Tag: San Jose Earthquakes

Earthquakes and Sounders draw 0-0 in MLS Is Back debut in Orlando bubble

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The San Jose Earthquakes gather before kick off to send a photo tweet to assistant coach Benjamin Galindo a get well after Galindo suffered a stroke and had brain surgery on May 28th. Galindo was in intensive care and was released home on Thursday in Guadalajara, Mexico . Galindo has been on the coaching staff since 2019. (@SJEarthquakes photo)

by Marko Ukalovic

ORLANDO, Fla.—Soccer is back in America.

In muggy conditions, the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders FC played their first game in four months to a competitive 0-0 draw on Friday evening at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex.

The MLS Is Back tournament has 24 of the 26 league’s teams competing in Orlando to restart the 2020 MLS season. The winner receives a berth in the CONCACAF Champions League in 2021. FC Dallas and Nashville FC were forced to withdraw from the tournament due to their players and staff having numerous positive tests for COVID-19.

San Jose, who were the first team to travel to Orlando 16 days ago, looked like the team most adapted to the humid conditions as they controlled play in the first half with a 63-37% advantage in possession against the defending MLS Cup champions.

The Quakes had two good scoring chances in the 24th and 25th minutes. Christian Espinoza made a move from the right into the middle for a shot that was saved by Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei. Then Vako’s shot from the left wing was also stopped by Frei.

San Jose looked to make a dent in the scoreboard late in the first half when Espinoza centered a pass into the middle, but Andy Rios’ attempt sailed just to the left of the goal in the 39th minute.

The Quakes defense played sound defense in the first half. With the exception of letting Cristian Roldan get behind them for a point-blank shot that Earthquakes goalkeeper Daniel Vega made a two-handed blocker save in the 28th minute, Seattle didn’t muster any other quality scoring chances in the first 45 minutes.

The second half saw Seattle increase the pressure in the Quakes defensive zone. Once again Vega made a point-blank save on Roldan in the 52nd minute.

The steamy conditions began to take their toll on both teams with many players suffering cramps in the last 30 minutes of the second half.

San Jose dominated the game with nine corner kicks to just one for Seattle. The Quakes had a chance to take the lead in the 83rd minute with their eighth of the match but were not able to cash in the opportunity.

Seattle’s best chance to break the deadlock came in the 84th minute when a centering feed split two Quakes defenders to a wide open Raul Ruidiaz inside the box but he hesitated on his shot attempt, allowing Vega to come out and make the save.

Despite a combined 28 shots on goal, both goalkeepers shined the brightest on the pitch for 98 minutes.

GAME NOTES: Quakes center fullback Guram Kashia left the game late in the match with what appeared to be a cramp in his leg.

San Jose’s Tommy Thompson (19th minute) and Seattle’s Xavier Arreaga (24th minute) were issued yellow cards for unsporting behavior.

One new quirk the tournament features is teams have the ability to make five substitutions instead of the normal three. San Jose used all five opportunities while Seattle used four.

This was the Quakes first match since March 7th when they lost to Minnesota FC 5-2 at Earthquakes Stadium.

UP NEXT: The Quakes take on the Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Wednesday 7/15 in their second match of Group B play at 7:30pm at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Minnesota United uses set pieces to dominate Earthquakes 5-2

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

photo from bayareanewsgroup.com: San Jose Earthquakes’ Danny Hoesen (9), front right, fights for the ball against Minnesota United FC’s Romain Métanire (19) in the first half of an MLS soccer match in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, March 7, 2020

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE, Calif- In a game that featured the heavans opening up with a steady rain throughout the match, the Minnesota United scored four goals in the first half to dominate the San Jose Earthquakes in 5-2 victory on Saturday evening at Earthquakes Stadium.

The game went on despite warnings earlier in the week from Santa Clara County officials regarding the Coronovirus in wanting to cancel large group outings such as sporting events and concerts.

