After earning yet another road point, this time 0-0 in Columbus last Saturday, the San Jose Earthquakes travel to our nation’s capital to take on D.C. United with an opportunity to potentially clinch their first playoff berth since the franchise returned in 2008. The match is on Saturday, October 9th at 4:30 p.m. PT at RFK Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on MLS Direct Kick and 1220 KDOW. In the team’s previous meeting with D.C. United this season, the Quakes earned a 1-1 draw, benefitting from an Ike Opara goal.
Earthquakes vs. D.C. United All-Time
MLS Regular Season: 13-10-6
Home: 7-2-6
Away: 6-8-0
Shootout (1996-99): 3-0
Overtime (2000-03): 0-0-2
Playoffs: 0-0-0; U.S. Open Cup: 0-0-0
All-Time Scoring: San Jose – 42, D.C. United – 48
Earthquakes Schedule for the Week of 10/4/10
Tuesday, October 5 – 10 a.m. – Training at Nutrilite Training Facility
Wednesday, October 6 – 10 a.m. – Training at Nutrilite Training Facility
Thursday, September 30 – Travel to Washington D.C.
Friday, October 1 – Train in Washington D.C.
Saturday, October 2 – Earthquakes at D.C. United at 4:30 p.m. PT at RFK Stadium in Landover, Maryland Broadcast live on MLS Direct Kick and 1220 KDOW.
Injury Report/National Team Duty:
Out: Andre Luiz (L knee surgery); Ike Opara (L foot fracture); Joe Cannon (L ankle fracture); Questionable: Ramiro Corrales (L knee sprain).
Last Game
Earthquakes 0, Columbus Crew 0; Oct. 2, 2010; Crew Stadium; Columbus, Ohio
The San Jose Earthquakes picked up a crucial point on the road Saturday night at Crew Stadium with a 0-0 draw against the Columbus Crew. Jon Busch came up with two big saves in the second half to preserve the shutout. He now has five clean sheets on the season and the Quakes have earned 11 as a team, one shy of the team record set in 2005.
Last Game vs. D.C. United
Earthquakes 1, D.C. United 1; July 3, 2010; Buck Shaw Stadium; Santa Clara, California
The San Jose Earthquakes returned home for the first time in over a month and earned a 1-1 draw against visiting D.C. United. Ike Opara’s third goal of the season, which came in the 16th minute on a set piece started the Quakes off on the right foot. Bobby Convey’s cross took some deflections before it found Opara at the back post, he then turned around and fired it inside Troy Perkins’ near post on the half volley. Andy Najar leveled the score just nine minutes into the second half off of a cross by Stephen King and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Misc. Notes
Quakes in the Community
What: School Visit
Who: Brad Ring
Location: Laurelwood Elementary School in San Jose
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 5
Time: 1:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Details: Ring will speak to the students about living healthy and active lifestyles.
What: Verizon Adopt-a-Team
Who: Bobby Burling
Location: PAL Stadium in San Jose
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 5
Time: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Details: Burling will act as coach for a day for an East Valley PAL team.
What: Verizon Adopt-a-Team
Who: Brad Ring and Steven Beitashour
Location: Nichols Park in Richmond
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 6
Time: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Details: Ring and Beitashour will act as coach for a day for a Richmond Sol team.
Quakes Name David Kaval President
The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that Golden Baseball League (GBL) founder David Kaval has been named the president of the club. Current president Michael Crowley has been elevated to managing director of the Earthquakes. Kaval will oversee both the business and technical sides of the club and report directly to Crowley, who has served as the Earthquakes president since the team returned to MLS in 2006.
