Earthquakes stun LAFC with dramatic upset in 2-1 win

San Jose forward Carlos Espinoza battles for possession along the sideline with LAFC’s Diego Palacios at Pay Pal Park on Saturday Aug 20, 2022. (Dario Cruz-Tectonic Takes)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — The MLS version battle of David versus Goliath went David’s way in a shocker.

Cade Cowell scored the game winning goal in the 77th minute as the San Jose Earthquakes pulled off a dramatic upset over LAFC, the best team in the league, 2-1 on Saturday evening at Pay Pal Park.

In front of a sold out crowd, in what had a playoff atmosphere like feeling, the ‘Quakes won for just the second time in its last eight matches. On the flip side, LAFC had its seven match winning streak snapped.

“Emotions are high right now. We need to be calm, but I believe tonight is one of the best games I have seen from this team this season. When you lose, you ‘stink’ and when you win, everybody wants to talk good things about you. The guys showed that we have personality and played good with and without the ball. And we did it,” interim head coach Alex Covelo said.

Cowell was set up by the Man of Match, Tommy Thompson, who had two assists on the night. Thompson ran down a ball near the end line when he centered the ball back into the middle where an unmarked Cowell blasted a one-timer top shelf past LAFC goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau for his second goal of the season.

“For me personally, it felt great to put in a good shift with the team, but I give a lot of credit to all the guys out there that fought until the end right in the middle of the difficult moment that we’re in. I think it’s exciting and it’s a night that I won’t forget anytime soon,” Thompson said.

San Jose (6-11-9-27 points) drew first blood in the 14th minute. Benji Kikanovic began a counter attack for the ‘Quakes. Christian Espinoza found Thompson along the end line and he chipped the ball over a LAFC defender to Kikanovic who buried a one-timer into the upper left corner for his fifth goal of the season.

LAFC (18-5-3-57 points) had trouble containing San Jose’s attack in the first half as they were playing back on the heels for the first 45 minutes.

The start of the second half saw LAFC change the momentum with chances early on. They cashed in the 54th minute on a brilliant play from Kellyn Acosta. The current USNMT’s midfielder glided a pass over to Kwadwo Opoku, who got behind Nathan on the play, and he chipped the ball over ‘Quakes goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski for his seventh goal of the season.

Covelo made substitutions in the 69th minute as he brought Cowell and Eric Remedi that helped switch the momentum back to San Jose.

Despite bringing in a powerhouse trio off the bench in the second half that consisted of 2019 MLS MVP Carlos Vela, Illie Sanchez and Jose Cifuentes, LAFC was not only able to score the equalizer but lost their composure in the process as their frustrations of being outplayed grew bigger down the stretch with ugly fouls that went for yellow cards.

Sanchez received two yellow cards in just 15 minutes of action when he was sent off for his second infraction and automatic red card in the 79th minute. Sanchez will be suspended for LAFC’s next match against the Austin FC on 8/26.

Marcinkowski finished the match with one save on two shots on goal. Crépeau made three saves on five shots in the losing effort.

Welsh international midfielder Gareth Bale made an appearance as a substitute in the 76th minute when he replaced Opoku. He has played in eight games with LAFC since being transferred from Real Madrid back in June.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished the match with 11 corner kicks. LAFC had five.

San Jose is now 5-7-0 all-time vs. Los Angeles Football Club, including a 4-2-0 record at home. San Jose is now 5-2-0 in their last seven meetings with LAFC, including three straight home wins.

The Earthquakes are now 6-7-6 in MLS play under Covelo.

UP NEXT: San Jose travels out to the Midwest to take on Sporting KC on Saturday 8/27 at 5:30pm at Children’s Mercy Park.

LAFC edges Earthquakes 3-2 in regulation

LAFC forward Cristian Arango brings the ball up the pitch during the second half of a 3-2 victory over San Jose on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Banc of California Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Orange County Register)

by Marko Ukalovic

LOS ANGELES — The best in the West resides in Southern California.

Brian Rodríguez scored the eventual game winning goal in the 47th minute to give LAFC a 3-2 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday afternoon at Banc of California Stadium.