Minnesota United (2-0-0) scored the opening goal at the 13th minute mark off a corner kick. Jon Gregus floated a ball into the center where defenseman Ike Opara cleanly headed the ball past Quakes goalie Daniel Vega for his first goal of the season.

San Jose (0-1-1) scored the eqaulizer thanks to a controversial non-call. Minneota United defender Chase Gasper tripped up Tommy Thompson just inside the box as Thomspon tried dribbling the ball around Gasper. There was no call on the initial play but after video review referee Baldomero Toledo awarded a penalty kick to the Quakes.

Quakes captain Magnus Eriksson finished off the penalty kick into the lower right corner of the net for his first goal of the season a minute later at the 19th minute.

Minnesota United didn’t need much time to regain the lead. Luis Amarilla led a rush into the Quakes zone. He made a nice pass over to Jan Gregus who fired a shot from outside the box past Vega for his first goal of the season at the 26th minute.

“A football team that wants to fight for important things, can’t give away so many defenseive mistakes. I told the players these are losses you should remember your whole life. Because if you always make three mistakes a game, you’re being very generous to your opponents and it’s impossible to win in football that way,” Quakes head coach Matias Almeyda said.

Six minutes later Minnesota United caught the Quakes napping on defense. Team leading point scorer Kevin Molino centered a ball into the middle where Amarilla was left all alone to head the ball into the upper left corner of the net for his second goal of the season at the 32nd minute.

“There’s a great collective spirit,” said Minnesota United head coach Adrian Heath when asked about his team’s start. “They do what’s asked of them. They hold each other accountable which is always important. It doesn’t surprise me they start we’ve had.”

Minnesotsa United went up by three goals right before half time. They were awarded a penalty kick in the third minute of extra time off a set piece. Goram Kashia tackled Opara inside the box resulting in the penalty. Amarilla’s shot was saved by Vega, but Robin Lod came in and cleaned up the rebound for his first goal of the season.

The Quakes cut the lead in half in the 53rd minute. Off a corner kick, Eriksson’s attempted cross was deflected into the middle of box where Vako collected the ball, made one touch, and then buried a shot past United goalie Tyler Miller for his first goal of the season.

Opara scored his second of the game off an identical corner kick in the 71st minute. Once again he was left unmarked and his header split two Qukes defenders and past the reach of Vega.

“Honestly Jan (Gregus) is great with his services. If we do our runs consistently, we got enough guys more than capable getting chances. It wasn’t San Jose (doing a poor job of defending), that’s just how much we believe in what we can do. Tonight it finally came through,” said Opara.

Miller made four saves on six shots on target to earn his second victory of the season. Vegas eight saves on 10 shots on target in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished the match with 20 shots. Minnesota United has 17.

San Jose finished with 6 corner kicks. Minnesota United had 8.

Cade Cowell substituted for Danny Hoesen to start the second half. At 16 years old and 150 days, he is the youngest player to make his Quakes debut. He is the fifth youngest ever in MLS history.

Amarilla was issued a yellow card in the 67th minute for unsporting behavior.

UP NEXT: The Earthquakes travel out to Philadephia to take on the Union on Saturday 3/14 at 4:30pm at PPL Park.

Headline Sports with London Marq: Fox amongst top scorers in Sacramento; Warriors Curry back from injury; plus more

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

yahoo.com file photo: Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox

Headline Sports with London Marq:

#1 The Sacramento Kings have won five of their last six games and they’ve been getting help from some of their top scorers De’Aaron Fox, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Buddy Hield.

#2 The Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry has recovered from the broken hand and played last night against the Toronto Raptors. It’s been a long time waiting but Curry whose been on a 58 game absence is really looked forward to getting back in the line up.

