Centerline Report

Earthquakes Weekly Update: Opening Day

Cornell Glen Timbers

This Week
The San Jose Earthquakes open their 2010 campaign on Saturday, March 27 at 6 p.m. PT against defending MLS Cup champion Real Salt Lake at Buck Shaw Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on Fox Soccer Channel and radio plans will be announced later this week. The first 5,000 fans in attendance on Saturday will receive an Earthquakes/Amway Global replica jersey shirt. The Quakes are also holding a 2010 season kick-off party at Rosie McCann’s at Santana Row in San Jose from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 26.

Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake All-Time
MLS Regular Season: 3-2-4
Home: 2-1-1
Away: 1-1-3
Playoffs: 0-0-0; U.S. Open Cup: 0-0-0
All-Time Scoring: San Jose – 14, Real Salt Lake – 12

Earthquakes Schedule for the Week of 03/22/10
Tuesday, March 23 – 6 p.m. -Training at Buck Shaw Stadium
Wednesday, March 24 – 10:15 a.m. – Training at West Valley College
Thursday, March 25 – 10:15 a.m. – Training at West Valley College
Friday, March 26 – 10:15 a.m. – Training at Buck Shaw Stadium
Saturday, March 27 – 6 p.m. PT – Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake at Buck Shaw Stadium live on Fox Soccer Channel, 1220 KDOW, 1370 La Kaliente and sjearthquakes.com.

Injury Report
Questionable: Brad Ring (L - hamstring strain); Eduardo (L – hip strain).

Last Game
Earthquakes 1, Portland Timbers 1; March 20, 2010; Buck Shaw Stadium; Santa Clara, Calif.
The San Jose Earthquakes earned a 1-1 draw on Saturday night with USSF Division Two side Portland Timbers in their final tune-up for the season opener next Saturday, March 27 at against Real Salt Lake. Cornell Glen put the Quakes ahead in the second half before Scott Thompson equalized for the Timbers. Glen and San Jose broke through in the 71st minute as Glen took an Omar Jessey pass and turned toward goal. Glen then unloaded a left-footed shot from about 20 yards out that went through Steve Cronin into the back of the net. Portland capitalized on a set piece in the 80th minute to tie the score. Timbers substitute Scott Thompson got on the end of a delivery from near the corner by Rodrigo Lopez and headed it past Quakes keeper Andrew Weber. The goal snapped the Quakes nearly five-match shutout streak this pre-season.

Last Game vs. Real Salt Lake
Earthquakes 1, Real Salt Lake 1; July 3, 2009; Rio Tinto Stadium; Sandy, Utah

The San Jose Earthquakes appeared to have their first away victory of the season in the bag until an own goal by Chris Leitch in stoppage time left the Quakes and Real Salt Lake with a 1-1 draw Friday night at Rio Tinto Stadium. Arturo Alvarez scored in the 63rd minute for San Jose and then Real went a man down when Fabian Espindola was sent off in the 77th minute. But Leitch poked the ball into his own net to leave both teams with a share of the spoils.

Misc. Notes

Quakes in the Community

What: Amway Kicks For Kids
Who: Jason Hernandez
Location:  Hoover Elementary School
Date: March 24th
Time: 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Details: Hernandez will speak to the students about the importance of healthy lifestyles and nutrition.

What: Get Earthquakes Fit
Who: Arturo Alvarez
Location:  Cumberland Elementary School in Sunnyvale
Date: March 24th
Time: 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Details: Alvarez will speak to the students about the importance of healthy lifestyles and nutrition, introducing them to the Earthquakes Fit program.

What: Get Earthquakes Fit
Who: Justin Morrow
Location:  Robert Randall Elementary School in Milpitas
Date: March 26th
Time: 1:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m.
Details: Morrow will speak to the students about the importance of healthy lifestyles and nutrition, introducing them to the Earthquakes Fit program.

MLS, Players Union Reach Agreement in Principle on CBA
Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Major League Soccer Players Union (MLSPU) today announced that they have reached agreement in principle on the terms of a new collective bargaining agreement covering five seasons, commencing with the 2010 season and continuing through December 31, 2014. MLS Commissioner Don Garber and MLSPU Executive Director Bob Foose announced the agreement Saturday via teleconference call, five days prior to the start of the League's 15th season. The concluding phase of the negotiations was conducted under the auspices of George Cohen, Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. The agreement is subject to the approval of the MLS Board of Governors and the membership of the MLSPU. Major League Soccer's 15th season kicks off March 25 when the expansion Philadelphia Union travel to Seattle to take on Sounders FC in a nationally televised match on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN360.com. The other 14 MLS clubs are in action on March 26 and 27.