San Jose had its four-match unbeaten streak snapped with their first loss since a 3-0 loss to NYFC back on May 1st. LAFC stayed atop of the Western Conference with its second consecutive win.

Jose Cifuentes set up Rodríguez with a cross pitch pass that left Rodríguez all alone against Quakes goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski. The Uruguayan midfielder’s left footed shot beat Marcinkowksi for his second goal of the season.

LAFC (9-3-2-29 points) drew first blood when they were able to draw a penalty inside the box in the sixth minute. Ryan Hollingshead was tripped up by Jan Gregus. Cristian Arango converted the penalty in the eighth minute for his third goal of the season.

The home team doubled its lead just over five minutes later. Rodríguez found Hollingshead along the left side of the box. Hollingshead beat Marcinkowski with a low shot to the left corner of the net for his fourth goal of the season in the 13th minute.

San Jose (3-6-5) responded three minutes later to cut LAFC’s lead in half. Jamiro Monterio set up Jeremy Ebobisse as the pair had a nice give and go inside the box. Ebobisse finished off the play with a left footed shot that beat LAFC’s goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau for the first of his two goals of the match.

The Earthquakes scored the equalizer off a set piece in the 31st minute. Cristian Espinoza sailed a cross into the middle where an unmarked Ebobisse one-timed the ball into the back of the net with a left footed shot for his second goal of the match.

It was Ebobisse’s fourth brace this season as he leads the Quakes in goals with nine. Ebobisse had a chance to score four goals in the first half, but a header attempt sailed high over the net, and on another occasion, he overran a pass from Espinoza where he was all alone on net. By the time he recovered, Crépeau was able to secure the ball.

Quakes head coach Alex Covelo waited till the 73rd minute to make his first substitutions with Benji Kikanovic and Marcos Lopez replaced Cade Cowell and Tommy Thompson.

LAFC settled down defensively in the final 20 minutes to keep San Jose from earning a point in the match.

Crépeau finished the match with one save on four shots on target to earn the victory. Marcinkowski made six saves on nine shots on target in the losing effort.

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

LAFC have yet to concede more than two goals in any match this season while posting four shutouts. They are 2-2-1 after starting the season 7-1-1.

UP NEXT: San Jose returns continues its three-match road trip on Saturday 6/11 in Nashville as they take on Nashville SC at 3:00pm at GEODIS Park.

Arango’s brace powers LAFC past Earthquakes 3-1

The San Jose Earthquakes’ Carlos Fierro (7) and Chris Wondolowski (8) share congratulations during their game against the Seattle Sounders FC on Wed May 12, 2021 at Pay Pal Park in San Jose. The Quakes lost to LAFC on Sat Oct 16, 2021 at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles (Bay Area News Group file photo)

by Marko Ukalovic

LOS ANGELES—Cristian Arango has been carrying LAFC on his shoulders since Carlos Vela went down to injury as they fight for their playoff lives.

Arango had a brace and an assist in his team’s 3-1 over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday afternoon at Banc of California Stadium.

LAFC are unbeaten in its last two matches (1-0-1) and sit in eight place in the Western Conference with 37 points, one point behind Minnesota FC, who have 38 points and currently the final playoff berth. San Jose have lost three games in a row and and their fading playoff hopes suffered another blow with five games remaining in the season. They are in 10 tenth place with 33 points.

Vela has missed the Black & Gold’s last eight games with a hamstring injury. He missed three games at the beginning of the season with a different injury as well.

LAFC (10-12-7) drew first blood early in the match. In the third minute, a turnover by San Jose led to Arango sending a back pass into the middle of the box where Danny Musovski crashed in and buried a shot through two Quakes defenders and Quakes goalie JT Marcinkowski for his fourth goal of the season.

San Jose (8-12-9) had a chance in the 24th minute to even the score. Jeremy Ebobisse, who made his first appearance since suffering a head injury on September 4th, received the ball inside the box but his chip attempt into an empty net was swept away by Kim Moon-Hwan before the ball was able to cross the goal line.

Arango set up his first goal when he was able to get Jackson Yueill to concede a penalty inside the box in the 26th minute. Yueill made contact with Arango but the Colombian striker sold the penalty when he immediately went down in a heap on the pitch. Referee Alan Kelly ruled Yueill did enough to earn the penalty.