Kaval comes to the Earthquakes after six successful seasons with the independent GBL, a league that he founded with a fellow Stanford Business School graduate in 2003. The league currently includes 10 teams in three different countries. Kaval was responsible for raising the initial capital to get the league launched and attracting a number of investors from around the country for the venture. He also negotiated a number of major corporate partnerships, including the league naming rights agreement. With the GBL, Kaval proved his skill in international negotiations, creating partnerships with the Samurai Bears (Japan) and the Chinese National Team, while working with teams in Canada and Mexico as well. Over 100 players from the GBL have been signed to Major League Baseball contracts and Kaval was also able sign such big names as Ricky Henderson, Jose Canseco, Jose Lima and Hideki Irabu to GBL contracts. Current San Francisco Giants pitcher Sergio Romo and Boston Red Sox outfielder Daniel Nava are GBL alumni. Prior to founding the GBL, he spent time working on the budget for national security for the Office of the President of the United States. He also worked as the Director of Business Development for Sparks.com and as a Business Analyst for Accenture. Kaval authored the book, The Summer That Saved Baseball, which was originally published in 2000. The book highlighted a tour of all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums in the summer of 1998 and is now in its second printing. He currently serves as a Director of the Workforce Investment Board in San Mateo County and frequently guest lectures at the Stanford Business School.
Morrow Returns from Tampa
Quakes defender Justin Morrow has returned to the Earthquakes after his loan to FC Tampa Bay Rowdies. Morrow appeared in all five games he was available, starting and playing the full 90 minutes. The Rowdies finished the season 1-3-1 in their last five, which were during Morrow's tenure.
Convey Returns To D.C.
Former D.C. United midfielder Bobby Convey will return to Washington, D.C. when the Earthquakes take on D.C. United on Saturday, Oct. 9th at RFK Stadium at 4:30 p.m. PT. Convey became the youngest player at time ever signed by Major League Soccer when he was taken in the first round (12th overall) by D.C. United in the 2000 MLS SuperDraft. Convey played with D.C. United from 2000-2004, scoring eight goals and notching 16 assists in 89 games.
Quakes One Shy of Team Shutout Record
With a 0-0 draw on Saturday, October 2nd against the Columbus Crew, the Earthquakes earned their 11th shutout of the season, one shy of the team record 12 set in 2005. Additionally, the Earthquakes are now one of seven teams in the league with double digit shutouts. Real Salt Lake has 13, the Los Angeles Galaxy, New York Red Bulls, Columbus Crew and Seattle Sounders FC each have 11, and FC Dallas has 10.
Cerritos Inducted into San Jose Earthquakes Hall of Fame on Wednesday
Former Earthquakes great Ronald Cerritos was inducted into the San Jose Earthquakes Hall of Fame in a halftime ceremony during the Earthquakes’ game against the Chicago Fire on Wednesday, September 29th at Buck Shaw Stadium. Cerritos’ No. 20 jersey was retired, alongside former Earthquakes player and current general manager John Doyle’s No. 3 jersey. Cerritos played with the Earthquakes from 1997-2001 and in 2005, and is the all-time leader in goals (61) and assists (47) in club history.
Wondolowski, Convey Climb Earthquakes All-Time Lists
Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski now has 15 career goals with San Jose, which is eighth on the club’s all-time list, two behind current Earthquakes forward Ryan Johnson (17). Additionally, Wondolowski’s MLS-leading seven game-winning goals this season is the most by an individual player in a single season in club history, and his eight career game-winning goals ties him for third place all-time with Dwayne De Rosario. Earthquakes midfielder Bobby Convey has also moved up on some notable all-time lists. Convey’s five game-winning assists this season is tied for the most in a single season, along with Eddie Lewis (1999) and Dwayne De Rosario (2005). Finally, Convey’s seven career game-winning assists are one behind Wade Barrett and Eddie Lewis for fifth all-time.