Earthquakes Media Day
The San Jose Earthquakes announced that they are hosting their annual media day on Friday, March 26 at Buck Shaw Stadium. Practice is open to all media, and should run from 10:15 a.m. through 12:15 p.m. PT and interviews will be conducted after training concludes. Lunch will be served following training. 2010 Season credentials will be available for pickup as well. For those not attending Friday’s media day event, season credentials can be picked up at media will call at the home opener on Saturday, March 27 against Real Salt Lake at 6:00 p.m. PT at Buck Shaw Stadium.

Quakes Waive Three
The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the team has placed midfielders Simon Elliott, Antonio Ribeiro and goalkeeper Mike Graczyk on waivers. Elliott played in 15 games with 12 starts for San Jose in 2009 after arriving in the preseason last year. Ribeiro started all seven games he appeared in last season after joining the team in June of 2009 from the Montreal Impact. Graczyk did not appear in any matches for San Jose last year.

Quakes Add Youth to Roster
The San Jose Earthquakes added three up and coming players to their roster today, signing 2009 second-round draft pick Brad Ring and 2010 draft picks Justin Morrow and Steven Beitashour. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ring, 22, was drafted in the second round by the Quakes in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, but sat out the entire 2009 campaign with a hip injury. He trained with the Quakes last fall and joined the team in preseason this year. He attended Indiana University, where he played 78 games, scored 14 goals and had eight assists in his college career helped lead the Indiana Hoosiers to NCAA Tournament berths in all four seasons. Morrow had an outstanding combine prior to the draft after an excellent career with Notre Dame. He played 89 matches and scored seven goals and notched seven assists as a wide midfielder and defender. He was named All-Big East Second Team in 2009 after starting all 23 games and notching two goals and an assist, while serving as team captain. He helped the Fighting Irish to four NCAA appearances in his career. Morrow played his high school soccer at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio, and scored 21 goals while adding 14 assists as a senior. In 2004 and 2005, he played for the Super Y League ODP national team.Beitashour returns to his hometown team after completing his career with San Diego State University. The 5-10 defender appeared in 57 career games for the Aztecs and recorded eight assists, including three in his 2009 campaign. A versatile player, he can play wide right and left in both the defense and midfield. Beitashour was a four-year letterwinner for Leland High School in San Jose, where he won the Pat Tillman Award.

Quakes Earn Draw with Houston
The San Jose Earthquakes tied the Houston Dynamo 0-0 on Wednesday night at Kezar Stadium, earning their fourth consecutive shutout in preseason play. Fourteen minutes into the match, Houston threatened with the first real scoring opportunity as they had the long throw working. Eddie Robinson’s throw was flicked on by former Earthquakes forward Cam Weaver and seemed as he was searching out Corey Ashe at the back post. Joey Gjertsen’s sliding clearance kept Ashe away, and play resumed.
Just two minutes later, San Jose had a chance, as Javier Robles had his curling effort to the near post from about 22 yards out saved by a diving Pat Onstad. Once the second half began there were wholesale changes on both sides. The Earthquakes had the first chance of the half, as Simon Elliott drew a foul about 25 yards out. Cornell Glen hit his shot just high of the target. San Jose was threatening again in the 63rd minute, when off a broken corner, Jason Hernandez played Chris Wondolowski in on goal, but his volley effort went just wide. Just two minutes later, Quincy Amarikwa came in on Onstad, but he was up to the task, saving Amarikwa’s close range shot. The rebound fell to Glen, who had his shot blocked, and Wondolowski missed his rebound wide of the net. In the 79th minute, Ramon Sanchez nearly broke the deadlock from a dead ball. Sanchez’s effort from about 25 yards out skipped through on net and went inches wide of the far post. The game finished in a 0-0 draw, making it the fourth consecutive clean sheet for the San Jose Earthquakes.

