Earthquakes settle for scoreless draw despite man advantage

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.

Earthquakes hold down the fort with 1-0 shutout victory over Sounders, snap road winless streak

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.

Late penalty gives LAFC a 2-1 win over Earthquakes

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.

Galaxy too much for Earthquakes in 2-1 win in the California Classico

Los Angeles Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic celebrates his goal over the San Jose Earthquakes in his team’s 2-1 win at Dignity Health Park on Sunday MAY 14, 2023. (Los Angeles Galaxy)

by Marko Ukalovic

The Los Angeles attacked and pressed their way to a 2-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes in the 97th installment of the California Classico on Sunday evening at Dignity Health Park.

San Jose had its seven-match point streak snapped. Los Angeles snapped its two-game losing streak with just its second win on the season.

A scoreless first half featured both teams that tried to establish a physical presence with a combined total of 14 fouls in the opening 45 minutes. Los Angeles controlled the possession by a 57%-43 margin. The home team had the majority of scoring chances while San Jose tried counter-attacking only to turnover the ball on the final third of the pitch.

San Jose’s (5-4-3) best chance came early in the sixth minute when Christian Espinoza centered a ball over to Jeremy Ebobisse inside the box, but Ebobisse’s header attempt was easily saved by Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Bond, who made his return from a shoulder injury that forced him to miss seven matches he suffered on March 18th.

Los Angeles (2-6-3) best came a minute later when Chicharito chipped the ball just wide right of the net past ‘Quakes goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski.

The Galaxy drew first blood off a set piece in the 60th minute on a controversial play. Memo Rodríguez’s corner kick was headed in by Martín Cáceres for his first goal of the season. San Jose contended that Cáceres’ hand touched the ball before he headed the ball in, but referee Joe Dickerson ruled it a good goal.

“I think our performance was not good. We can play better than that. Our quality in the attacking third. We had more turnovers than we’re used to. It comes down to connections and quality,” ‘Quakes head coach Luchi Gonzalez said.

Los Angeles iced the game in the first minute of stoppage time when Dejan Joveljic, who had just come into the game substituting in for Chicharito, stripped the ball away from Jonathan Mensah and dribbled in on Marcinkowski before depositing the ball into the back of the net for his second goal of the season.

San Jose spoiled Bond’s shutout bid in the final minute of stoppage time when Ousseni Bouda got behind the defense inside the box and buried a shot past Bond for his first goal of the season. It was too little too late for San Jose as time expired on the ensuing kickoff.

Bond finished the match with two saves on three shots to earn the victory. Marcinkowski made three saves on five shots on target in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished the match with two corner kicks. Los Angeles had four.

The Galaxy lead the overall series 39-25-16.

Until tonight’s match, the away side had won four of the previous matches and San Jose has won five of the past nine matches down in LA.

Ebobisse had his goal streak in Los Angeles snapped as he had scored in all five previous road games (seven goals). He has scored eight goals in 11 matches vs LA.

UP NEXT: San Jose concludes its two-game LA road trip when they take on LAFC on Saturday 5/20 at 7:30pm at BMO Stadium.

Earthquakes battle to 2-2 draw with Austin FC

San Jose Earthquakes Cade Cowell positions for the ball against Austin FC’s Nick Lima in a 2-2 draw at Q2 Stadium on Saturday APR 29, 2023. (Major League Soccer)

by Marko Ukalovic

The San Jose Earthquakes played to a hard fought 2-2 draw with Austin FC on Saturday evening at Q2 Stadium.

San Jose has points in five of its past six matches. Austin FC is winless in its past six matches (0-3-3).

The Earthquakes drew first blood in the 21st minute. Carlos Akapo slipped a pass inside the box to Jackson Yuell. The ‘Quakes captain turned around a fired a curling left footed shot from 15 yards out for his first goal of the season.

Austin FC scored the equalizer in the 40th minute. A long ball into the box was headed back into the middle by Rodney Redes and Emiliano Rigoni blasted a one-timer into the upper corner of the net for his first goal of the season.

San Jose regained late in the second half. Christian Espinoza centered the ball into the middle where an unmarked Jeremy Ebobisse headed the ball just underneath the cross bar and over the goal line for his fifth goal of the season in the 75th minute.

Espinoza recorded his 49th assist, one shy of tying Shea Salinas’ club record of 50.

“Christian (Espinoza) is going to become the all time (assist) leader (of San Jose) and he’s not going to need me for that. We can be appreciative of the moment tonight. We have to be hungry…we have to demand more of ourselves to be more lethal,” Ebobisse said.

Austin FC evened the score three minutes later. Fullback Nick Lima sent a ball into the box from 25 yards out where Sebastian Driussi headed the ball into the back of the net for his second goal of the season.

Things got chippy in the final minute of stoppage time when Yueill and Daniel Pereira were issued yellow cards for a bad foul and unsportsmanlike conduct.

‘Quakes goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski finished the match with two saves on four shots on target. Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver made one save on three shots on target.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished with 12 corner kicks. Austin FC has nine.

