) controlled the majority of the possession in the first half as they spent the first half inside the San Jose’s zone generating quality scoring chances.

Late in the first half, San Jose (10-10-10-40 points) finally gained possession inside Portland’s zone attempting to take momentum away with a goal before halftime.

However, an errant pass led to a quick counterattack by the Timbers. Bryan Acosta got loose down the right wing before he centered a pass over to Cristhian Paredes who beat ‘Quakes goalkeeper Daniel to the far side with a sliding one-timer for his second goal of the season in the third minute of stoppage time right before halftime.

Portland doubled its lead in the 58th minute when Evander found himself at the right place at the right time. Sebastian Blanco’s shot attempted pinballed off two ‘Quakes defenders inside the box right over to Evander and the Brazilian midfielder chipped the ball over Daniel into the back of the net for his team leading ninth goal of the season.

‘Quakes head coach Luchi Gonzalez immediately brought in Cade Cowell and Nico Tsakiris to bring in some fresh legs and energy to the offensive attack.

San Jose cut the deficit in half two minutes later when Jeremy Ebobisse lofted a pass from left to right over to Cristian Espinoza. The Argentine striker’s one-timer was saved by Timber’s goalkeeper David Bingham but the subsequent rebound was buried home by Matthew Hoppe for his first career MLS goal and first in a ‘Quakes kit.

Hoppe, who made his first start for San Jose, was moved to central midfielder when the Cowell and Tsakiris were subbed in as wingers, a position he grew up playing up until he was a teenager.

“Growing up my whole life, I played midfielder up until the age of 16 or 17 (years old),” said Hoppe after the match. “Then I moved on up to the striker role. So, I’m comfortable in the middle and I told Luchi (Gonzalez) that. There was some good takeaways from today and you just have to build it towards the next game.”

Despite the offensive push from San Jose late in the match, Portland was able to hold down the fort and escape with three points in a crowded race for the top nine in the Western Conference.

“We knew it was going to be difficult, this is a hard place to get points. We knew that coming in. We embraced it in our prep. We talked about enjoying it. Enjoying this environment and the pressure of these last games. I thought we could be better in the attacking third. We scored a rebound goal. We need more of those and a little bit more determination and final action that I know we have in us,” Gonzalez said.

Bingham finished the match with one save on two shots on net to earn the win. Daniel made four saves, including a diving one off of a free kick by Evander from just outside the box in the 25th minute to keep the game scoreless at the time, on six shots on goal in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished with five corner kicks. Portland had six.

Portland leads the overall series 17-6-10.

Cowell became the youngest player in MLS history to earn 100 MLS appearances.

Out of the 10 wins by Portland, eight of them have come at home.

The announced crowd at Providence Park was 21,518.

UP NEXT: San Jose hosts Nashville SC on Saturday 9/23 at 7:30pm at Pay Pal Park.