Quakes Kick off 2010 Season at Rosie McCann’s
The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that they will host a season-kick-off event at Rosie McCann’s Pub at Santana Row in San Jose on Thursday, March 25 with Channel 92.3. The event will run from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. PT. Several Earthquakes players, head coach Frank Yallop, the new Shakers Squad, the Street Team, the Channel Crew and front office staff will all be on hand to meet and greet fans getting ready for the 2010 MLS season. The opening game of the year, when new expansion team Philadelphia Union take on Seattle Sounders FC will be televised at Rosie’s at 6:30 p.m. PT on ESPN 2. Players and staff will talk with fans, pose for pictures, sign autographs, and enjoy the evening leading up to the Earthquakes home opener just two days later. San Jose opens with defending MLS Cup Champion Real Salt Lake on Saturday, March 27 at 7:00 p.m. PT at Buck Shaw Stadium. Fans on hand at Rosie’s will have the opportunity to win many prizes, including a new 2010 autographed jersey. The Bay Area’s Centerline Soccer will be at the event as well, hosting a live podcast event from Rosie McCann’s. Head coach Frank Yallop and Earthquakes players will be interviewed on the show.

San Jose in March
The Quakes are 4-7-0 all-time in March in MLS play.

Quakes in Season Openers
San Jose is 5-6-1 all-time in season openers.

Earthquakes – Real Salt Lake Connections
Current Earthquakes midfielder/forward Ryan Johnson played for Real Salt Lake in 2006. RSL selected Johnson in the third round of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft. He played seven games and made one start. He also played college soccer with RSL forward Robbie Findley at Oregon State ... Former Quakes midfielder Ned Grabavoy is now a member of RSL … Real Salt Lake forward Robbie Findley and midfielder Nathan Sturgis played for current Quakes head coach Frank Yallop in 2007 on the Los Angeles Galaxy before being traded to RSL, where they also played a year with current Quakes goalkeeper Joe Cannon ... RSL midfielder Kyle Beckerman played in Colorado with Quakes goalkeeper Joe Cannon in 2003-2006 … RSL defender Nat Borchers also played with Cannon in Colorado, as he was a member of the Rapids from 2003 to 2005 … RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando played with Bobby Convey from 2002 to 2004 at D.C. United … Simon Elliott played with current RSL defender Chris Wingert in Columbus … Wingert also played with Joe Cannon in Colorado in 2006 ... RSL forward Pablo Campos began the 2009 season with the Earthquakes, before being traded to RSL in July.

History of the Quakes - RSL Rivalry
The Earthquakes and RSL met on April 30, 2005  for the first time in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with Real Salt Lake earning a 4-0 win ... The Quakes loss to RSL for the first time in team history on May 31, 20005  when RSL defeated the Quakes 3-1 at Rice-Eccles Stadium ... RSL was an expansion team in 2005, so the Quakes and RSL have only met eight times in their history, with San Jose winning three times and earning four draws ... The two teams tied 2-2 in the first ever meeting on Apr. 30, 2005 with Alejandro Moreno scoring a late goal for San Jose to tie the game ... RSL was the last regular season opponent to play against the Quakes at Spartan Stadium, earning a 2-2 tie on Oct. 8, 2005.    

Earthquakes Leaders vs. RSL
Arturo Alvarez has scored three goals and two assists in 14 career appearances and Cornell Glen has one goal … Joe Cannon has five wins and has posted four shutouts against Real Salt Lake.

RSL Leaders vs. Earthquakes
Javier Morales, Robbie Findley and Andy Williams all have two career goals against the Quakes.

Cannon Among All-Time Leaders
Earthquakes goalkeeper Joe Cannon is among the all-time league leaders in a number of goalkeeping categories. He is second in goalkeeper appearances (274), starts (273) and minutes played (24,675). He is now third all-time in saves (1,123), third all-time in shutouts (68) and tied for fourth all-time in wins (98) in league history. For San Jose, Cannon is first in club history as a goalkeeper in starts (159), minutes played (14,481), saves (655), wins (60) and shutouts (38) and second in goals against average (1.33), and saves percentage (73.3). He also holds the team's all-time record for saves in a game with 12 on July 8, 2000 at Colorado.

Corrales Among All-Time Leaders
Ramiro Corrales has the most appearances in franchise history with 167, has made 151 starts and 13,422 minutes played as a member of the Quakes. He is now third place in franchise history in starts and is third in all-time in club history for minutes played.

Quakes Announce SA-5 as Marketing Agency
The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that they have hired SA-5 as their marketing agency of record. The Quakes worked closely with SA-5 to create the recently launched “Did you feel that?” campaign. SA-5 collaborated with the Quakes to create two television spots, “Cement” and “Coffee” that are currently running throughout the Bay Area. SA-5 also served as the creative team behind the Quakes radio spots, billboards, collateral materials and print ads. Multiple members of the SA-5 team were part of the award-winning Oakland A’s campaigns during last decade.