Two minutes later, Arango, better known as “Chicho” came up slowly, hesitated and then shot the ball to the left side, as Marcinkowki guessed to the right, to convert the penalty kick for his team leading seventh goal of the season.

San Jose had two scoring chances during stoppage time at the end of the first half but Ebobisse’s shot went high over the net and Benji Kinkanovic had his shot attempt blocked by an LAFC defender.

“I believe in the first half we were pretty inaccurate when we had the ball,” said Quakes head coach Matias Almeyda. “They put their chances away and we did not.”

Almeyda made all of his substitutions early in the second half as he looked to maintain the momentum his team seized late in the first half. He inserted Cade Cowell, Chris Wondolowski and Andy Rio in the 55th minute to keep the offensive pressure inside LAFC’s defensive zone.

In the 61st minute the moves paid off as San Jose cut the lead in half off a set piece. Chofis serviced a corner kick near the right post where Rios headed the ball past LAFC goalie Jamal Blackman over to Carlo Fierro, who came in as a sub to start the second half, and he knocked the ball off his chest into the back of the net for his first goal of the season.

San Jose had three quality scoring chances in the final 15 minutes to even the match, but Blackman came away with highway robber each time. Cowell first chance in the 75th minute was a blazing shot from just outside the box that Blackman needed both hands to knock the ball away. Jack Skahan’s attempt in the 83rd minute was stoned away by Blackman.

Cowell’s second chance in the 83rd minute from outside the box was thwarted by a diving save thanks to the quick reflexes of Blackman that ended with frustration for San Jose.

“The first 20-30 minutes was tough I think,” said midfielder Shea Salinas. “But our team settled in and ended up playing well the second half. It just wasn’t enough.”

LAFC put the game away in the 88th minute when Brian Rodriguez won a challenge along the midfield sideline along with Yueill. Rodriguez created a two-on-one odd man rush and serviced a ball from left to right over to Arango who one-timed the ball into the far left corner for his second goal of the match and eighth of the season.

Blackman finished the match with five saves to earn the victory. Marcinkowski made two saves on four shots in the losing effort.

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

Los Angeles FC won their first five meetings with the Earthquakes in MLS, outscoring them, 20-4. San Jose had won all four meetings since, the first team to beat LAFC four straight times in MLS play, regular season or playoffs.

After not allowing more than one goal in 11 straight matches (9 total goals conceded) from mid-July to mid-September, San Jose has conceded at least three goals in five of its last six games (16 total goals conceded). The only team the Earthquakes held under three goals in that time was LAFC (2-0 win on September 25).

Los Angeles FC has held opponents to just 9.9 shots per match, second fewest in MLS (NYCFC – 9.3), though opponents have scored with a league-high 14.9 percent of those shots. San Jose had a total of 15 shots in the match.

Eric Remedi has received 12 yellow cards this season, tied with Leandro González Pirez for most in MLS. Remedi has also been fouled 97 times, 14 more than any other player in the league in 2021.

UP NEXT: San Jose hosts Austin FC on Wednesday 10/20 at 7:30pm at Pay Pal Park.

Chofis scores another goal, Earthquakes shutout LAFC 2-0

San Jose Earthquakes shutout LAFC at Pay Pal Park in San Jose on Sat Sep 25, 2021 (image from google.com)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE—In what felt like a playoff type of atmosphere, the San Jose Earthquakes took down LAFC in a 2-0 shutout victory on Saturday evening at Pay Pal Park.

San Jose has won two matches in a row. LAFC have lost two matches in a row. The Quakes are now in a three-way tied for eighth place in the Western Conference with LAFC and Vancouver with 33 points. All three are chasing Real Salt Lake, who have 36 points, for seventh and the final playoff spot in the conference.

LAFC (9-11-6-33 points) were without two of their best players. Carlos Vela was out due a to hamstring injury he suffered back on August 22nd. Diego Rossi has been on loan to Turkish club Fenerbahçe since September 1st.

