Tag: San Jose Earthquakes

San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Marko Ukalovic filling in for Ana Kieu: Hoesen was an unforeseen hero against Real Salt Lake

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On the San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Marko:

1. The Quakes lost to Minnesota United 3-1 at Allianz Field last Wednesday.

2. Danny Hoesen lifted the Quakes to a 1-0 shutout over Real Salt Lake at Avaya Stadium last Saturday.

3. US Men’s Soccer lost to Mexico 1-0 in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final at Soldier Field on Sunday.

4. Quakes goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski and Reno 1868 FC midfielder Seth Casiple were named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 17.

5. With the Quakes’ newfound success, how much of an impact does Matias Almeyda have on his team?

6. The Quakes head to L.A. to face the Galaxy always a battle when both of these teams meet up they faced each other last in June at Stanford Stadium.

Marko Ukalovic is a Quakes beat writer and catch Ana Kieu on the San Jose Earthquakes podcasts each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Earthquakes never say tie in 1-0 shutout over Real Salt Lake

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Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

By: Ana Kieu

The San Jose Earthquakes had looked to bounce back at home with a win over Real Salt Lake on Saturday night. The Quakes celebrated Japantown Neighborhood Night presented by Wells Fargo.

The Quakes’ starting lineup featured Daniel Vega, Marcus Lopez, Florian Jungwirth, Guram Kashia, Tommy Thompson, Judson, Jackson Yueill, Cristian Espinoza, Magnus Eriksson, Vako, and Chris Wondolowski.

Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

San Jose was off to a great start, thanks to early chances from the get-go. The Quakes looked positive and were assertive in the possession department. Moreover, Cristian Espinoza’s meg in the 10th minute justified that he was having a home field day.

Judson made a notable kick in the 41st minute. However, the Brazilian midfielder’s kick was blocked by Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando.

San Jose and Real Salt Lake played to a scoreless tie at the end of the first half. Shots were even at six apiece. Moreover, the Quakes dominated in possession, passes, and pass accuracy.

Florian Jungwirth blocked a shot in the 52nd minute. Also, Daniel Vega came in clutch with a few noteworthy saves of his own, like the one in the 54th minute.

San Jose’s first substitution occurred in the 66th minute. Shea Salinas entered the match for Marcus Lopez.

San Jose’s second substitution occurred in the 71st minute. Paul Marie entered the match for Tommy Thompson.

San Jose’s third and final substitution occurred in the 74th minute. Danny Hoesen entered the match for Judson.

San Jose put up offensive signals in the final minutes of the match by knocking on the door in the 80th minute, having Vako take down a Real Salt Lake defender in the 85th minute, and most importantly, Danny Hoesen scoring the game-winning goal in the 93rd minute. The Quakes won 1-0.

Fans in attendance also won with a free Jumbo Jack with a large drink purchase at Jack in the Box. Jack in the Box offers some of the most unhealthy items among fast food restaurants, but hey, you can’t turn down free food. Plus it’s pretty cool to see Jack in a Quakes uniform and juggling a soccer ball with his knees.

The Quakes head to Dignity Health Tennis Center to take on the LA Galaxy on Saturday, July 12 at 8:00 pm.

Minnesota United ends Earthquakes’ unbeaten streak with 3-1 win

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Photo credit: @MNUFC

By Pearl Allison Lo

The San Jose Earthquakes’ six-game streak was serious, but Minnesota United FC–also known as the Loons–showed their game before was not a fluke, halting the Earthquakes with a 3-1 win at Allianz Field Wednesday.

With just a point separating them in the standings, Minnesota leapfrogged San Jose after the result. The last time the two teams met it was during the infancy of the 2019 season. Minnesota won 3-0 and it was the Quakes’ second straight loss and first shutout of the season and would be followed by three more losses.

Minnesota whooped FC Cincinnati their last game 7-1, and even though FC Cincinnati was in last place, they proved their play with their performance versus rising San Jose. In both this and their last game, Minnesota’s possession percentage hovered in the 30s.

Goalie Vito Mannone excelled for his team, making a MLS career-high seven saves, especially in the second half, as the Quakes attempted to come from behind. San Jose had 27 to Minnesota’s 13 shots and 10 shots blocked.

Michael Boxall had the game-winner in the 52nd minute. An inadvertent kick forward by San Jose helped and before goalie Daniel Vega could get to the ball, Boxall capitalized to put Minnesota back up.

