Tag: San Jose Earthquakes

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 94^th 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.

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.

Sporting Kansas City’s Johny Russell is mobbed by his teammates after his first half goal against the San Jose Earthquakes at Children’s Mercy Park on Saturday AUG 26, 2023. (Sporting KC)

by Marko Ukalovic

Johnny Russell had himself a night.

Sporting Kansas City’s star forward recorded a goal and an assist in his team’s 3-0 commanding shutout victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday evening at Children’s Mercy Park.

Sporting KC dominated from start to finish as it snapped its three-match pointless streak. San Jose had its four-match unbeaten streak end in its first MLS match back from an early exit in the League’s Cup.

It was another disappointing result for San Jose in their house of horrors. Their record in Kansas City is 1-16-3 dating back to 2004, including losing 10 straight from 2004-2014.

Sporting KC (7-11-8-29 points) drew first blood three minutes into the match. Russell sailed in a cross over to a wide open Dániel Sallói who buried a point-blank chance past ‘Quakes goalkeeper Daniel for his sixth goal of the season.

Russell doubled the lead for the home team in the 42nd minute. Nemanja Radoja set up Russell inside the box and the Scottish striker deked out two ‘Quakes defenders before beating Daniel with a left footed shot for his fourth goal of the season.

San Jose (9-8-8-35 points) looked flat out of the gate and weren’t able to gain any momentum in the opening 45 minutes. Sporting KC controlled possession by a 57%-43% margin and had four shots on target to zero for the Earthquakes.

Forward Matthew Hoppe made his ‘Quakes debut to start the second half when head coach Luchi Gonzalez substituted in for Cade Cowell in the 46th minute. Hoppe, who the ‘Quakes acquired on load from English Championship club Middlesbrough, sent in a nice cross to Jack Skahan in the 86th minute but Skahan’s attempt missed wide left.

Sporting KC iced the game in the 69th minute with Erik Thommy’s fourth goal of the season. Radoja recorded his second assist on Thommy’s goal.

“We have to have more pride in having a more complete game, attacking and defending the boxes. We are very disappointed in the score. It wasn’t our night. It’s done. Let’s move on and respond to the next moment, it is what this team has been doing all season. I believe they will be ready to fight again,” Gonzalez said.

San Jose’s best attempt to avoid the shutout came in the first minute of stoppage when Skahan drew a penalty kick inside the box off a foul from Logan Ndenbe. However, Carlos Gruezo right footed shot was saved by Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Melia with a diving attempt.

Melia finished with two saves for the clean sheet. Daniel made three saves on six shots on goal.

GAME NOTES: Each team finished with five corner kicks in the match.

San Jose currently holds an 26-30-10 record against Kansas City, including an 8-23-2 record on the road.

Defender Paul Marie made his 100th career appearance for the Quakes, entering as a sub in the 67’ minute.  

UP NEXT: San Jose hosts the Los Angeles Galaxy in the 98th edition of the California Classico on Wednesday 8/30 at 7:30pm at Pay Pal Park.

The San Jose Earthquakes and LAFC played to a 1-1 draw in a Western Conference match at BMO Stadium on Saturday July 8, 2023. (San Jose Earthquakes)

by Marko Ukalovic

Sometimes a draw is a win.

The San Jose Earthquakes played with only 10 men for most of the second half but were able to grind out a 1-1 draw with their SoCal rival LAFC on Saturday evening at BMO Stadium.

LAFC are winless in nine of its last 12 matches. San Jose are winless in their last five matches (0-2-3).

‘Quakes head coach Luchi Gonzalez went a different formation for the first time this season as he went with a 3-5-2 in a move to provide a more attacking style versus LAFC.

“We had some challenges with Jackson (Yueill) being called up (to the US Men’s National team) because of an injury in the Gold Cup (squad),” said Gonzalez regarding the reason for the change of formation. “Based on the circumstances and the challenge, missing some of these six to eight profiles in the midfield, we had to get creative. We had to think about playing obviously a really good LAFC team. in LA and be organized defensively while trying to get attack the ball.”

San Jose (7-7-8-29 points) drew first blood in the 30th minute. Jack Skahan intercepted a pass from LAFC and sent a long ball up to Cristian Espinoza. The Quakes All-Star dribbled down the right wing before cutting inside to the middle and firing a shot past LAFC goalkeeper John McCarthy for his team leading 10th goal of the season.

