The Earthquakes suffered a 2–0 loss in New Jersey on Friday, April 17 at the hands of the New York Red Bulls. With no match scheduled for this week, the Quakes will return to the pitch against Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium on Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m. PST. The match will air live on Univision, 1590 KLIV and 1370 KZSF.
Last Game
Earthquakes 0, Red Bulls 2; April 17, 2015; Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey
The San Jose Earthquakes fell to the New York Red Bulls 2-0 at Red Bull Arena. San Jose nearly got on the board after just four minutes. Midfielder Matias Perez Garcia delivered a dangerous in-swinging corner kick, which made its way across the six-yard box. Midfielder JJ Koval darted to the back post, but his sliding effort was just late and the ball rolled out of danger. The New York Red Bulls took the lead in the 29th minute. A low ball played across the box from the right side managed to find its way to the back post, where Red Bulls midfielder Sacha Kljestan slotted it into the back of the net. The Red Bulls doubled their advantage in the 35th minute on the left foot of forward Mike Grella. Midfielder Lloyd Sam held possession just outside of the penalty area and played a looping ball across the box. Grella one-timed the ball to the far post, narrowly evading a diving effort by Quakes goalkeeper David Bingham. In the 71st minute, San Jose nearly cut the deficit in half. Second-half substitute Tommy Thompson found himself on the receiving end of a bouncing ball just outside of the six-yard box. He controlled the ball and had a shot, but his short-range attempt was blocked by a sliding defender and eventually cleared. The two teams battled back and forth for the remainder of the match, but neither team was able to alter the score line.
MATCH RESCHEDULED
The San Jose Earthquakes and the Montreal Impact rescheduled their April 25 meeting at Avaya Stadium due to the Impact’s advancement into the CONCACAF Champions League final. The Quakes-Impact match has been moved to Wednesday, September 16, at 7:30 p.m. PT at Avaya Stadium.
EARTHQUAKES IN THE COMMUNITY
Get Earthquakes Fit Opening Ceremony
Who: Community Relations Team
What: The community relations team will be introducing the Get Earthquakes Fit program to the 3rd and 4th graders.
Where: Valle Vista Elementary in San Jose
When: Tuesday, April 21 at 1:00 p.m.
Get Earthquakes Fit Opening Ceremony
Who: Community Relations Team
What: The community relations team will be introducing the Get Earthquakes Fit program to the 3rd and 4th graders.
Where: Gardner Elementary in San Jose
When: Thursday, April 23 at 9 a.m.
El Palo Alto AYSO Invitational Tournament Autograph Signing
Who: Earthquakes Player TBD
What: A member of the San Jose Earthquakes will be signing autographs for youth soccer participants in attendance.
Where: Greer Park in Palo Alto
When: Sunday, April 26 at TBD
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
Quakes Among MLS Leaders
Through seven weeks of the 2015 season, several Earthquakes rank near or at the top of numerous statistical categories. Among them are:
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Matias Perez Garcia – 36 corner kicks (Most in MLS)
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David Bingham – 26 saves (Second in MLS)
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Chris Wondolowski – 3 goals (Tied for third in MLS)
Kinnear Can Keep a Lead
Teams under head coach Dominic Kinnear are 119-10-41 when scoring first, a .821 winning percentage. As head coach of the Earthquakes, Kinnear has only lost one game when his team scored first, a 23-1-6 record overall.
Halftime Success
Since the beginning of the 2000 season, the Quakes are 106-3-21 when leading at the half, including a 2-0-0 mark so far in 2015. They were 6-0-2 in 2014, 6-0-3 in 2013 and an impressive 12-0-1 in 2012, with the only draw coming against Portland on Oct. 27 at JELD-WEN Field. In 2011, the club was 4-2-2, 7-0-2 in 2010, 4-0-3 in 2009, 6-1-0 in 2008, 7-0-3 in 2005, 7-0-1 in 2004 and 8-0-1 in 2003. Despite holding a 1-0 halftime lead on May 10, 2008, vs. Columbus, the Quakes were edged by the final score of 3-2. That game marked the team’s first loss since 1999 when holding a halftime advantage.