The Quakes fell behind for just the second time in 12 games, early in the 5th minute. Darwin Quintero was aided by Ethan Finlay and Miguel Ibarra.

Things got heated in the end of the first half. San Jose’s Vako bled, both teams jawed at each other and the Quakes’ Tommy Thompson got knocked down. Thompson ended up scoring his second goal in as many games with either his hip or stomach in the 47th minute in stoppage time as a result.

As Thompson put it, “We have a couple different set pieces that we work on; Magnus [Eriksson] and Cristian [Espinoza] can both whip a great ball in. We get a lot of guys in the box for a reason and I’m glad it payed off on that play.”

San Jose ended up with 65% possession throughout the game. Minnesota received four of five yellow cards in the second half. The Quakes’ Magnus Eriksson had a game-high six shots.

Eriksson replied, “Nothing to be ashamed of. We controlled the whole second half and we are proud of the way we executed this game…”

Teammate Shea Salinas made his presence known after entering in the 66th minute. He had two assists on shots Mannone was forced to save, to Danny Hoesen in the 68th minute and Eriksson in the 71st minute.

Thompson’s shot in the 88th minute went over the bar.

Minnesota wasn’t done yet though. Former Quake Ike Opara had the primary assist as he won the ball against Minnesotan Jackson Yueill and sent it to Kevin Molino from the midfield Molino who entered in the 83rd minute, scored in the 92nd minute and got a yellow card the minute after. Molino also had the last goal of the last match, which came in the 87th minute and he was the only repeat scorer for Minnesota between their last two games.

San Jose still had life when Cristian Espinoza was pulled down, but his subsequent attempt was saved as well.

Up Next: The Quakes will have an even quicker turnaround for their next game, as they return home for one game to host Real Salt Lake Saturday at 7:30 pm.

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq: Cousins may leave Golden State, but can he fit in with Lakers?; US Women’s Soccer team could win it all this Sunday; plus more

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Photo credit: @LakeShowWorld

On Headline Sports with London:

#1 Critics says that there is no market for DeMarcus Cousins. What would you say the reason are as someone who covered him while he was at Golden State? Too many injuries, didn’t fulfill what the Warriors expected out him, too much baggage.

#2 Would the Lakers consider picking up Cousins? Cousins is reportedly watching if Kawhi Leonard decides to sign with the Lakers and if so would Cousins want to join Leonard in the Southland?

#3 You were there, how impressive were the Earthquakes when they shutout the LA Galaxy 3-0 at Stanford Stadium last Saturday?

#4 Quakes head coach Matias Almeyda said the game was a spectacle and the team is on the right path and has improved.

#5 The US Women’s team got a 2-1 win over England to advance to the Finals, which will be played on Sunday. Talk about how nervous you are for this upcoming match that could win it all.

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

San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana Kieu: Quakes blowout Galaxy in Cali Clasico; Quakes to take on Minnesota United; plus more

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Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

On the San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana:

1. The Quakes blowout the LA Galaxy 3-0 in the Cali Clasico for their second straight win.

2. The Quakes take on the Minnesota United at Allianz Field Wednesday.

3. After that, San Jose will return to Avaya Stadium to host Real Salt Lake Saturday night.

4. Vako, Tommy Thompson and Matias Almeyda were all part of the MLS Team of the Week for Week 17.

5. Vako was named MLS Player of the Week for Week 17.

Catch Ana on the San Jose Earthquakes podcasts each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana Kieu: Quakes shutout Dynamo 2-0, Quakes prep for Cali Clasico; plus more

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Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

On the San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana:

1. The Quakes shutout the Houston Dynamo 2-0 at Avaya Stadium Wednesday to earn three points.

2. With the win, San Jose soared in the current MLS Western Conference standings.

3. The Quakes recently signed Mexican winger Carlos Fierro pending his P-1 visa.

4. The Quakes prepare for the Cali Clasico against the LA Galaxy at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, June 29.

5. The US men’s soccer team shutout Panama 1-0 in the Group D decider Wednesday.

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

Vako’s brace powers Earthquakes over Dynamo 2-0

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Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

By Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE, Calif. — In a game that was dominated from start to finish, led by Georgian striker Vako, the San Jose Earthquakes defeated the Houston Dynamo with a convincing 2-0 win on Wednesday evening at Avaya Stadium.