#3 The Oakland A’s pitcher Jesus Lazardo has been picked as No.4 for ESPN’s Top 100 prospects this season. Lazardo pitched in six games for the A’s last season and had an ERA of 1.50

#4 The rivalry between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants continues in Wednesday’s game the Dodgers Justin Turner was hit by a Giants pitch in the knuckles and Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw threw and hit Giants catcher Rob Brantly and after the inning as third base coach Ron Wotus was running off the field he said something to Kershaw and Kershaw started yelling towards Wotus until the umpire had stepped in front of Kershaw

#5 The San Jose Earthquakes got a crucial tie last Saturday against Toronto FC to open the season when the Quakes Chivas de Guadalajara got a free kick that sailed into the upper left hand corner that got the Quakes the draw 2-2

Join London for all the Headlines each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Alanis last second heroics save Quakes in 2-2 draw with Toronto FC

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

photo from centredaily.com: San Jose Earthquakes’ Guram Kashia (37) Toronto FC’s fouls Marky Delgado (8) during the second half of an MLS soccer game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020.

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE, Calif- The San Jose Earthquakes wanted to upgrade their backfield so they went out and acquired Mexican national Oswaldo Alanis. He paid immediate dividens as he scored a spectacular goal right near the end of stoppage time to seize victory away from Toronto FC in a 2-2 draw on Saturday afternoon at Earthquakes season.

The center back, on loan from Chivas de Guadalajara for a year and occupies the Quakes international spot on the roster, had a free kick from 20 yards out on the right side. His shot sailed high into the upper left corner of the goal stunning Toronto FC and sending the home crowd into a frenzy in the season opener for both teams.

“I know Alanis. It’s not the first goal he’s scored from a free kick. I think he played 95 good minutes with a certain personality. He was enthusiastic and he showed why we brought him on (to the team),” Quakes head coach Matias Almeyda said about Alanis’ heroics.

Toronto FC (0-0-1) drew first blood in the 40th minute thanks to a controversey call by referee Armando Villarreal. With Toronto FC positioned for a corner kick, Jozy Altidore was taken down inside the box by Andres Rios before the kick and Toronto was awarded a penalty kick.

Alejandro Pozuelo easily buried the ball past Quakes goalkeeper Daniel Vega for his first goal of the season.

San Jose (0-0-1) had two quality chances to score in the first half. In the 27th minute, Nick Lima’s shot from 15 yards out was deflected away at last second by Toronto FC goalkeeper Quentin Westberg. Then in the 43rd minute, Danny Hoesen dribbled in from inside the D when his shot sailed just to the left of the goal.

Toronto FC dobuled its lead six minutes into the second half. Pozuelo led an counter-attack as he passed the ball out to Tsubasa Endoh. Endoh’s shot was kicked out by Vega, but Ritchie Laryea, who subbed in to start the second half, cleaned up the rebound for his first goal of the season and a 2-0 lead in the 51st minute.

The Quakes fired back two minutes later in the 53rd minute. Christian Espinzoa centered a pass from the right side of the D that was chipped in over Westberg by a sliding Rios in for his first goal of the season.

“I thought it was great character to show some fight. It’s never good to go down 2-0. Especially the response after the (Toronto’s) second goal,” forward Chris Wondolowski said.

The game featured sloppiness by both sides and missed calls by the officiating that seemed to favor Toronto FC that had many of the Quakes players as well as Almeyda frustrated throughout the match.

Alanis’ goal saved the Quakes from a disappointing start to the season as they had started out 0-4 last year.

“I hope there will be many more (goals like that) as I try to do my best. I’m a defender but I can bring some things offensively to the team,” said Alanis.

GAME NOTES: San Jose registered 11 shots. Toronto FC had 10.

San Jose had three corner kicks. Toronto FC has seven.

Cautions-Tommy Thompson was issued a yellow card in the 33rd minute for a tackle from behind. Jackson Yueill was also issued a yellow card in the 70th minute. Altidore was issued a yellow card in the 71st minute. Goram Kashia was issued a yellow card in the 81st minute.