San Jose (8-9-9-33 points) drew first blood early in the match. A giveaway by LAFC led to a counter attack led by Chofis. The reigning MLS player of the week slipped in a nice pass between two LAFC defenders over to Benji Kikanovic. The 21-year old native of San Jose went around LAFC goalie Tomás Romero before depositing the ball into an empty for his second goal of the season in the third minute.

“I think Benji is one of the young players that is learning day-by-day,” said Quakes head coach Matias Almeyda. “He has perfectly understood the identity we want the players to have at San Jose. He is a player with pace, he is good in the aerial game and has great technique. He really works a lot for the team. He was able to put away the chance that came from a great pass from Chofis. He also worked hard in the defensive phase. I am really pleased when the young players perform well. It makes me happy for them and for the club.”

LAFC’s best chance to score in the first half was in the 23rd minute when Jose Cifuentes had an open shot from 15 yard outs, but Quakes middle back Nathan deflected the ball out of danger with his right foot.

Quakes midfielder Cristian Espinoza was apparently tripped down inside the box in the 34th minute. Instead of receiving a penalty kick on the play, Referee Jair Marrufo issued a yellow card to Espinoza for what only Marrufo thought was a dive by Espinoza.

San Jose doubled its lead right out of the gate to start the second half. Marco Lopez won a ball on the left side along the end line. He serviced the ball into the middle where Chofis fired a one-timer from 10 yards out past Romero for his team leading 11th goal of the season in the 47th minute.

“I think there are still a lot of games left,” said captain Jackson Yuiell. “It’s still really close and these two games were important for us. We’ve narrowed down to the last third of the season. We learned from our first year to last year of when to push and when to hit our stride.”

Chofis has six goals in his last three games as the Mexican national has taken the team on his back and is carrying them closer to a playoff berth.

The Quakes had a chance to put the nail in the coffin in the 55th minute. Lopez serviced a ball from left to right where Eric Remedi’s header hit off the right corner off the post.

After making a round of substitutions early in the second half, LAFC gained some momentum with two quality scoring chances.

In the 57th minute, Cristian Arango headed a pass into the middle where Danny Musovski’s right footed shot sailed wide right.

Then in the 69th minute, Cifuentes serviced ball into the middle of the box that Raheem Edwards crashed in from the right side but his left footed shot hit off the crossbar and over for a goal kick.

San Jose’s defense held down the fort in the final 30 minutes as they did not allow LAFC to get a quality chance .

Quakes goalie JT Marcinkowski finished the night with three saves to earn his eighth victory and fourth shutout of the season. Romero didn’t register a save on the two shots on target in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished with no corner kicks on the evening. LAFC had three corner kicks.

San Jose is 4-0-0 in its last four matches versus LAFC and are 4-5-0 all-time, including a 3-2-0 record at home.

Chofis became the first Earthquakes player to score in three straight matches since Vako in July 2019. His assist on Kikanovic’s goal, marking his third assist of the season and first game-winning assist.

Midfielder Shea Salinas entered the match as a substitute in the 82nd minute, marking his first appearance since Sept. 4 against the Colorado Rapids.

Lopez, Nathan and Luciano Abecasis were also issued yellow cards during the match.

UP NEXT: The Quakes host the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday 9/29 at 7:30pm at Pay Pal Park.

San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Quakes headed for playoffs; End regular season Sunday in Seattle

On the Quakes podcast with Marko:

#1 Marko, the Quakes are on high octane right now they have gone undefeated in four of their last five games and get another big win for the second time this season against Mighty LAFC in a one goal 3-2 win.

#2 The Quakes have now managed to string two wins in a row together, they have three undefeated shutouts in their last five games which included that first win over LAFC 4-0 back on Oct 14th in LA.

#3 Marko, the win was big the Quakes get a better grip on the last and final spot in the Western Conference and clinch for a playoff berth that has to be something special for a team who hasn’t been in the post season in a while.

#4 Marko, Talk about Chris Wondolowski on Wed Oct 28th’s match against Real Salt Lake Wondolowski did all the scoring in that game with two goals for a 2-0 win and his goal on Wednesday night kept the Quakes in for the crucial one goal win 3-2 over LAFC.