Quakes Home Shutout Streak Ends
The San Jose Earthquakes home shutout streak was snapped on Wednesday night in the 39th minute of a 3-0 loss to the Chicago Fire. The streak, which spanned from July 31-Sept. 29 over the course of six home matches, ended at 463 minutes when Steven Kinney headed home a Freddie Ljunberg corner. It was the second longest home shutout streak in club history and the longest since the team returned in 2008. The club record for consecutive shutout minutes at home is 538 minutes, set in 2005. After allowing a goal in the 34th minute against the Kansas City Wizards on April 23rd, the Earthquakes shutout FC Dallas (0-0), D.C. United (0-0), Real Salt Lake (3-0), Los Angeles (3-0) and Colorado (1-0). The streak came to an end with a goal in the 32nd minute on July 23rd against New York.
Eduardo Makes First MLS Career Start
Earthquakes forward Eduardo made the first start of his MLS career in San Jose’s 0-0 draw against the Columbus Crew on Saturday, October 2nd. Eduardo signed with the Earthquakes on Feb. 10th, 2010. The Brazilian has made five total appearances this season and played 191 minutes.
One Touch Wondo
Of San Jose forward Chris Wondolowski’s 19 career goals, all but one, his last goal against TOR on Sept. 25, have been one-touch goals.
Johnson, Convey Set a Career-High in Assists in a Single Season
San Jose forward Ryan Johnson and midfielder Bobby Convey each set career-highs in assists in a single season in the Earthquakes’ 3-2 victory over Toronto FC on Saturday, September 25th. Johnson notched his fifth and sixth assists of the season while Convey tallied his 10th, both of which came on forward Chris Wondolowski’s third goal of the game. Johnson also assisted on Wondolowski’s second goal. Johnson’s previous career-high in assists in a single season was two, achieved in 2009. Convey’s previous career-high in assists in a single season was seven, achieved in 2001 when he was a member of D.C. United.
Notable Highs
The San Jose Earthquakes have two players this season with notable season-highs. Forward Chris Wondolowski’s 12 goals are the highest by an Earthquakes player since Brian Ching’s 12 goals in 2004. The club record for goals in a season is 15, set by Ronald Cerritos in 1999. Midfielder Bobby Convey’s 10 assists are the highest by an Earthquakes player since 2005 when Dwayne De Rosario notched 13. The club record for assists in a season is 14, achieved by Eddie Lewis in both 1997 and 1999.
San Jose Keeps Adding to Highest Point Total Since Return
By earning one point against Columbus on Saturday, October 2nd, the San Jose Earthquakes now have a total of 40 points, the most the team has earned in a season since returning in 2008. The previous high was 33 points, achieved in 2008. The club record for points in a season is 64, set in 2005 when the Earthquakes clinched their only Supporter’s Shield in club history.
Quakes Hit Eleven Wins
The San Jose Earthquakes recorded their 11th win of the regular season on Saturday, September 25th, the most wins the club has had in a season since returning in 2008. In their first season back in 2008, the Earthquakes went 8-13-9, and in 2009 the club went 7-14-9.
Earthquakes Currently Eighth in Playoff Standings
With 40 points in 26 games, the San Jose Earthquakes currently hold the eighth and final spot in the playoff standings, trailing seventh place Colorado by one point (41) and sixth place Seattle by two points (42). The Earthquakes have a one-game advantage over both clubs. The Earthquakes are seven points clear of ninth place Kansas City (33).
Wondolowski Fifth in Goals, Leads MLS in Game-Winning Goals
San Jose forward Chris Wondolowski currently ranks fifth in MLS in goals scored with 12. Edson Buddle of the Los Angeles Galaxy leads the league with 15 goals, followed by Dwayne De Rosario of Toronto FC, Juan Pablo Angel of the New York Red Bulls and Sebastien Le Toux of the Philadelphia Union, who all have 13 goals. Additionally, Wondolowski leads MLS in game-winning goals with seven.
Convey Ranks Tied for Third in Assists, Tied for First in Game-Winning Assists
San Jose midfielder Bobby Convey currently ranks tied for third in MLS with 10 assists, along with Sebastien Le Toux of the Philadelphia Union. Landon Donovan of the Los Angeles Galaxy leads the league with 14 assists, followed by David Ferreira of FC Dallas (13). Convey also ranks tied for first in MLS in game-winning assists with five, along with Donovan and Ferreira.