UP NEXT: The Earthquakes take on the Minnesota United FC on Saturday 3/7 at 4:45pm at Earthquakes Stadium.

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq: Huff doubles down will attend Trump Rally after being banned at Giants celebration; Cal gets first win on the road this season; plus more

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

photo from larrybrownsports.com: Aubrey Huff former San Francisco Giant will not be attending the Giants 10th World Series celebration of the 2010 World Series Championship

On Headline Sports with London:

#1 Ex-San Francisco Giant Aubrey Huff who will not be invited to the Giants tenth anniversary of their 2010 World Series reunion because of sexists tweets and also tweeting his kids would need to start taking target practice in the event Sen Bernie Sanders wins and his family had to live in a social society. The Giants stated because of these remarks he will not be invited to their 10th anniversary celebration of the 2010 World’s Championship.

#2 It’s been a long strange trip but the Cal Bears finally won a road game their first for this season at Washington State the Bears hope to get another road win on Saturday at Washington

#3 The San Jose Earthquakes open up their regular season against Toronto on Sat Feb 29th. The Quakes struggled all last season and are hoping for an improved season coming up.

#4 Daytona 500 race car driver Ryan Newman recovered rather quickly considering his car flipped over on the course in a heap of flames. Newman went into the hospital in serious condition but with non life threatening injuries. He was out of the hospital on Thursday.

#5 Washington signed running back Adrian Peterson for 2020 it will be Peterson’s 14th year in the NFL.

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

 

SJ Earthquakes and SJSU Spartans podcast with Ana Kieu: Quakes finish season, while Spartans play their hearts out

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes and @SanJoseStateFB

On the San Jose Earthquakes and San Jose State Spartans podcast with Ana:

1. The Quakes dropped their series opener in a 3-1 loss to the Portland Timbers.

2. JT Marcinkowski was called to the U-23 US Men’s National Team.

3. San Jose State football defeated New Mexico 32-21 last Friday and will take on Nevada Saturday afternoon.

4. San Jose State men’s soccer set a program record for margin of victory in a conference match and the largest win in any contest since 2003.

Ana did the San Jose Earthquakes podcasts and will shift to the San Jose State Spartans podcasts on  http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq: Will Rockets’ Morey get fired over tweet about Hong Kong?; Quakes only needed one game and couldn’t do it; plus more

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: businessinsider.com

On the Headline Sports podcast with London Marq:

#1 Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey apologized for tweeting that “We should stand with Hong Kong.” A statement that had China suspend all NBA games on state-ran TV, all NBA brands and any activities associated with the NBA because of Morey’s tweet. A source said that Morey’s job is on the line, but the Rockets’ front office has denied that Morey’s job is in flux, but stated that they don’t deny it’s a messy situation.

#2 The San Jose Earthquakes finished up the 2019 season on the outside looking in when they had the postseason by the tail and then went on to lose six straight games, including being eliminated last Sunday in Portland with a 3-1 loss. A disappointing end to say the least for Quakes head coach Matias Almeyda.

#3 The Sacramento Kings lost their first two preseason games in India to the Indiana Pacers. The Kings used most of their rookies, draft picks, and C-League prospects. The Kings return back to Sacramento on Thursday night at Golden 1 Center to host the Phoenix Suns. What will head coach Luke Walton be looking for in that one?

#4 Try hard as they may, the San Jose Sharks — who were down just by one goal 2-1 — had a shot at tying the game in the third period with the Nashville Predators, but the Preds scored three times to take a three-goal win 5-2 to beat the Sharks. Is it goaltending or is it the defense up in front giving little or no protection for goalie Martin Jones?

#5 Finally, everyone is talking about the San Francisco 49ers, a team that saw their starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo throw for 181 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-3 laugher at Levi’s Stadium on Monday Night Football.

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

Earthquakes’ season ends with a thud in 3-1 loss to the Timbers

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

By Ana Kieu

There wasn’t an actual Decision Day as the San Jose Earthquakes’ season ended with a thud in a 3-1 loss to the Portland Timbers at Providence Park on Sunday afternoon.

