Tag: San Jose Earthquakes

Quakes top Rapids to stay alive in MLS playoffs race

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San Jose Earthquakes Jordan Stewart celebrates on top of his teammates as Chris Wondolowski (in the center) scored against Colorado Rapids at Buck Shaw Stadium. Photo by Michael Bonocore Photography

By Ivan Makarov

SANTA CLARA, CA — A couple of months ago the odds of San Jose Earthquakes making MLS playoffs didn’t look good, as the team kept losing points while unable to produce offense. They even parted ways with their head coach Frank Yallop who led the team to 2012 Supporters Shield award only a year ago. But after tightening its defense with the signing of Clarence Goodson, and focusing on offense in training, the things finally started to come together for the Quakes and its interim head coach Mike Watson.

That improvement calumniated in a key victory against the divisional opponent Colorado Rapids on Wednesday night at Buck Shaw Stadium. The race for the five playoffs spots in the West is staying very close this year between seven teams, and to stay alive Quakes needed a victory against Colorado, one of the two teams right in front of them. With the big goal by its captain Chris Wondowski, the Quakes earned 1-0 win and kept themselves alive in this close race to the finish.

“That was probably a must-win game for us tonight,” said Mike Watson after the game. “We needed the three points. I don’t think one would have been enough. I don’t think you go into a game with that as your main thought, but you know the result you need to come away with. I thought our guys were excellent tonight. We were on top of the game from the start. We were sharp, moved the ball well and had a bunch of great chances.”

The key moment of the game happened on the 69th minute from two set pieces inside the Rapids territory. It all  started with a cross from a free kick taken by Rafael Baka from 40 or so yards out which found Wondolowski’s head inside the penalty box. Wondo put a shot on target, but Colorado’s goalkeeper Clinton Irwin made a great save, putting the ball above the goal, resulting in the Quakes’ corner kick.

Shea Salinas took that corner and sent the ball back to the Quakes top goalscorer Wondolowski. He once again beat his coverage, and put another header on goal, which went in this time. This was Wondo’s 10th goal of the season, and his league-leading seventh game winning goal. It’s also worth noting that it was a well deserved assist for Salinas, who was brilliant all night, orchestrating most of the attacks with his speed and creativity.

“Shea [Salinas’] service has been excellent,” said Mike Watson. “He’s somebody who thrives off running past defenders. He wants those one-on-one match-ups. He’s quick and has good control and his service is usually very good when he gets in dangerous spots. Tonight, I thought his service was great.”

Quakes had the chance to score other goals in the game, creating multiple chances from crosses inside the zone, where Rapids defense seemed to struggle. Alan Gordon had at least two great scoring chances from headers, as did Wondolowski who had a chance to score from a breakaway at the start of the second half. Quakes outshot the Rapids 8-0 with shots on target. At the same time, Quakes were excellent on their own back end, with Colorado earning only a couple of chances to score – mostly early  in the game. Jon Busch earned his eighth shutout of the season.

“As the season draws to an end, it feels like each game gets more emotional,” said Chris Wondolowski. “The guys were loose before the game and it helped ease the nerves because this match was a must-win situation here at home. We were so excited to play tonight; I was fired up all game and it’s always great to play in front of our home fans here at Buck Shaw [Stadium]. Now we are a point back of where we want to be and know that if we take care of business we will be rewarded.”

The game turned out to be a close to a complete performance by the home team in front of the sold out crowd of 10,525. The win improved the Quakes to 4-0-1 in their last five games. With two games remaining in the season, San Jose needs to continue winning, as they finish the season against LA and Dallas. But they’re keeping their hopes up and such performance should add to their confidence going into those final games.

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Wondo a late game hero for the Quakes

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By Ivan Makarov

At this point in the MLS season, and given their position in the standings, San Jose Earthquakes could not afford to lose any points in the remaining four games to still have a chance to make playoffs.

Sunday night game in Los Angeles against Chivas USA proved to be a thriller, as  it took the Quakes 87 minutes to break through and keep their playoffs chance  alive going into the final stretch of the season. They won the match 1-0, thanks to the late game heroics from their top goalscorer Chris Wondolowski.