LAFC (9-6-8-33 points) evened the score when Bouanga drew a penalty on Rodgriguez who stepped on his foot while Dénis Bouanga dribbled down the end line in the 35th minute. Bouanga converted the penalty kick two minutes later with a blast past ‘Quakes goalkeeper Daniel for his team-leading 12th goal of the season.

San Jose lost its starting goalkeeper in the 56th minute when Daniel was given a red card, and an automatic ejection, when he came out to challenge a LAFC breakaway attempt when the ball hit his hand while he was outside the box.

LAFC weren’t able to take advantage of being up a man on the pitch. San Jose held down the fort in the final 34 minutes of the match with the help of back up goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski as they did not a concede a late goal and escaped out of LA with one point.

“We close the game out with a lot of effort, focus and togetherness. It’s an important point,” Gonzalez said.

Both San Jose keepers combined for five saves on six shots. McCarthy made two saves on three shots on target.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished with seven corner kicks. LAFC also had seven during the match.

For the first time in the 15 meetings between the two clubs, the match ended in a draw.

San Jose is now 2-17-9 in their last 28 matches on the road.

Midfielder Judson made his 100th MLS appearance when he substituted in for Miguel Trauco in the 67th minute.

LAFC’s Carlos Vela has scored six goals in nine matches versus San Jose.

Jeremy Ebobissee has scored the most goals by a visiting player against the two Southern California teams. 10 goals in 12 matches, including four in six versus LAFC.

UP NEXT: San Jose hosts the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday 7/12 at 7:30pm at Pay Pal Stadium.

Thunder and lightning delayed the match between the Houston Dynamo and the San Jose Earthquakes at Shell Energy Field on Wednesday JUN 21, 2023. (Houston Dynamo)

by Marko Ukalovic

Thor and mother nature provided the thunder and lightning in Houston.

The Houston Dynamo’s Thorleifur Úlfarsson scored two goals coming off the bench in the second half in a weather delayed match that helped propel his team to a 4-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on a stormy Wednesday evening at Shell Energy Field.

San Jose had its five-match unbeaten streak snapped. Houston vaulted over San Jose into fourth place in the Western Conference standings with its third straight victory.

The match started out as a nightmare for San Jose with Houston scoring two goals in the first five minutes of the match. Tanner Beason’s telegraphed pass was intercepted in the middle of the box by Amine Bassi, who kicked the ball past ‘Quakes goalkeeper Daniel for his team leading eighth goal of the season in the third minute.

Two minutes later, Houston (8-7-3-27 points) Nelson Quiñónes centered a ball into the middle where unmarked Corey Baird buried the ball into the back of the net for his third goal of the season.

“We didn’t show up tonight,” said ‘Quakes head coach Luchi Gonzalez. “We didn’t compete tonight. It just was not a good night for us, and we know we are better than this. It’s about moving forward quickly and showing a response for our fans and families on Saturday against St. Louis CITY SC. They are a very difficult to play, and they beat us last time, and now we want to show our response in multiple ways on Saturday. We have the capacity to do that.”

San Jose (7-6-6) responded just before the halftime in the 41st minute on a set piece. Christian Espinoza’s free kick from the right wing was headed in by an unmarked Carlos Akapo into the far corner of the net. It was the fullback’s second goal of the season.

During the 61st minute of the match was delayed by lightning as the teams and fans headed for cover. The delay lasted two hours and 10 minutes before it was safe for the players to return to the field and resume the final 30 minutes of the second half.

Úlfarsson, who substituted in the 74th minute, made an immediate impact as Héctor Herrera made a touch pass to the man known as ‘Thor’ and he bent in a left footed shot perfectly into the left corner of the net for his first goal of the match in the 77th minute.

“We certainly felt like we had an opportunity at a second chance going into the last 30 minutes after the delay. The energy of the boys was good in the locker room. They were patient, and we were almost treating it like a second leg. We had the mentality of “Let’s go win the second leg.” But it didn’t happen. I will give full credit to Houston, they were clinical and aggressive. We have to accept that, and we have to move forward quickly,” Gonzalez said.

The Dynamo concluded the scoring when Úlfarsson completed his brace in the 89th minute. Once again Herrera set up Úlfarsson with a cross into the box and the Icelandic striker beat Daniel with a one-timer off the left post into the back of the net for his third goal of the season.

