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

San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana Kieu: What is going on with the Quakes?

Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

On the San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana:

1. The Quakes lost 1-0 to Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah last Wednesday.

2. The Quakes dropped a 2-1 decision to NYC FC at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx last Saturday.

3. The Quakes have lost five of their last seven matches. What do they need to do in order to beat Atlanta United?

4. How did San Jose State do during their bye week?

5. Former San Jose State quarterback Jeff Garcia was nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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

Earthquakes fall short in 1-0 loss to Real Salt Lake

Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

By Pearl Allison Lo

In a highly contested game between the fourth and fifth teams in the Western Conference, Real Salt Lake won out at home as the San Jose Earthquakes struggled on the road again.

Real Salt Lake moved to a second-place tie with the Seattle Sounders after the game. Meanwhile, it was the Quakes’ fourth straight road loss. They have been shutout in the last two with a total of two goals scored during the four-game stretch. San Jose was outshot also (12-9) for the first time since they last played Real Salt Lake on July 6. 

6’1” Damir Kreilach was the hero for Real Salt Lake. His fifth shot of the match broke an eight-game scoreless match since July 13. After a corner, Brooks Lennon chased down the ball on the other side of the net, sent the ball back and Kreilach headed the ball successfully in the 75th minute. 

After a ball from San Jose’s Cristian Espinoza, Carlos Fierro had a chance on net in the 16th minute, but Nick Rimando off his line, was able to diverte the ball sideways. 

Vega made a critical save in the 36th minute. After Paul Marie was intercepted by Lennon near midfield, Kreilach sent forward a downwards header, but Vega was able to block it with his right lower leg.

Kreilach was the only one with multiple shots in the first half. His two shots were both on goal. For the game, the players with the second-most shots only had two apiece.

Judson was able to avoid a serious ankle injury in the second half.

Vega warded off a free kick by Sebastian Saucedo in the 68th minute, but could be seen favoring his left thigh after.

In stoppage time, Real Salt Lake’s Jefferson Savarino nearly had a goal of his own, hitting the bar from the near post, in between yellow cards issued to the Quakes’ Florian Jungwirth and Anibal Godoy.  

Notes: Godoy had his first start since the game versus Los Angeles Football Club. Fierro made his first MLS start. Real Salt Lake’s Douglas Martínez made his MLS debut.

Up Next: San Jose next plays New York City Football Club quickly on Saturday in a 9:30 am start for the middle game of their road trip. 

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

Photo credit: sjearthquakes.com

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

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.

Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake battle to scoreless draw

Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

By: London Donson

SAN JOSE, Calif. — It was a gorgeous evening in San Jose, California as the ever-reeling Earthquakes hosted the Real Salt Lake at Avaya Stadium Saturday night. With exactly three months until the Quakes’ final regular season match, San Jose is trying to salvage a season that is long lost to them at this point. With only two wins, they are the bottom feeders with 12 points, the least in all of Major League Soccer. Real Salt Lake sits at sixth in the Western Conference and looking to improve on their postseason position.

The beginning of the game was punctuated by injury as several fouls early contributed to stoppage time. In the seventh minute, Real Salt Lake’s Albert Rusnak was the game’s first substitution. Aggressive, chippy play would prove to be the story of the night. 34 fouls were committed, 16 by the Quakes, and 18 by Real Salt Lake with five yellow cards between both clubs. Both teams we consistently off balance and chances were squandered all match.

Credit should be given to the Quakes goalie Tarbell, who had a number of quality saves to keep the score at nil-nil. If he can continue to gain clean sheets with his level of play, the rest of the club will be able to figure it out offensively. The Quakes’ offense never gained any steam. No matter how many chances they had deep in the scoring third they failed to connect on key passes, were often out of position, and lacked synchronicity. Given their lack of offensive execution, they did a good job grinding out a draw against a team in Real Salt Lake, who is having a far better season.

Final: Quakes vs. Real Salt Lake match ends in scoreless draw.

Our Quakes @SpecialOlympics Unified Team & @sjeqa are getting ready to play a intersquad match on the Avaya Stadium pitch! Stick around & cheer them on! #WeAreSanJose pic.twitter.com/QJPXfBczJ1

— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) July 29, 2018

Up Next: The Quakes will continue to look for answers on August 4 when they go on the road to face the No. 1 seed in the West–FC Dallas. Match time is set for 5:00 pm PDT.

Earthquakes withstand 28 shots to draw with Real Salt Lake 1-1

Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

By Pearl Allison Lo

Both the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake scored a goal apiece in the second half at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday evening in their return from World Cup break.

The last time Real Salt Lake drew was back on March 3rd. It was the Quakes’ second straight draw. Meanwhile, San Jose’s winless streak continued to stand at seven games.

Real Salt Lake’s club-tying six straight home wins fell, but it came down to the 94th minute. Marcelo Silva hit the crossbar after a corner kick.

The Quakes’ last attempt came by goal-scorer Danny Hoesen in the 92nd minute, who had an open area near two defenders.

Real Salt Lake finished with 64.1% possession.

The home team was heavily dominant in the first half with 72 to 28 percent possession and a 12-4 shot advantage. Seven of the shots were off target. Jefferson Savarino led all in the first with four shots. However, San Jose managed to stay strong and keep the game scoreless with 10 clearances.

Real Salt Lake’s Damir Kreilach received a yellow card in the 12th minute for fouling the most fouled player in MLS, Magnus Eriksson.

Justen Glad and Florian Jungwirth collided in the 17th minute and Glad left for a brief moment. After Glad went down again in the 31st minute, he was subbed out.   