After largely uneventful first half, with the only memorable moment being a yellow card to Stephen Lenhart, as he injured Steve Purdy in an airial challenge, things started to pick up in the second. Lenhart was in the middle of the action again after a corner kick taken by Shea Salinas. Lenhart ran into the box toward the cross, and put the header into the net. However, a quick whistle from the referee negated an apparent goal, as he indicated that Lenhart fouled on the play. A video replay did not show any point of contact or where the foul was committed, but the score remained 0-0.

Quakes continued to push the ball forward, and looking like a better team, but could not find that final touch they needed to put the ball into the net.

The earlier booking on Lenhart proved to be pricy later on the 81st minute as the Quakes forward went to challenge the high ball against Chivas goalkeeper Dan Kennedy, and instead of reaching the ball, he ran into the keeper. Referee showed no hesitation in booking Lenhart again with the second yellow, followed by the red card. That left the Quakes with one man down for the rest of the game. But it didn’t stop them from pushing forward, with their season on the line.

With only six minutes remaining in the regulation, the fortune finally turned to the Quakes. Alan Gordon had the ball just outside the Chivas box, and took a long shot. It wasn’t the strongest of kicks, but it dipped down, bounced off the grass and went up when it reached Dan Kennedy. Up to this point, Kennedy was nothing short of spectacular for his team, but he made a mistake this time, as the ball rebounded off his chest and back into the field. Quakes’ most dangerous man Chris Wondolowski was the first to the rebound, and he flicked the ball above Kennedy and into the net, breathing life into Quakes playoffs chances this season.

Quakes went on to defend their lead in the remaining minutes in the game, and improved their standing to 44 points with three games remaining and just one point outside the playoffs spot in the West. Their chances for post season keep improving, but the task is still hard, as they likely need at least two more victories in the remaining three games to qualify for playoffs.

The Quakes next host Colorado Rapids at home at Buck Shaw Stadium on Wednesday, October 9.

Quakes win big in Salt Lake City

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By Ivan Makarov

San Jose Earthquakes are not going down without a fight this season.

With only five games remaining in the regular season before the Quakes played on the road against Real Salt Lake, they knew they needed to win at least once on the road, if they were to have a chance to content for the MLS Cup in playoffs. The win was needed even more so after the Quakes failed to secure a victory against Vancouver last Saturday.

That win was earned on a good defensive effort and a pair of headers from Steven Lenhart, as Quakes won that game in Salt Lake and greatly improved their standings.

Rio Tinto Stadium, the home of Real Salt Lake, has always been a hard place to play for any visiting team, with its stands close to the field, and passionate fans filling up the stands all contributing to Real’s dominance in SLC. They only lost two games at home this season, while the Quakes won just once on the road, where they struggled all season.

While the Quakes looked good in many road games but not seeing that translate on the scoreboard and in the standings, the scenario reversed itself on Saturday. This much was also obvious on the stats sheet, where Real dominated in just about every category – shots on goal (17 vs 8), passing accuracy (83% vs 71%), and ball possession (70% vs 30% for Real). Well, except in one category that matters most – the goals.

Quakes got the great start to the game they always want with an early goal from one of their forwards Steven Lenhart. Cordell Cado got the ball on the right wing, and crossed it high and long towards the penalty mark. Lenhart won the position and put a great header straight into the net, only 18 minutes into the game.

Real responded a minute later, as Javier Morales was left wide open on the far side of the net after Kyle Beckerman’s cross off the corner, making it 1-1 on the 19th minute.

But Lenhart put the Quakes ahead only two minutes later, once again from a powerful header. Shea Salinas took the free kick 40 or so yards away on the left side of the field, and his cross was to the similar spot where Lenhart scored earlier. Quakes tall forward won another challenge in the air, scoring his fourth goal of the season.

Quakes could have put themselves one more goal ahead in the second half on the 66th minute when Rafael Baka took off on a 2-on-1 breakaway with Chris Wondolowski on his left side, but he fired it off early, and straight into Real’s goalkeeper Nick Rimando.

Other than that, it was all Real with chances the rest of the game. Solid play by Quakes defense and their goalkeeper Jon Busch kept the home team off the scoreboard, and gave San Jose much needed three points. The win may have come with a price, as their defender Clarance Goodson left the game early with what looked like an injury.

A strong defensive effort, and offensive production means the Quakes earned their second victory on the road against a very good opponent.

The Quakes are still outside the playoffs picture, but should they win both remaining home games and grab a point on the road either against Chivas USA or LA Galaxy, they could end up in the fifth spot in the West, giving them a playoffs berth.