Dynamo goalie Steve Clark recorded the win despite not making a single save during the match as the only shot on target he faced was Akapo’s goal. Daniel made one save on five shots on target in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished with six corner kicks. Houston had just one.

Espinoza tallied his sixth assist of his season and 50th of his MLS career, tying Shea Salinas for most assists in Quakes history.

UP NEXT: San Jose hosts St. Louis City SC on Saturday 6/24 at 7:30pm at Pay Pal Stadium.

Colorado Rapid’s Cole Bassett battles against by San Jose Earthquake’s Jackson Yueill at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday JUN 3, 2023. (Colorado Rapids)

by Marko Ukalovic

The San Jose Earthquakes weren’t able to take advantage of being a man up throughout the majority of the second half in a scoreless 0-0 draw with the Colorado Rapids on Saturday evening at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

San Jose has earned points in consecutive games. Colorado snapped its five-match losing streak but are winless in their last six and are still winless at home this season.

It was a disappointing result for Quake’s head coach Luchi Gonzalez as his team had a man advantage for the final 39 minutes of the second half when Colorado’s Moïse Bombito received his second yellow card in the 51st minute off of a bad foul which resulted in automatic red card and ejection from the match.

San Jose (6-5-5) came close to breaking the ice in the 63rd minute when Jeremy Ebobisse’s header attempt clanked off the post away from Rapid’s goalkeeper Marko Ilic.

Colorado (2-8-7) had a golden opportunity to take the lead despite only playing with 10 men. San Jose’s defender Rodriguez conceded a penalty, after a VAR review, in the 66th minute when he fouled Michael Barrios inside the box.

The Rapids weren’t able to capitalize as Quake’s goalkeeper Daniel stoned away Connor Ronan’s penalty kick in the 70th minute to keep the match evened at zero.

The Earthquakes offense looked stale and out of sync throughout the match as they weren’t able to connect with each other despite controlling the majority of the possession in the second half against a Rapids defense that had conceded 12 goals in its last five matches. They weren’t able to generate a shot on target during the match.

Ilic earned a clean sheet despite not having to make a save. Daniel stopped all five shots, including the penalty, in earning his first clean sheet of the season.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished seven corner kicks. Colorado had eight.

San Jose leads the all time series versus Colorado 32-15-19, including 13-16-10 on the road.

UP NEXT: San Jose returns home to host the Philadelphia Union on Saturday 6/10 at 7:30pm at Pay Pal Park.

San Jose Earthquakes forward Jeremy Ebobisse celebrates his goal with his teammates during his team’s 1-0 win over the Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field on Wednesday MAY 31, 2023. (San Jose Earthquakes)

by Marko Ukalovic

The San Jose Earthquakes flirted with danger for all of the second half in a hostile environment as they held on for dear life in 1-0 shutout victory over the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday evening at Lumen Field.

San Jose snapped its 14-road match winless streak, with its first road win of 2023, that carried over from last season. The Western Conference leaders have lost three of its past four matches.

The last road win for San Jose was a 3-2 against the Los Angeles Galaxy back on July 13th, 2022.

Seattle (8-6-2-26 points) controlled most of the possession in the opening 45 minutes as they played in the ‘Quakes zone for the majority of the half. The Sounders best scoring chances came in the 35th minute, when Héber’s chance from point blank range was stopped by ‘Quakes goalkeeper Daniel.

San Jose (6-5-4-22 points) had their best scoring chance in the scoreless first half just before halftime in the 45th minute. Jeremy Ebobisse’s free kick from inside the D sailed high and wide over the net. Both teams had two shots on target.

The Earthquakes drew first blood early in the second half on a set piece in the 48th minute. Cristian Espinoza’s corner kicked was headed toward the middle of the box by Rodriguez. Ebobisse got loose and directed the ball past Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei with his left foot for his sixth goal of the season.

Seattle responded immediately with constant pressure inside the ‘Quakes zone for the next 20 minutes with multiple scoring chances, but San Jose’s defense bent but did not break with help from Daniel.

Raúl Ruidíaz had a golden chance to even the score in the 79th minute after a ball centered into the middle by Reed Baker-Whiting, but he shanked his attempt wide left of the net.