Making the First One Count
The Earthquakes are 104-12-30 since 2001 when scoring the first goal. The club is 2-0-0 so far in 2015, after going 5-1-4 in 2014. They were 11-1-3 when scoring first in 2013. In 2012, San Jose was 14-2-2, their two losses coming at Vancouver (2-1) on May 5 and at Montreal (3-1) on Aug. 18. The club was 7-4-5 in 2011, 12-0-2 in 2010, 6-1-5 in 2009 and 8-1-3 in 2008. Prior to 2010, San Jose also went undefeated in 2001 (13-0-2), 2003 (11-0-1) and 2005 (14-0-5) when scoring first. The Earthquakes were 12-2-0 in 2002 when finding the back of the net first, only giving up leads two times in losing 2-1 at the LA Galaxy on July 4, and falling at Kansas City by the same score on July 27. In 2004, the Quakes went 8-1-1 when scoring first, the best mark in MLS. The Quakes surrendered a 1-0 advantage and dropped a 2-1 decision at the LA Galaxy on July 4, 2004, losing for just the first time since July 27, 2002, when striking first. The Quakes are also impressive in the playoffs when scoring first, posting an 8-0-1 record all-time.
Earthquakes Midfielder Fatai Alashe Named to U.S. U-23 National Team Training Camp
San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Fatai Alashe was among 20 players called to the U.S. Under-23 Men's National Team by head coach Andi Herzog to Carson, California, for the U-23's first domestic training camp of 2015 as the team continues its preparations for qualifying for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Alashe, 22, was previously called to the team's first foreign training camp of the year in Bosnia and Herzegovina from March 23-26, before taking on Bosnia and Herzegovina's U-21's on March 27. Making his international debut, Alashe entered the game as a second-half substitute and scored in the 86th minute, capping off a 5-2 victory for the Americans. The team then traveled to take on Denmark on March 31, where he played all 90 minutes in his first international start.
Earthquakes Midfielder Tommy Thompson Named to U.S. U-20 National Team Training Camp
San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Tommy Thompson was among 20 players called to the U.S. Under-20 Men's National Team by head coach Tab Ramos for the U-20's second foreign training camp of the year to be held from April 18-26 in Linz, Austria. Thompson, 19, was previously called to the team's first foreign training camp of the year in England from March 23-30. He also played a critical role in the success of the U-20 national team in its qualifying for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand, helping lead the U.S. to a 4-1-1 record at the CONCACAF Championship in Jamaica. Thompson started all six games for the United States in the tournament and recorded a goal in an 8-0 win against Aruba on Jan. 14. During camp, the U-20 MNT will play friendly matches against fellow U-20 World Cup side Qatar on April 21, followed by a matchup against Croatia on April 25. Both games will be played at Red Bull Arena, home of FC Red Bull Slazburg in Wals-Siezenheim, Austria.
Earthquakes Kick Off Get Earthquakes Fit Program for Seventh Year
The San Jose Earthquakes kicked off their Get Earthquakes Fit program this week in two local San Jose schools. The program is in its seventh year and has now benefitted over 60 schools and 10,000 children. Get Earthquakes Fit is part of the Earthquakes community efforts to promote healthy lifestyles and the importance of being active for children. Get Earthquakes Fit, which was originally developed in conjunction with local teachers and the Santa Clara County Office of Education, is a fun, five-week program designed to increase physical activity in the classroom and at home. This year, 5-10 schools will be incorporating this program in their 3rd and 4th grade curriculum. This spring’s schools include Montgomery Elementary, Aptitude Community Academy at Goss, Valle Vista Elementary and Gardner Elementary. Other schools will complete a fall session of the program. The Get Earthquakes Fit program requires students to engage in 20 minutes of physical activity each day. Each participating classroom receives a booklet, featuring activities linked to the California state standards for physical education. The activities were developed by the Earthquakes training staff in conjunction with local teachers and the Santa Clara County Office of Education. Each week a teacher will play a video featuring Earthquakes players designed to show the students some of the exercises in the program to further engage them by providing a visual aid of the exercises. Then, at the end of the program, an Earthquakes player makes an appearance to congratulate the students on living a more active lifestyle. Students are encouraged to continue playing Get Earthquakes Fit games at home with their families.