Their quest for that continues in LA on Sunday, September 29th, when they take on Chivas USA.

Big win keeps Quakes hopes alive in the Champions League

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By Ivan Makarov

SANTA CLARA, CA – Facing elimination in the CONCACAF Champions League with a draw or loss, San Jose Earthquakes delivered one of their best performances this season against Montreal Impact on Tuesday night at Buck Shaw Stadium, defeating them 3-0.

After trading chances early on, the Quakes scored first on the 21st minute. A long throw in the Montreal’s zone landed on Steven Lenhart’s head who passed it back to Chris Wondowski. This caught Montreal’s defense by surprise and there was no one able to stop Quakes forward as he put the ball into the net, scoring first Champions League goal for the club in the tournament.

While the game looked even prior to the goal, the lead gave the Quakes needed confidence and they started to take over the pocessing and the scoring chances.

“The game changed a little bit [after the first goal],” said Montreal’s center back Alessandro Nesta. “We had some opportunities, and some chances, but as it happened today, if you don’t score, you start losing these opportunities.”

Impact’s best moment of the first half came at the very end when the cross from the left zone came within inches of Daniele Paponi’s foot and the empty net. Justin Morrow read the play and cleared it away from danger last moment.

Marvin Chavez delivered the second blow on the 57th minute. The ball was inside Montreal’s penalty box and Matteo Ferrari cleared it outside the box. It wasn’t a good clear, however, and it fell to Chavez chest who stopped it and put a hard volley on the net right after. It flew fast and into the net, giving the Quakes two goal lead they desperately needed to improve their standings.

Desperate for change, Montreal head coach Marco Schallibaum made double substitution on the 63rd minute, sending Felipe and Marco Di Vaio (current leading MLS goalscorer) onto the field. That didn’t help, however and neither forward had a scoring chance the rest of the game.

Coming on as a substitution for Marvin Chaves, Shea Salinas scored a similar goal as Chavez on 84th minute. It was another failed clearance by Montreal, and Salinas got the ball just at the top of the penalty box, with only Jeb Brovski and the goaltender to beat. Salinas accelerated with his signature takeoff speed, and blew past Brovski who couldn’t keep up. With just the goalkeeper Troy Perkins in front of him, Salinas put the ball into the net with the low kick to make it 3-0 for the Quakes.

Salinas could have made it 4-0 when he got the ball on the edge of the box during stoppage time, but he shot the ball straight into Perkins.

How pleased was the Quakes interim coach Mike Watson with the three goals in one game after scoring just once in the last three games?

“Very pleased,” he said after the game. “I thought at 1-0, there was still a lot to do in the game. We still had to defend a lot. It shows our persistence. We feel very good about our performance. Maybe three goals is what we need to get going offensively.”

Quakes are next back in action on Saturday when they travel to Salt Lake City on take on Real in the MLS regular season. Their next Champions League game is at home against CD Heredia on October 23.

Quakes Falter in Guatemala

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By Elliot Alagueuzian

August 28, 2013

The San Jose Eathquake’s hopes of qualifying for the last 16 of the CONCACAF Champions League are all but over after losing 1-0 to Heredia in Guatemala City. The Quakes are now left with 0 points out of two games away from home.

Fortunately the final two games will be at Buck Shaw stadium but even maximum points from those games may not be enough to save the men in black. A substantial goal difference may be the Quakes best to salvage whatever they can from this Champions league campaign. In other words they must blow out Montreal and Heredia at home in order to give them a chance of progressing through the group stage.

The Quakes first real chance of the game fell to Chris Wondolowski who skied a cross coming from the near post over the bar from about 8 to 10 yards out. Ramiro Corrales then hit a freekick from about 30 yards out the just grazed the top of the crossbar and that was about as close as the Quakes got to scoring a goal in the second half.

Enrique Miranda from Heredia though broke the deadlock in the 68th minute with a right footed shot outside the penalty area. It was one of two shots on goal that Heredia had and the Quakes only had one.

With having already traveled to Dallas and now Guatemala City the Quakes will now head off to SoCal to face arch rivals LA Galaxy in the California Clasico this Saturday at the StubHub Center.

Quakes win crucial encounter against SKC

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By Elliot Alagueuzian

SAN JOSE- San Jose Earthquakes will be happy that their playoff hopes got a big boost Sunday night as they shutout Sporting Kansas City 1-0 at Buck Shaw Stadium. After a disappointing result in Vancouver the Quakes were looking to bounce back against one of the top teams in MLS.