Quakes captain Chris Wondolowski scored the equalizer in the 39th minute to tie the score 1-1 just 10 minutes after Timbers defender Larrys Mabialia opened the scoring in the 29th minute. Wondo found the back of the net and scored from an acute angle for the game-tying goal. Wondo’s goal scoring streak now stands at 159.

The two teams headed to the locker room tied at one goal apiece at the halftime break.

The Timbers started off the right foot to start the second half. Portland went ahead 2-1 in the 59th minute, thanks to defender Dairon Asprilla, who scored the go-ahead goal. With the goal, Asprilla scored his second in two matches.

The Quakes made their first substitutions in the 61st minute. Shea Salinas came in for Vako, while Andy Rios came in for Florian Jungwirth.

The Quakes made their final substitution in the 66th minute. Danny Hoesen came in for Mario Lopez.

Timbers midfielder Sebastian Blanco extended the Timbers’ lead to 3-1 with a noteworthy free kick in the 75th minute. Like Quakes head coach Matias Almeyda, Blanco’s also an Argentine native.

The Timbers made two substitutions in the 81st minute. Marvin Loria and Zarek Valentin came in for Jeremy Ebobisse and Jorge Moreira, respectively.

The Quakes dropped their season finale with a 3-1 loss to the Timbers, but the Quakes displayed good sportsmanship to the Timbers and thanked their fans for being there through the thick and thin. The Quakes will watch tape, make changes and work hard to prepare for the 2020 season.

San Jose Earthquakes and SJSU Spartans podcast with Ana Kieu: After five straight losses, San Jose preps for season finale at Portland

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

On the San Jose Earthquakes and San Jose State Spartans podcast with Ana:

1. The Quakes dropped their fifth consecutive game in a 1-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders FC last Saturday.

2. The Quakes prepare for their season finale against the Portland Timbers on Sunday.

3. After an astonishing win at Arkansas, San Jose State lost to Air Force 41-24 last Friday.

4. San Jose State hosts New Mexico at 7:00 p.m. tonight.

5. San Jose State men’s soccer increased their confidence with a 3-2 win over CSU Bakersfield last Saturday.

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

Earthquakes drop 1-0 decision to Sounders

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

By London Marq

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes are on the verge of heartbreak and crushing end to their season. With another disastrous loss tonight to Seattle, the Quakes have lost all five of their games in the month of September.

Both San Jose and the Seattle Sounders started the match with something to play for, and it was a competitive match throughout with plenty of drama. It was an open contest. Both San Jose and Seattle had their chances to take the lead early, but failed to capitalize. In the 13-minute Quakes’ goalkeeper Daniel Vega saved a goal from Jordan Morris. A few short moments later, Magnus Eriksson was denied by Sounders keeper Stefan Frie, who made a magnificent dive.

For the Quakes, they seemed to lack luck as multiple shots that managed to beat the keeper Frie hit the woodwork and back into play. Matters were not helped in Tommy Thompson was shown a red card 10 minutes into the second half. The Sounders’ Xavier Arreaga would draw a double yellow in the 71st minute and both squads would finish the match 10 vs. 10.

Going into stoppage time the Quakes seemed content to take the draw and point. Nearing the end of the four added minutes a pass to the fullback Florian Jungwirth is mishandled and Seattle’s Jordan Morris did not miss the opportunity. Attacking the ball and finding an easy finish to steal the game late.

For the Quakes, their postseason chances hang in the balance with only one game left in Portland. If San Jose wins, they will make the playoffs by the skin of their teeth. If the skid continues, it will be one of the most disappointing seasons in the Quakes history.

Final: Seattle defeated San Jose 1-0.

Up Next: San Jose wraps up the regular season against the Portland Timbers in Providence Park on Sunday, October 6 at 1:00 p.m.