Vako put on a clinic out on the pitch for San Jose, whose unbeaten streak was extended to five games (4-0-1), scoring twice and had opportunities to score more than two as Houston had no answer in trying to stop him.

San Jose continued their transformation since starting the season 0-4 and have jumped to sixth place in the Western Conference that even has surprised head coach Matias Almeyda.

“I knew it was going to take a while,” said Almeyda. “I even thought it would take a little bit longer. The start was completely negative. But it’s day to day and we have to keep insisting on improving. This is one of the team’s that has the lowest payroll in the league and watching them compete at this level makes me proud.”

The Quakes (6-6-4) drew first blood halfway through the first half. Magnus Eriksson centered a pass that split two Dynamo defenders from along the right side of the goal-line to an unmarked Vako, who one-timed a chip shot past Houston goalkeeper Joe Willis for his first goal of the game and second goal of the season in the 22nd minute.

The Quakes controlled the tempo and play in the first half as they kept the Dynamo on their heels with the majority of the possession (61%-39%) being played in the Houston’s defensive zone in the opening 45 minutes.

“Really growing that belief,” said Wondo. “It’s a funny thing, confidence. We’ve bought into Matias’ game plan and when you execute it in the right way it’s very effective. It’s a lot of fun.”

In the second half, San Jose kept the pedal to the metal as they dominated play and were constantly in Houston’s end of the pitch getting six quality scoring chances in the first 20 minutes.

When Vako wasn’t scoring, he was setting up his teammates, including captain Chris Wondolowski. Vako centered a pass over to a wide-open Wondo, who was robbed from six yards out by Willis’ great two-handed save to keep the ball out of the net.

“It would’ve been very easy for him to just throw in town,” said Wondo regarding the play of Vako, who had struggled earlier on in the season. “But he’s (done) the opposite. As you saw tonight, he’s a very great player.”

Jackson Yueill led a three-on-one attack after stripping the ball off a Houston defender from 30 yards out, but his shot sailed wide of the mark in the 69th minute.

Houston (7-5-3) could not muster much of a counter attack against San Jose. An errant pass here, a turnover there was the story of the night for the fifth place Dynamo. Their poor offensive play was the catalyst for the quick counters by the Quakes that led to their numerous scoring chances.

San Jose doubled their lead in the 75th minute when Vako scored his second tally of the evening and third goal of the season when collected a rebound inside the box, dribbled five yard into the middle and rifled a shot past Willis to put the home team comfortably ahead.

“I’m just trying to stay focus and keep going,” said Vako. “I’m just happy I had some chances and I used it.”

GAME NOTES: Quakes defender Anibal Godoy underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove scar tissue from his abdomen that was impairing his bilateral nerves. He is expected to be sidelined for six weeks.

Quakes forward Danny Hoesen missed the game with an upper thigh injury.

Defenders Nick Lima (USA) and Harold Cummings (Panama) were away on international duty for their respective countries participating in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Houston’s Ronaldo Pena received a yellow card in the 17th minute for displaying unsportsmanlike conduct. AJ Delagarza Jr. also received a yellow card in the 57th minute on a low tackle attempt.

San Jose leads the overall series 7-4-2.

UP NEXT: The Quakes host the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday, June 29 in the annual California Clasico at Stanford Stadium at 6:30 pm.

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq: Trump says Rapinoe’s protest is inappropriate; War of words starting to brew between Trump and Rapinoe over protests; plus more

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photo from time.com: Megan Rapinoe #15 of USA (center) and her teammates are standing for the national anthem during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Group F match between USA and Chile at Parc des Princes on June 16, 2019 in Paris, France.

On the Headline Sports podcast with London:

#1 The war of tweets and words has initially begun at the US World Women’s soccer matches between President Trump and US Women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe. Rapinoe originally took a knee during national anthems during the 2016 games. Now she stands without putting her hand over her heart unlike the rest of the teammates. Rapinoe said she will not visit the White House if the US team wins the championship. Trump says by her not doing it, Rapinoe is inappropriate and said she should win first before she talks.

#2 Rapinoe said that the reason she is protesting is because of unjustified treatment by police and law enforcement officials towards minorities and people of color. Rapinoe told American Soccer Now, “Being a gay American, I know what it means to look at the flag and not have it protect all of your liberties.” With the World Cup going on, this will most likely not be the last of the stand off between Trump and Rapinoe.