#5 Another critical game against the Seattle Sounders at Centurylink Field in Seattle on Sun Nov 8th. How much is this match going to be for the Quakes playing one of the best team’s in the MLS previous to post season play?

Join Marko for the Earthquakes podcasts each Friday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Quakes canceled game with LAFC tonight no new rescheduled date yet; San Jose Earthquakes Fall Victim to Corona Virus

Earthquakes Stadium in San Jose will remain empty today as the match between LAFC and the Quakes had been postponed for Sun Nov 1, 2020 match (photo from sjearthquakes.com)

By Barbara Mason

We are all aware of the protocols that sports teams across the country are taking to protect their franchises from this deadly virus.. Despite all of the precautions we have seen Covid 19 cases pop up in every sector from the NFL, MLB right down to colleges across the nation. Now despite great care being taken in Major League Soccer, the San Jose Earthquakes have now experienced the sting of a number of players testing positive.

The match between the Quakes and the Los Angeles Football club that was to take place on Sunday November 1 has been postponed. Earlier this week it was discovered that three of San Jose’s player group had tested positive. The team immediately jumped into action taking appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all involved team members. The good news for San Jose is that remaining players and staff have all tested negative and continue to test negative. Despite the continued negative tests from the team, Sundays game was postponed in a better safe than sorry scenario.

Now the question remains; can this game be rescheduled before Decision Day which takes place on November 8. The Quakes are not the only team to struggle from the disruption. Another Sunday game has also been cancelled due to outbreak. Sporting Kansas City and Minnesota United FC have also suffered from yet another cancellation. Several players on Minnesota tested positive and because of the lack of match dates available this game will not be rescheduled.

It was confirmed this week that a number of teams will not be able to finish the full 23 game season. Many of those scheduled matches were disrupted due to the Covid-19. Presently qualification for the Audi 2020 MLS Cup playoffs will be determined by a points per game average for those teams unable to finish the full season.

As we continue through what is left of the season the hopes are that most of these games are able to be played before the last day of the regular season known as Decision Day which falls on November 8th. November 20 the playoffs start and conclude with MLS Cup 2020 on December 12.

Earthquakes set MLS record in 3-1 victory over Whitecaps

photo from sjearthquakes.com: The San Jose Earthquakes get some love finally getting into the win column after five games with a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps at Avaya Stadium on Saturday night.

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE, Calif. — In a historic night that featured first goals for three different players, the San Jose Earthqaukes used two of them to their advantage as they cruised to a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday evening at Avaya Stadium.

San Jose set an MLS record for most shots in a game with 43 against Vancouver. The previous record for most shots in a match was 38.

It was also the first match without head coach Matias Almeyda who was suspended for the match due to his ejection for arguing a non-call in the match this past Wednesday in the 4-0 loss to LAFC.

The win snaps their three-game losing streak and four-game overall winless streak. The victory also propelled them into fourth place in the Western Conference as they are tied with the Los Angeles Galaxy with 41 points. Vancouver is 2-2 in their last four games and sit in the cellar with 27 points.

“It was a big example of character”, said defenseman Shea Salinas on how the team responded without Almeyda being out there on the sidelines. “We have a bunch of leaders on this team. Every single guy that steps out there make sacrifices for the team and it showed tonight. It was an amazing performance.”

Vancouver (6-13-9) drew first blood for the Whitecaps in the seventh minute when Jakob Nerwinski received a ball along the right sideline from Theo Blair. Nerwinski dribbled past Vako and bent in a left footed shot into the lower left corner for his first goal of the season in an entertaining opening 10 minutes.

San Jose (12-10-5) countered immediately on the next possession. Captain Chris Wondolowski received a nice ball inside the box from 10 yards out from Christian Espinoza. He one-timed a pass over to Judson who fired a shot into the lower left corner of the goal that beat Whitecaps goalie Maxime Crepeau for his first goal of the season in the eighth minute.

“We knew we had to hit the reset button”, said Wondolowski. “No need to panic but at the same time iron out the details. It was good to get the three points.”