San Jose survived the final 15 minutes, including a point-blank header attempt by Léo Chú in the third minute of stoppage time, without conceding a goal to escape the Pacific Northwest with three points.

Daniel was perfect in stopping all eight shots on target to earn his first clean sheet of the season as well as his first win. Frei made two saves on three shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished with two corner kicks. Seattle had 10.

San Jose is now 13-15-9 overall against Seattle, including 7-10-3 on the road.

The ‘Quakes went 2-2-1 in the month of May.

The Vancouver Whitecaps currently have the longest winless streak on the road with 15.

UP NEXT: San Jose close out its two-game road trip against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday 6/3 at 6:30pm at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

LAFC’s Stipe Biuk celebrates with his first half goal with teammate Diego Palalcios during LAFC’s 2-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes at BMO Stadium on Saturday MAY 20, 2023. (LAFC)

by Marko Ukalovic

It was not the ending either team had envisioned during a tough fought match.

A hand ball inside the box by Tanner Beason in the final minute of stoppage time set up the heroics of Carlos Vela as he converted the game winning penalty kick to give LAFC a 2-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday evening at BMO Stadium.

San Jose has lost two matches in a row after earning points in seven straight matches. LAFC has won two matches in a row after suffering its first loss of the season to the ‘Quakes two weeks ago at Levi’s Stadium.

During the fifth minute of stoppage time, a ball deflected off the hand of Beason while he was just inside the box. Referee Ismail Elfath had originally ruled for play to keep going. However, a VAR review called the play correctly and a penalty kick was awarded to LAFC.

Vela, the former MLS MVP who now is a substitute off the bench, made ‘Quakes goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski guess left while he calmly buried the kick into the lower right of the net for his fourth goal of the season much to the delight of the 22,030 in attendance.

It was a difficult pill to swallow to San Jose who were just seconds away from earning a point against its SoCal rival.

LAFC (7-1-4) drew first blood early three minutes into the match. José Cifuentes set up Stipe Biuk on the left side of the box. Biuk cut in and fired a shot past Marcinkowski for his second goal of the season.

LAFC controlled the first 30 minutes of the first half, but San Jose gained momentum with scoring chances from Paul Marie and Cristian Espinoza in the final 15 minutes of the opening 45 minutes.

“I thought our preparation was good. We were up for this one. It was definitely not the start we wanted. I thought that we got into the game at the 20th minute controlling their momentum and creating our own. I liked the way few finished the first half in terms of creating chances, getting pressure on the ball, creating turnovers, and leading to offensive transitions, and a little bit more bite and connection defensively,” ‘Quakes head coach Luchi Gonzalez said.

San Jose (5-5-3) carried that momentum into the second half when they finally broke through with the equalizer in the 52nd minute.

Espinoza’s attempted cross from the left wing was blocked by Biuk. Fullback Miguel Trauco one touched the ball out of the air and sent in a floater toward the middle where the ball seemed to fool LAFC goalkeeper John McCarthy, as it snuck past him into the back of the net for Trauco’s first goal of the season.

“Happy for scoring my first goal, although it was a weird one. It wasn’t that pretty, but what’s important is that it motivated us to go out and try to win the match. It helped us in the moment, unfortunately things didn’t turn out in our favor but I’m happy for my first goal and I hope that it leads to a win next time,” Trauco said.

LAFC shifted the momentum in the final 30 minutes with counter attacks that led to numerous corner kicks as they had San Jose back on their heels as the ‘Quakes spent the final third of the match defending inside of its own zone.

“Second half, I thought we were fantastic, we created chances, we pushed the lines up, and the guys showed great energy and protagonism to push to tie the game and we earned that. As the game went on and after they conceded at home, they started to commit their numbers. But I thought we absorbed it well. We were very solid defensively. I was very confident we would get one point out of the game and even potentially create a chance in transition that could lead to a win, but it didn’t happen,” Gonzalez said.

McCarthy finished with two saves on three shots on target to earn the win. Marcinkowski made five saves on six shots on target in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished with seven corner kicks. LAFC had 15.

The Quakes are now 6-8-0 all-time against LAFC, including a 1-6-0 record on the road.

UP NEXT: San Jose returns home to host FC Dallas on Saturday 5/27 at 7:30pm at Pay Pal Park.