The game started out pretty slow for both teams with SKC hunkering down their defense and not letting the Quakes create too many chances. Both teams enjoyed good spells of possession but never created anything that made the crowd stand on its feet and cheer.

It wasn’t until Steven Beitashour served a great ball into the box to forward Chris Wondolowski that the Quakes finally took a chance and finished and one of the most hardest defenses in MLS. Wondo was about 10 yards away from goal and got a powerful header to the far post that beat the outstretched fingers of KC goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen.

Wondo had a lot of great things to say for the back line who kept great organization throughout the game. “I thought we kept our defensive shape and were hard to break down.” An amazing night for one Quake in particular, Jon Busch celebrated his 100th win in the league as well as his 37th birthday. Wondo could not emphasize how big Busch has been since joining the Quakes. “He’s such a true professional, he comes in works hard everyday. Day in day out. Couldn’t be happier for him and he definitely deserves it.”

The Quakes will face FC Dallas in Frisco Texas next Saturday.

Whitecaps shutout Quakes in Vancouver

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By Elliot Alagueuzian

August 10, 2013

143VANCOUVER–The San Jose Earthquakes will be disappointed they did not finish their chances after conceding two goals and losing 2-0 to the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place. The Whitecaps offense was led by Nigel Reo-Coker, Kenny Miller and Camilo Senvezzo. Reo-Coker took on Clarence Goodson and beat him out wide before crossing into the box to Senvezzo who tapped the ball into the back of the net to give the Caps a 1-0 lead.

Earthquakes tried to respond when Sam Cronin took a shot inside that rebounded off a Whitecaps defender and above the head of Shea Salinas who attempted an overhead kick whoever, the shot lacked power and fell straight into the arms of goalkeeper David Ousted.

The second goal came when midfielder Russell Teibert passed the ball into the box from the right hand side, Reo-Coker missed his shot but Kenny Miller didn’t and made it 2-0 Vancouver.

Quakes Head Coach Mark Watson was disappointed his team couldn’t take their chances against a good team away from home. “The game quite simply was they took their chances and we didn’t, we had a couple opportunities to score one or two early on that would’ve changed the game.” Said Watson who believes his team still have a great chance to qualify for the playoffs. “We’re disappointed but we know that there are enough points on table so we keep working, we get back to work next week and prepare for our next game.”

Vancouver made the game’s first great chance when Senvezzo hit a freekick and Miller headed the ball inches over the crossbar. Quakes created a few chances to try and take the lead but the best chance of the first half came when the ball fell to Cordell Cato who struck the ball very well but Ousted made a fantastic save.

Chris Wondolowski thinks the team can bounce back against Sporting Kansas City next week. “They’re very good, it’s good to be home but we have to go out there and play to the best of our capabilities.”

Quakes lose Champions League opener

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By Ivan S. Makarov

August 7, 2013
 
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Playing in their first game of the CONCACAF Champions League on the road in Montreal, San Jose Earthquakes fell 1-0 to their host Montreal Impact.

Despite the score, it wasn’t for the lack of scoring chances that the Quakes went down. They outshot the Impact 8-6 and had the ball more, but still came short in the most important category – goals.

Quakes best chance came early in the game when they were awarded penalty kick on the 10th minute, but were unable to realize it. Six minutes later, Montreal’s new player Hernan Bernardello delivered a cross from 40 yards out that was headed into the goal by Hassoun Camara for the only goal of the game.

San Jose’s Sam Garza had a great scoring chance in the second half, but his header went just inches wide.

“Obviously we leave the field a little disappointed,” said Quakes interim head coach Mike Watson. “I thought overall our performance was quality. The key moment in the game was the penalty save, which would have given us a lead and something we could have hung onto for the rest of the game. Even after the goal I thought we responded well and had a bunch of chances. So, I’m disappointed to come out of the game with nothing.”

San Jose has three Group 5 games remaining, including a pair against Guatemalan side CD Heredia and a home match against Montreal. Next up is another road trip, this time to Guatemala City on Wednesday, Aug. 28. The club hosts Montreal on Wednesday, Sept. 18 and CD Heredia on Wednesday, Oct. 23 to close out of group play. The winner advances to an eight-team knockout tournament to be contested next year.