The Quakes dominated the first half from there on out and never looked back as they peppered Crepeau with shots all the way up to the halftime whistle blew. Crepeau amazingly kept the Whitecaps in the game stopping eight of the nine first half shots, including a right footed shot from Vako that was destined for the far corner of the goal only to have Crepeau get a hand on it at the last second, poured on by the home team.

In the 29th minute, Ali Adnan apparently tripped up Mangus Eriksson inside the box but referree Ramy Touchan allowed play to go and no penalty was called.

San Jose gained the lead in the 34th minute off a set piece. A corner kick by Eriksson serviced into the middle where Florian Jungworth’s header attempt deflected over to an open Wondolowski who one-timed a header into the back of the night for his team leading 11th goal of the season.

To say the Quakes controlled possession in the opening 45 minutes would be an understatement as they had a 80%-20% advantage.

In the second half, San Jose continued its exhibition against Vancouver creating numerous chances agianst the porous Whitecap defenese in the first 25 minutes of the half. However they weren’t able to cash in on any of them whether it not being able to finish their attempts or because of Crepeau’s wall of stone.

“To be honest I think we match up well with them (Vancouver)”, said Wondo. “Our style (of play) kind of helps us dictate the game against them.”

San Jose’s hard work paid off for them in the 73rd minute when Eriksson dribbled inside the box, then found a wide open Andres Rios, who came in as a substitute in the 70th minute for Vako, just outside from 20 yards out and his one-timer fired off the left goal post and into the back of the night for his first career MLS goal.

“I’m really happy”, said Rios. “It was my first goal at home. It’s an important victory for the team in our fight to get to the playoffs.”

Daniel Vega finished with two saves in a light night for the Quakes goal keeper. Crepeau, who was arguably the Whitecaps best player of the match, finished the evening with 14 saves on 16 shots on goal.

“43 shots on goal, you’d expect a few more goals,” Salinas joked about his team setting the league record. “He’s (Crepeau) been making saves like that all year. He’s a great goal keeper.”

GAME NOTES: San Jose had an astounding 16 corner kicks to only 1 for Vancouver. San Jose led in fouls 10-9.

San Jose is now 4-1-6 all time against Vancouver.

Carlos Fierro and Shea Salinas came in as subsitutions for Wondo and Espinoza in the 80th minute.

Jungworth was isssued a yellow card in the 31st minute for unsportmanlike conduct toward Touchan. Marco Lopez was also issued a yellow card in 72nd minute.

UP NEXT: The Quakes host Orlando City FC next Saturday, August 31 at 7:15 pm at Avaya Stadium.

Déjà vu, drama and entertainment in Earthquakes’ 4-0 loss

Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

By Pearl Allison Lo

LOS ANGELES — The first team to clinch a playoff spot, LAFC showed no signs of slowing down versus the San Jose Earthquakes in front of an ecstatic home crowd Wednesday with their fifth straight win. 

After LAFC thumped the Quakes 5-0 in their first meeting this season, LAFC certainly showed what they thought of San Jose as part of Heineken® Rivalry Week by nearly duplicating the result. 

The last time the two teams met the Quakes were also winless in three games and LAFCś Carlos Vela scored a brace to round out a 3-0 first half as well.

To add to the drama and entertainment, this match had some spice and sugar. 

It started when one of LAFC’s players slid in between Vako and keeper Daniel Vega in the 37th minute. It was a possible handball that was not called or reviewed outwardly. This fired up several people on the sidelines, leading to a lot of arguing and then eventually the translator and head coach Matías Almeyda being kicked out. Later it was reported that the League reviewed the play as it was ongoing and found no penalty. 

To add insult to injury, after the drama on the sidelines, Vela made another appearance as he put on a show, making moves against Florian Jungwirth, skirting Vega and tapping the ball in past Nick Lima in the 41st minute. 

Vela finished with a brace and now his league-leading goal total stands at 26. He has four goals in the past three games.

San Jose had three different starters than last game, Danny Hoesen, Marcos López & Anibal Godoy. López had not played with the team since July 27 and Godoy since June 1. 

Both had ten shots apiece in the first half and the Quakes outshot their opponent again overall, 22-18.