Real Salt Lake’s Sebastián Saucedo had two straight attempts in the 52nd minute. After his shot was saved at the post, his next shot went high.

Quakes goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell made another loose save in the 54th minute versus Albert Rusnák. That same minute, Real Salt Lake finally broke through with a successful set piece. Corey Baird’s kick went straight to the head of Kreilach.

Rusnák narrowly missed in the 60th minute, hitting the crossbar as the ball fell down onto the goal line.

Vako’s shot was saved in the 64th minute, but Hoesen captured the rebound before goalie Nick Rimando was able to get properly settled to make it 1-1 in the 65th minute. It was Hoesen’s third straight goal in two games and sixth straight point in four games. If not counting the game where San Jose was blanked, Hoesen has now scored in six of his last seven games.

Vako hit the post in the 85th minute. He finished with a game-high seven shots.

Up Next: The Quakes next go home for a spell to host the Los Angeles Galaxy at Stanford Stadium for the highly anticipated California Clasico next Saturday at 7 pm PDT.

Earthquakes earn a 1-1 draw with Real Salt Lake

~ Photo credit – rsl.com

~ By Pearl Allison Lo

~ The San Jose Earthquakes finished their two games in Tucson, Arizona with another draw Wednesday, this one 1-1 against Real Salt Lake.

Both teams had two different lineups for each half, except goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell played the whole game.

Real Salt Lake and San Jose scored five minutes apart in the second half.

Alfredo Ortuno had strength in numbers when he struck first for Real Salt Lake in the 55th minute.

Quincy Amarikwa then evened the score in the 60th minute with a leaping header. It started from one side of the goal box to the other with a kick from Joel Qwiberg to Tommy Thompson, who in turn headed the ball to Amarikwa.  

The Quakes also had chances in the 5th minute (Chris Wondolowski – deflected), 7th minute (Vako – Nick Rimando save), 27th minute (Danny Hoesen – blocked by Rimando), 58th minute (Jahmir Hyka – save) and 75th minute (Chris Wehan – high).

San Jose goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell made a body save (Brooks Lennon) in the 16th minute and a hand save in the 19th minute (Albert Rusnak).  

The Quakes’ Shea Salinas got a yellow card in the 43rd minute.

Game notes: San Jose (first half): Tarbell; Shea Salinas, Yeferson Quintana, Harold Cummings, Nick Lima; Vako, Anibal Godoy, Jackson Yueill, Magnus Eriksson; Wondolowski, Hoesen. Earthquakes (second half): Tarbell; Qwiberg, Francois Affolter, Jimmy Ockford, Paul Marie; Hyka, Luis Felipe, Fatai Alashe, Thompson; Amarikwa, Mohamed Thiaw (Wehan 72) San Jose will face its younger sibling Reno 1868 FC at Avaya for the first 2018 home preseason matchup open to all, Saturday at 2pm.

 

 

 

More Late Minute Heroics Help the Earthquakes Draw Real Salt Lake in First MLS Match of the Season

By: Joe Lami

It took until the 95^th minute for the Earthquakes to get the equalizer, but once again the team from San Jose finds a way to get the goals when they matter, as they draw Real Salt Lake 3-3 in the first MLS match of the year.

San Jose got on the board first in just the sixth minute, when Chris Wondoloski found his first of the season off a free kick from the foot of Shea Salinas.  The free kick from the left side was swung in and found the thigh of the captain for the 1-0 lead.

However, just minutes later Real Salt Lake would find their first of three goals in the first half.  It was Salt Lake Captain, Kyle Beckerman finding the net on just the second Salt Lake shot of the game at the 11-minute mark.  The left footed kick from outside of the box found just enough of the bottom left post to bounce its’ way in for the 1-1 draw.

Real Salt Lake had much of the possession in the first half, with a 68%-32% advantage and it showed.  Salt Lake would take the lead in the 32^nd minute as another ball found the bottom left corner of the net, this time it was from the foot of Joao Plata for his first of the season.

The domination for Real Salt Lake would continue, at the 41^st minute Alvaro Saborio would force Jon Busch to make a diving save.  As the Earthquakes goalkeeper would just get enough of a touch to keep the ball out of the net.  However, Busch wouldn’t be able to keep the next opportunity out of his net, as Luke Mulholland would drill a rebound home for Salt Lake’s third goal of the half just before the halftime whistle would blow.

“We challenged ourselves at the half…this group doesn’t need much talking, we’re all experienced, and we know what we needed to do coming out of halftime” said Quakes keeper, Busch.

The first 30 minutes of the second half were very slow, and very defensive.  It was starting to look like the Earthquakes were going to run out of time.  That was until Victor Bernandez would find the back of the net for his first of the season and the game to make it 3-2 in favor of Salt Lake.  The goal came off of a corner kick from Shea Salinas, for his second assist of the game.

“I don’t try to pick out a player, I just try to put it in a dangerous spot, and we hopefully we have someone that’s going to send it home” said Salinas.

Lighting struck twice for the Earthquakes, in the 95^th minute Bernandez would find his second of the game.  It was a mixed play out in front, and Bernadez was able to get a boot on it to find the target.  With the goal in extra time, it is the second time this week that the Earthquakes have found an equalizer in extra time.  It is also the 17^th time in the past two seasons, where San Jose has put the ball in the net in extra time in the second half.

An eventful week that saw the Earthquakes sign a deal with the city of San Jose to agree on focusing sustainability and green initiatives and two extra time goals to earn draws comes to an end.  Now San Jose has to worry about their second leg with Toulca in Mexico on Wednesday, and then travel to Sporting Kansas City for their first road match of MLS play on Saturday.

Quakes win big in Salt Lake City

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.