San Jose remains unbeaten in six all time meetings against Austin FC 2-0-4.

In the ‘Quakes past 22 matches they have suffered back-to-back losses only once.

UP NEXT: San Jose hosts LAFC on Saturday 5/6 at 4:30pm at Levi’s Stadium.

Racial slur accusation overshadows Earthquakes and Red Bulls 1-1 draw

San Jose Earthquakes celebrate Christian Espinoza’s goal in the second half against the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena on Saturday APR 7, 2023. (San Jose Earthquakes)

by Marko Ukalovic

An alleged racial slur used by one of the New York Red Bulls marred the match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the New York Red Bulls that ended in a 1-1 draw on Saturday evening at Red Bull Arena.

After a foul by Judson on Dylan Nealis in the 54^th minute, the game was delayed by 18 minutes after a incident between Dante Vanzeir and Jeremy Ebobbise took place. Vanzeir was the player who allegedly used the racial slur toward one of the Quakes players.

Played resumed in the 72^nd minute without any further disciplinary action by the officials.

San Jose (3-2-2) scored in the 80^th minute when Carlos Gruezo sent in a long ball over to Christian Espinoza along the right wing. Espinoza made one move to the inside before firing a shot into the back of the net for his team-leading fourth goal of the season.

Espinoza has scored the last four goals for the ‘Quakes.

Due to the long delay, 21 minutes was added to the end of the second half.

The Red Bulls scored the equalizer in the 17^th minute of stoppage when Tom Barlow cleaned up a rebound from close range for his first goal of the season.

Ebobbise was emotional after the game regarding the incident on the field.

“First of all, it’s a difficult game when we play the Red Bulls. We have a lot of respect for their style of play. We understand there is going to be a lot of duels and they go strong into the duels. At times, that results in late tackles on our end, and then on their end. That’s all part of the game. What we saw tonight should not be part of the game. I can’t correlate the various actions or the timeline that I’m going to lay out, but with what started with a foul that was being committed by Judson, fast forward a few minutes, seconds, and it ended with a racial epithet being used. Now, I understand there is going to be an investigation. I’ve been a part of those. I’ve had to support teammates through them. I have seen them, so I want to be mindful of that even as I share. I think what’s important for me to share is that I know what I heard. And the reason why I felt, after a lengthy conversation, that we should continue with the game is because the player who said the word claimed that it was not aimed at any of us. Whether that is a good faith comment or not, again, we’ll see how the investigation goes on. It’s just a difficult moment. Once again, players being put in charge, forced to make a decision, manage all sorts of emotions because the system is not robust enough to capture moments and gain clarity within a matter of minutes, seconds that these actions happen. I think what’s important is that the team was united in whichever step we move forward with. And that goes top to bottom, from coaches to players,” Ebobbise said.

‘Quakes head coach Luchi Gonzalez praised his team for how they handled themselves during and after the alleged incident.

“It’s unfortunate that the players and people near and on the field had to experience a 20-minute moment where, I can’t speak factually, but when I listen to my players in terms of what was said or not said, or who it was directed to, there are things that are unacceptable and very unfortunate, very disappointing, that take precedent over the game we play. I have to be really proud of our players to be together in solidarity, to talk, to decide and to obviously not accept what they heard. I don’t know what the next step is. I would hope the league will take this serious to the max degree in terms of an investigation and there being consequences, potentially indefinite consequences if the investigation supports what are players understood as being true. We as a club, myself as the head coach, and the staff are going to support the players, any step moving forward that the players want to act on, and we hope and count on the league, and the referee crew as well, in terms of investigating, coming down to the truth so that there can be actions that, don’t make it right, that’s for sure, but at least show that it’s unacceptable and the league will act on that based on our standard as a society and as being a top professional league in this country. Unfortunately, the game is in a shadow because of that situation because it’s less important.”

Both teams and MLS are aware of the incident that took place, and the league said in a statement that it will launch an investigation into the matter.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished the match with four corner kicks. New York had five.

The Quakes are now 17-15-10 all-time vs. the New York Red Bulls, including an 4-11-7 record on the road. The result snaps a four-match losing streak against the club.

UP NEXT: San Jose returns home to host Sporting Kansas City on Saturday 4/15 at 7:30pm at Pay Pal Park.

Rough first half leads to loss for Earthquakes 3-0

Photo courtesy of San Jose Earthquakes Twitter. The Earthquakes huddle up before a game.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

On the road the Earthquakes came out with a disappointing performance and dropped their first game of the regular season 3-0 against St. Louis.

For San Jose JT Marcinkowski got the start while for St. Louis Roman Bürki was in between the pipes.

Penalty trouble came early in this match for San Jose as at the 14th minute Rodrigues was given a yellow card on a foul.

At the 29th minute of the match the Earthquakes subbed in Michael Baldisimo for Carlos Gruezo.

The scoring got started at the 34th minute as forward Nicholas Gioacchini scored his first goal of the season.

The foul trouble continued in this game as Miguel Trauco was given a yellow card at the 40th minute on another foul.

Three minutes of extra time was added in the first half and João Klauss capitalized on the extra time scoring for St. Louis and making it 2-0.