Recapping the first half, from the center circle, Eduard Atuesta found Josh Pérez in the goal box between two San Jose players. Vega saved the first shot but his two-handed save rebounded right to Diego Rossi who scored before sliding in the 6th minute. 

The Quakes had a great sequence on the other end with multiple touches, but could not get close enough to the target.

LAFC persisted, too, with several near chances that San Jose was able to thwart until the 17th minute.

Eventually, a video review awarded a penalty shot to Vela due to a handball by Godoy, which Vela used to put the Quakes in a 2-0 hole.  

Jungwirth helped get the ball out of danger in the 31st minute. 

Hoesen hit the near post in the 32nd minute. He had the most shots in the first half, four with his last two attempts in the 50th minute. 

In the second half, things were a bit quieter as LAFC was able to keep San Jose at bay. 

In the 55th minute, LAFC keeper Tyler Miller and then Tristan Blackmon stopped Vako and López respectively. 

The Quakes’ Carlos Fierro won a free kick in the 74th minute which was saved. Guram Kashia got the rebound but his shot went high. 

It looked like San Jose might emerge from at least the second half unscathed, but Josh Pérez wanted his first MLS goal too. After dribbling, he went around Fierro and found the far corner in the 81st minute.

After the 91st minute, video review went the Quakes way after a called goal by Adama Diomande was retracted, saving San Jose from a complete full circle. 

Up Next: Both teams had one suspended player apiece before the game, Walker Zimmerman for LAFC and Judson for the Quakes. San Jose will put their road trip in the rear view mirror and look to get back on track with the first of a two-game homestand Saturday versus the Vancouver Whitecaps at 7:00 p.m.

San Jose Earthquakes podcast: Quakes drop 2nd straight match, so what now?

Photo credit: thebluetestament.com

On the San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana:

1. The Quakes dropped their second straight match to Sporting KC 2-1 last Saturday.

2. The Quakes take on LAFC on Wednesday night.

3. The Quakes partnered with Silicon Valley’s leading communications company 8×8, Inc.

4. The Quakes Boys’ Academy returns to action on Saturday, August 31.

5. Reno 1868 FC has had some rising stars as of late.

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

Quakes’ results go back to March in 2-1 loss

sjearthquakes photo: The San Jose Quakes take a tough loss from Sporting KC on Saturday. The Quakes have not won in their last three games.

By Pearl Allison Lo

The San Jose Earthquakes were unable to hold on, losing back-to-back games for the first time since the season started as they lost to Sporting Kansas City Saturday. 

The Quakes remained in sixth place and Kansas City are now six points under the playoff line. Both of San Jose’s recent setbacks were 2-1 losses.

While the Quakes scored first, they were outscored in the second, with all three goals in the game almost exactly 25 minutes apart.

Chris Wondolowski began the contest with more MLS records as he headed in his 10th goal of the season. He now has played 10 seasons in a row with 10 or more goals as he scored his 72nd career goal on the road. San Jose’s sequence began with Cristian Espinoza’s corner kick as he found Wondolowski with space. The ball then hit the near post as it traveled along the netting for the 1-0 start.  Wondolowski led all with four shots in the first half as he earned his first point since July 20.  

San Jose goalie Daniel Vega started off the second half with a right hand slap of Johnny Russell’s attempt in the 47th minute.  

However, Sporting was able to match the Quakes in the 50th minute. Russell started from the far right side to send the ball to Jimmy Medranda, who made a close connection with Benny Feilhaber. Feilhaber then swung his left leg around to send the ball through traffic with Vega making an unsuccessful dive. 

Vega was able to make another near post save in the 71st minute against Roger Espinoza as Vega made an aggressive offensive slide. 

San Jose’s Andrés Rios made his MLS debut in the 68th minute.  

The winning ball was set up by a foul against Vako which led to a free kick. Russell took the kick as it went off the near corner post right to Graham Smith, who earned his first career MLS goal on the entry in the 76th minute.  

Substitute Danny Hoesen had a close chance on the other end but San Jose were unable to tack on another through the 94th minute.. 

Up Next: Judson received another caution in the 59th minute and will miss the Quakes’ following meeting versus the Los Angeles Football Club Wednesday at 7:30 pm.