Quakes Games to produced in HD
The San Jose Earthquakes announced Thursday that Comcast SportsNet will televise a minimum of 15 Earthquakes games in 2010. For the first time, all of the games will be produced in High Definition. Thirteen games will air on Comcast SportsNet California, one game will air on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area and one on Comcast SportsNet Plus. The Quakes broadcast schedule begins on Comcast SportsNet California with their home match against the New England Revolution on Saturday, April 17. Including national television broadcasts and the MLS Direct Kick package, the Earthquakes will have all 30 games aired on television in 2010. The partnership will also include appearances by Earthquakes players and coaches on Chronicle Live and coverage on both SportsNet Reports and SportsNet Central. The broadcast booth will see some changes this year as long-time Northern California announcer Jim Kozimor will join John Shrader for all Quakes games, while Dan Dibley will serve as the sideline reporter for home broadcasts.

Preseason Schedule
The San Jose Earthquakes wrapped up their 2010 preseason with a 7-1-2 this record. Below is the team’s full preseason schedule:

Feb. 6 - Earthquakes def. Real San Jose 3-0 at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum (Wondolowski, Ibarra, Gjertsen).
Feb. 10 - Kansas City Wizards def. Earthquakes 3-0 at Reach 11 Complex in Phoenix, Ariz.
Feb. 13 - Earthquakes def. Kansas City Wizards 1-0 at ASU Soccer Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. (Eduardo).
Feb. 27 - Earthquakes def. Fresno Fuego 3-2 at Chukchansi Park in Fresno. (Convey, Robles, Jessey).
March 1 - Earthquakes def. Cal 3-0 at West Valley College in Saratoga (Johnson, Ring, Amarikwa).
March 8 - Earthquakes def. West Ham 2-0 at Spurs Lodge in Chigwell, London (own goal, Johnson).
March 10 - Earthquakes def. Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at Spurs Lodge in Chigwell, London. (Burling)
March 12 - Earthquakes def. Colorado Rapids 2-0 at Spurs Lodge in Chigwell, London. (Johnson, Amarikwa)
March 17 - Earthquakes vs. Houston Dynamo 0-0 at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco, Calif.
March 20 - Earthquakes vs. Portland Timbers 1-1 at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. (Glen)

Quakes to Host RSL on April 14
The San Jose Earthquakes will host Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, April 14 at Buck Shaw Stadium in a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Play-in match. The game kicks off at 7 p.m. PT. Season ticket holders should use their Bonus Game "A" ticket for the match. For non-season ticket holders, tickets for the match go on sale on Tuesday, March 16 at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets range from $20-$50 and can be purchased by calling (800) 225-2277 or by logging on to sjearthquakes.com. The Earthquakes will face RSL for the second time in an Open Cup Play-in match, losing 4-0 in 2008 at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. Last season, San Jose lost to the New York Red Bulls, 2-1, in an Open Cup Play-in match at Buck Shaw Stadium.

Philadelphia match on Sept. 18 Moved to Sept. 15
The San Jose Earthquakes announced last week that their game that was scheduled for Saturday, September 18 has been moved to Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 7:00 p.m. PT at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. The full 2010 Earthquakes schedule is available on www.sjearthquakes.com.

Earthquakes Announce 2010 Partial Plans
The San Jose Earthquakes announced two different partial plans for the 2010 season. There are two options this year for partial plans; both are six game packages. Benefits for those who purchase one of these partial plans include; discounted tickets to additional games on the 2010 schedule, discounted merchandise and priority to purchase tickets to international games and Earthquakes playoff games. The Pint Partial Plan includes a free Earthquakes pint glass per seat for a limited time only. Fans must purchase this plan on or before March 26, 2010 in order to receive the pint glass for free and after March 26, pint glasses are available for purchase. With the Pick 6 Plan you can select any six Earthquakes home games at Buck Shaw Stadium during the 2010 regular season. Prices are as follows: Corona Cove - $330, Center Circle - $192, Sideline - $132, Goal View - $108, Supporters Section - $90. To purchase either of these partial plans or full season tickets, call the front at 408-556-7700 and ask to speak to a ticket sales representative. Guarantee the best available seats by ordering now, before individual tickets go on sale to the general public.