Busch Among MLS Leaders in Two Categories
San Jose goalkeeper Jon Busch currently ranks fourth in goals against average (1.00) and fourth in saves percentage (76.5). Busch has amassed a record of 5-3-4 in 12 games this season while notching four shutouts.
Quakes With Great Record in One-Goal Games
With a 3-2 victory over Toronto FC on Saturday, September 25th, the San Jose Earthquakes improved their record in one-goal games to 9-3-0, which is tied for the second best record in the MLS with FC Dallas (6-2-0). The Columbus Crew have the best record at 7-2-0 in one-goal games.
Earthquakes, Club Quake and SSV Team up for LLS Light the Night Walk
The San Jose Earthquakes announced that they have partnered with their supporter’s group, Club Quake, and the Soccer Silicon Valley Community Foundation for the third straight year to participate in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night Walk on Saturday, Oct. 23 in San Jose. Earthquakes players, members of the team’s front office, along with Earthquakes fans will walk in the event that raises funds and awareness for blood cancers. This year the team will walk in honor of former Earthquakes player Joe Vide, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma earlier this year. The Earthquakes will also host The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) at Buck Shaw Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 21 and Saturday, Sept. 11. Six-year old Aidan Bowen, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2007, will perform the honorary First Kick at this Saturday’s game against the LA Galaxy. At the following match on Sept. 11 against FC Dallas, the Earthquakes will also host a silent auction for signed Earthquakes jerseys. Proceeds from the auction will benefit both LLS and the San Jose Earthquakes Community Fund. Fans will be able to sign up for the Light The Night Walk at the LLS booth in the pregame vendor area this weekend and on Sept. 11.
Road Warriors
With a road record this season of 5-4-4, the Earthquakes have more wins on the road than the team had in 2008 and 2009 combined. In 2008, the Earthquakes went 2-8-5 on the road in their first season back. In 2009, the Earthquakes went 1-10-5 with the lone win coming against D.C. United on September 27, 2009 at RFK Stadium. With 18 points on the road so far this season, the Earthquakes have surpassed the 11 points the team had in 2008 for the most points earned on the road since the team returned. The franchise record for points on the road in a single season is 30 points, achieved in 2005. This season the Earthquakes have the third highest winning percentage on the road in the MLS with a .538 clip. The Los Angeles Galaxy have the highest (.679), followed by FC Dallas (.615). Finally, the five wins the Earthquakes have on the road are tied for the second most road wins, along with the New York Red Bulls and Seattle Sounders FC. The Los Angeles Galaxy have the most road wins in MLS with eight.
History of the Quakes-D.C. United Rivalry
The Earthquakes beat D.C. United 1-0 in the historic MLS Inaugural Game on April 6, 1996 before 31,683 fans at Spartan Stadium … Current Earthquakes goalkeeper Joe Cannon made his MLS debut against D.C. United on April 17, 1999 at RFK Stadium. He also picked up his first win that day defeating D.C. United in a shootout … Current Quakes midfielder Bobby Convey scored his first career goal playing for D.C. United against Kansas City on April 7, 2001 … The Earthquakes lost to D.C. United 3-0 on July 15, 2005 in their last appearance at RFK Stadium. The Quakes would then finish the regular season without another loss that season … Quakes forward Ramon Sanchez made his MLS debut against D.C. United on July 25, 2010 at Buck Shaw Stadium … Quakes goalkeeper Andrew Weber made his MLS debut against D.C. United on September 27, 2009 at RFK Stadium … Quakes forward Scott Sealy scored his 20th goal against D.C. United on April 14, 2007 as a member of the Kansas City Wizards.
