San Jose Earthquakes opened up their regular season against the New York Red Bulls at Pay Pal Park in San Jose on Sat Feb 26, 2022 (logos from MLS)
by Marko Ukalovic
SAN JOSE —It was not the start the San Jose Earthquakes were looking for to begin the 2022 campaign.
The New York Red Bulls scored two second half goals en route to a 3-1 victory on Saturday afternoon over San Jose on Opening Day at Pay Pal Park.
Quakes head coach Matias Almeyda entered his fourth (and possibly his final) season with a roster, for the first time in 13 years, that didn’t feature Chris Wondoloski (retired). However, three new additions in Dutch midfielder Jamiro Monteiro (trade with Philadelphia Union), Costa Rican defenseman Francisco Calvo (free agent signing) and Slovakian midfielder Jan Gregus started for Almeyda in a revamped lineup that also featured Chofis and Cade Cowell.
New York has won the past four matches against San Jose.
San Jose (0-1-0) had a scoring chance in the 15th minute when Cristian Espinoza shot from outside the box was deflected away by Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Coronel, but Monteiro’s rebound attempt was blocked.
The Quakes lost their best defender Nathan to an injury in the 22nd minute and was replaced by Tanner Beason.
New York (1-0-0) had a point-blank attempt from Sean Nealis in the 21st minute but Quakes goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski made a diving save without giving up a rebound. Then in the 35th, Marcinkowski made a one-handed leaping save over the net on a shot by Patryk Klimala.
The Red Bulls drew first blood at the end of the first half in the first minute of stoppage time. Lewis Morgan serviced a ball into the middle where Klimala chipped it over Marcinkowski just inside the right post for his first goal of the season.
“It’s going to take some time,” said Almeyda regarding the three new faces in his lineup to make an impact. “Some teammates are able to do it faster than others. I think the three new guys looked good today. Surely, as time goes on, they will get better, and our team will play better.”
San Jose answered back in the 69th minute off of a free kick. Espinoza sent a low line drive into the middle where Chofis headed the ball into the far corner of the net for his first goal of the season.
New York responded three minutes later in the 72nd minute. A turnover near midfield led to Omir Fernandez dribbling in from the left side of the box and shooting the ball through the legs of Marcinkowski for his first goal of the season.
The Red Bulls sealed the deal with a goal in the second minute of stoppage time. Tom Barlow got inside the box and his shot got past Marcinkowski for his first goal of the season.
Coronel just one save on two shots on target to earn the victory. Marcinkowski made four saves on seven shots on target in the losing effort.
GAME NOTES: San Jose finished with four corner kicks. New York had six.
New York’s John Tolkin, Dru Yearwood and Cristian Cásseres Jr were issued yellow cards during the match. San Jose were issued none.
San Jose is 18-16-9 overall against the Red Bulls franchise.
UP NEXT: San Jose hosts the Columbus Crew on Saturday 3/5 at 2:30pm at Pay Pal Park.
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