#3 We asked London about the World Cup putting up signs on the scoreboard indicating that there will game delays for replay reviews. This lends to fans following the games and thinking that their team has the game in hand, but they’ll wait until a replay review has been called for.

#4 After going five straight games without a loss the San Jose Earthquakes lost to LAFC who took it to the Quakes with a 3-1 win in Los Angeles last week on Thursday. For LA, Adama Diomande scored twice, which led LAFC to the two-goal win.

#5 The Quakes continue their road trip tonight against Houston at Avaya Stadium in San Jose as they face the Dynamo. The Dynamo are in fifth place in the MLS West at 7-3-4. The Dynamo are 2-1-3 in their last six games and have lost their last two games to Minnesota and Portland.

London Marq covers the San Jose Earthquakes and does Headline Sports podcasting each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana Kieu: Here’s your weekly dose of Quakes news

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Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

On the San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana:

1. The Quakes partnered with Telemundo 48 to air three matches in Spanish during the 2019 season.

2. Quakes to host eighth annual Wine and Dine event on August 25th.

3. Nick Lima and the US men’s soccer team got their first Gold Cup win Tuesday, a 4-0 shutout of Guyana.

4. Quakes Academy midfielder Sophie Jones was named Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year.

5. The Quakes faced LAFC in Los Angeles on Thursday in the US Open Cup’s Round of 16.

Ana does the San Jose Earthquakes podcasts each week for SportsRadioService.com

Earthquakes unable to move on in U.S. Open Cup

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Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

By Pearl Allison Lo

LOS ANGELES– The Southern California team advanced in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 as the Los Angeles Football Club defended its turf 3-1 Thursday.

LAFC was 7-0-1 at home before this game and will move on to face the Portland Timbers (who shut out the Los Angeles Galaxy 4-0) in the Quarterfinals match July 10.

San Jose is now 0-4-0 all-time versus LAFC. However, for facing the number one team in MLS, the Quakes held their own, especially in the first half score wise, and scored their first goal at Banc of California Stadium.

LAFC’s Diego Rossi had a goal and an assist. Keeper Pablo Sisniega made eight saves and San Jose’s Andrew Tarbell six.

“The keeper made a couple great saves, and changed the game in that sense…they finished their chances and have that killer instinct,” remarked Quakes’ Captain Chris Wondolowski.

LAFC controlled the first third possession-wise, bur Vako picked up right where he left off in U.S. Open Cup Play, after scoring his second goal in the 91st minute versus Sacramento Republic Tuesday the previous week. Jackson Yueill found an opening for the ball to send it upfield to Cristian Espinoza, who passed to his left to Vako who was then able to score in front of his defender near Sisniega in the 7th minute. It was another statistical contribution in the tournament for Espinoza, who scored in the 38th minute last game.

In the 20th minute, Wondo had a header that went off Sisniega’s fingertips and into the net, but Wondo was offsides.

Rossi had a one-on-one battle near goal in which he and the home crowd thought he got fouled.  

Rossi finally broke through the defense with a diagonal kick to tie the game up in the 35th minute. Lee Nguyen got the assist.

Latif Blessing narrowly missed in the 40th minute after it went off Tarbell’s fingers.

Vako and Rossi both led the first half with three shots apiece. San Jose had four shots on target compared to one for LAFC.

Rossi delivered the ball and Adama Diomande gave LAFC its first lead in the 60th minute when he sped to get around Tarbell, resulting in the goal.

Espinoza almost single-handedly took back the goal in the 63rd minute after a long pass, but was stifled by Sisniega.

Espinoza’s fifth shot attempt in the 76th minute left two Quakes sprawled in the grass.

Captain Carlos Vela then made his mark in front of an already hyped crowd. He maneuvered his way to the front of the net as Tarbell went the opposite direction in the 85th minute to make it 3-1. Tristan Blackmon was credited with the helper.

“We weren’t clinical enough,” noted Wondolowski, but also in reply to the 5-0 drubbing from their opponents on March 30, “we’re not scared of anyone anymore.”

Up Next: Vako led with six shots, followed by Espinoza’s five and Vela and Rossi with four apiece. San Jose will now travel back home for the regular season to play host for two games, starting with the Houston Dynamo Wednesday at 7:30 pm.