Earthquakes – D.C. United Connections
San Jose midfielder Bobby Convey was drafted by D.C. United in 2000 and played with the club until 2004, making 89 appearances … D.C. United forwards Marc Burch and Santino Quaranta played for the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2006 under current San Jose head coach Frank Yallop … Yallop also served as an assistant coach to Thomas Rongen with D.C. United in 2000 … Burch also played with San Jose goalkeeper Jon Busch and defender Tim Ward with the Columbus Crew in 2006 … D.C. United defender Jordan Graye and San Jose defender Chris Leitch both attended the University of North Carolina … San Jose forward Chris Wondolowski played with D.C. United defender Julius James on the Houston Dynamo in 2009 … James and San Jose forward Cornell Glen have both played appeared for the Trinidad and Tobago national team … D.C. United midfielder Stephen King played with San Jose goalkeeper Jon Busch on the Chicago Fire in 2008 … San Jose defender Chris Leitch played with D.C. United forward with the New York MetroStars in 2003 … D.C. United midfielder Kurt Morsink played with San Jose forward Scott Sealy on the Kansas City Wizards from 2007-2008 … D.C. United forward/midfielder Chris Pontius and San Jose goalkeeper Joe Cannon both attended UC Santa Barbara … D.C. United defender Jed Zayner played with San Jose defender Tim Ward with the Columbus Crew in 2007 … Zayner also played with San Jose midfielder Brad Ring at Indiana University in 2005.
Earthquakes All-Time Leaders vs. D.C. United
Forward Scott Sealy has five goals and two assists in 13 career appearances … Forward Ryan Johnson has two goals in five career appearances … Forward Arturo Alvarez has one goal and two assists in 10 career appearances … Forward Cornell Glen has one goal and one assist in four career appearances … Goalkeeper Jon Busch has seven wins and five shutouts in 19 career appearances.
D.C. United All-Time Leaders vs. Earthquakes
Forward Jamie Moreno has nine goals and six assists in 21 career appearances … Forward Andy Najar, forward/midfielder Santino Quaranta and midfielder Clyde Simms each have one goal … Midfielder Stephen King and forward/midfielder Chris Pontius each have one assist.
Quakes Potent in the Final 15 Minutes
With forward Arturo Alvarez’s goal in the 90th minute on Saturday, July 10, the Earthquakes now have scored seven goals in the final 15 minutes this season. On April 10, rookie defender Ike Opara scored the game-winning goal in the 82nd minute of a 2-1 victory on the road against the Chicago Fire. On April 24, midfielder Steven Beitashour scored in the 90th minute of a 3-2 road loss to Chivas USA. On May 8, forward Chris Wondolowski scored in the 76th minute, and defender Bobby Burling scored in the 85th minute of a 4-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls at Buck Shaw Stadium. On May 29, captain Ramiro Corrales scored in the 75th minute of a 3-1 home loss to Toronto FC. On June 2, Wondolowski scored in the 79th minute of a 2-2 draw against the Columbus Crew at Buck Shaw Stadium.
Alvarez Approaching 25 Career Goals
Quakes forward Arturo Alvarez scored his 24th career goal on Saturday, July 10 against the Philadelphia Union. This season, Alvarez has three goals in seventeen games.
Earthquakes Solid When Scoring First and Leading at Halftime
This season, the Earthquakes are 10-0-2 when scoring the first goal and 6-0-2 when leading at halftime.
San Jose in October
The Quakes are 5-8-10 all-time in October in MLS play.
Quakes Individual Tickets
Individual tickets for all remaining 2010 Earthquakes home games are now on sale. The Quakes significantly reduced prices for the 2010 season with prices ranging from $20-50. Tickets for the 2010 campaign are available online at sjearthquakes.com or by calling 1-800-225-2277. The new, reduced prices for the 2010 season are as follows; Premier Midfield $50 per game ($60 in 2009), Center Circle $35 per game ($40 in 2009), Sideline $25 per game ($35 in 2009) and Goal View $20 per game ($22 in 2009).