At halftime the Earthquakes made a couple substitutions as Paul Marie came on for Miguel Trauco and Benjamin Kikanović was subbed on for Tommy Thompson.

Not long after being subbed in Kikanović was also given a yellow card on a foul as well.

At the 58th minute another substitution was made as Tanner Beason came on for Rodrigues.

The 64th minute saw more foul trouble for San Jose as Cade Cowell this time was hit with a yellow card.

While the beginning of the half saw the Earthquakes getting a few chances later in the half at the 68th minute of the match Tomás Ostrák scored for St. Louis putting the game away.

The win for St. Louis was historic though as they are the first expansion team in MLS history to win their first four games of their existence.

Looking at some quick number the possession percentage in the match favored San Jose at 55.1% to 44.9%. The shots in the match favored St. Louis 20-13 with shots on goal also favoring St. Louis at 8-2.

As noted throughout this recap in total San Jose took five yellow cards while St. Louis was only given one.

The Earthquakes next game will be against Toronto on March 25th at 7:30 p.m. at home.

Earthquakes drop opening game of regular season against Atlanta 2-1

Photo courtesy of San Jose Earthquakes Twitter. Cristian Espinoza dribbles the ball upfield.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

San Jose hoped to open their regular season on the right foot but unfortunately faltered right at the finish losing against Atlanta 2-1.

For the Earthquakes Daniel De Sousa Brito started in net while Brad Guzan started for Atlanta.

An important debut was made as well in tonights game as Carlos Akapo made his first appearance for San Jose.

The Earthquakes in this match got off to as good of a start as a team could ask for as at the 12′ mark of the first half the offense struck gold.

The goal started off with Rodrigues crossing it beautifully to Espinoza who found Jeremy Ebobisse crashing the net who headed it home making it 1-0.

Despite the good start just a minute after the goal Carlos Cruezo was handed a yellow card on a foul.

On the foul Atlanta was awarded a penalty shot which went wide.

At the end of the first half the score remained the same at 1-0.

The second half was closely played with Atlanta pushing to tie the match at one.

At the 85′ mark of the second half the Earthquakes made three substitutions putting in Tanner Beason, Jack Skahan, and Michael Baldisimo. While Miguel Trauco, Cristian Espinoza, and Jamiro Monteiro were taken off.

The 90′ mark had another yellow card given out to San Jose this time Benjamin Kikanovic was given the foul.

In the extra time was when Atlanta did their damage as at the 90′ +3′ mark Thiago Almada scored to tie the match up at one.

On the goal though Almada was also given a yellow card for excessive celebration.

That did not seem to deter Almada who instead scored another goal this time at the 90′ +9′ mark to give Atlanta the lead.

With that goal Almada put the game away as San Jose could not respond.

The Earthquakes next game will be on March 4th against Vancouver at home at 7:30 p.m.

Earthquakes get another preseason win over Minnesota United FC 4-1

Photo courtesy of San Jose Earthquakes. Earthquakes players celebrate after scoring against Minnesota United FC on February 15th.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

After a quick start the Earthquakes were able to hold on to a victory over Minnesota United FC by a final of 4-1.

In goal for San Jose was Daniel De Sousa Brito.

Cristian Espinoza got the game started off on the right foot as he scored early finishing on a nice cross.

Feeling the momentum Espinoza was given another great opportunity and scored again getting two goals in the first nine minutes of the game.

On a penalty though Minnesota United FC struck back cutting San Jose’s lead in half.

That ended up being the score going into halftime with the Earthquakes still holding on to their lead.

In the second half San Jose stuck first as Carlos Akapo fead Niko Tsakiris in the box who settled the ball turned around and scored making it 3-1.

On a corner kick this time Daniel Munie scored on a header extending the lead to 4-1 in favor of the Earthquakes.

That score would hold as San Jose got the win 4-1 over Minnesota United FC.

The Earthquakes final preseason game will be against the New York Red Bulls this Saturday at 10 a.m.

Earthquakes come away with victory in preseason over D.C. United 2-1

Photo courtesy of San Jose Earthquakes. Midfielder Jamiro Monteiro running during practice on February 7th 2023.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

In their second game of the preseason the Earthquakes rode a strong first half to victory over D.C. United winning by a final of 2-1.

For San Jose JT Marcinkowski started between the pipes looking to get the victory. While forward Jeremy Ebobisse started in the striker spot.

Things got off to a solid start for the Earthquakes as on a corner kick Jamiro Monteiro ended up with the ball in a perfect striking position and scored making it 1-0.

Following that up on a beautiful cross Cristian Espinoza struck the ball with precision and scored over the D.C. goalkeeper making it a 2-0 match.

San Jose held that lead until half.

In the second half the Earthquakes started off with some solid possession and passing keeping United on their heels.

On a penalty though D.C. did score making it a 2-1 game in the second half.

Despite the goal San Jose was able to hold on and got the victory by a final of 2-1.

The Earthquakes next game in their preseason schedule will be against Minnesota United FC at 12 p.m. on February 15th.