Earthquakes Announce Partnership with Ethos Soccer to Strengthen Youth Development System
The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that they will participate in the 2015 International Champions Cup North America. Relevent Sports, a division of RSE Ventures – a multi-national sports and entertainment venture firm with a focus on new technologies – today unveiled the full lineup of marquee clubs for the 2015 International Champions Cup North America. The third year of the tournament, the annual summer showcase will take place from July 11 to August 5. Official network partners FOX Sports will televise all of the tournament’s 17 matches live on FOX, FOX Sports 1 or FOX Sports 2. Ten clubs from across the globe are participating in the highly anticipated summer tournament, including teams from Spain, England, Portugal, Mexico and Italy, as well as three Major League Soccer franchises. Following is a list of all participating teams, led by Manchester United, the defending International Champions Cup champions: Manchester United F.C., FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain F.C., Chelsea F.C., FC Porto, Club América, ACF Fiorentina, New York Red Bulls, LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes.
San Jose Earthquakes Announce Launch of Official Avaya Stadium App
The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the team has launched the Avaya Stadium app for both Android and iOS. The Avaya Stadium app will be powered by a high quality wireless network that will also debut on Sunday. The wireless network will be called GOQUAKES and will allow fans to connect from anywhere in the stadium. The app will feature access to Ticketmaster’s mobile ticketing platform, stadium and parking maps, searchable stadium amenities and driving routes, along with Earthquakes player information and other fan engagement tools. Season Ticket Holders may quickly log in to their Ticketmaster Online Account Manager and will be able to easily view or transfer their tickets through the app, while also using their mobile device for entry at gates. The Avaya Stadium app is the ultimate resource for fans getting acquainted with the Earthquakes new home. Users can easily navigate their way through the concourse to find exactly what they are looking for, from a brand new jersey to vegetarian food options to the nearest family restroom. FAQ’s and an A to Z guide will help to answer questions which come up when visiting a new stadium for the first time. Fans may also contact guest services during a match using the app to report an issue or concern. While the app focuses on the fan experience at Avaya Stadium, it also doubles as a connection point between fans and the San Jose Earthquakes. Player profiles feature links to their Twitter and/or Instagram accounts.
San Jose Earthquakes Reach 12,000 Season Tickets for First Year at Avaya Stadium
The San Jose Earthquakes have reached 12,000 season ticket holders for the 2015 season at Avaya Stadium. The club has now capped season tickets for the year, but fans can be placed on the season ticket waiting list for 2016 season tickets. In order to be placed on the waiting list, fans can call the Earthquakes Front Office at 408-556-7700 and place a $50 refundable deposit. Group and individual tickets are still available for the season, excluding the home opener. For group tickets, fans should contact the Earthquakes Front Office at 408-556-7700. For individual tickets, fans can visit sjearthquakes.com, Ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000. Fans can also purchase tickets at Ticketmaster locations in the Bay Area, including Walmart and Chavez Supermarkets.
Avaya Stadium to host World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup
USA Rugby and the San Jose Earthquakes announced that Avaya Stadium will play host to a World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup double-header on Saturday, July 18. The Pacific Nations Cup – a World Rugby tournament designed to expose Pacific Rim teams and players to a greater number of international test matches – features Canada, Fiji, Japan, Samoa, and USA. Avaya Stadium will host two PNC matches July 18, Canada vs. Japan and the USA Men’s Eagles vs. Samoa. Tickets for the matches held at Avaya Stadium will be released mid-March. Notifications on ticket release dates and pre-sale access to tickets for the U.S.-based 2015 PNC matches will be provided to those on the USA Rugby Ticket Pre-Sale List, for which fans can sign up here: www.usarugby.org/tickets.
Quakes Announce 2015 Local TV Schedule
The San Jose Earthquakes and Comcast SportsNet announced their local broadcast schedule for the upcoming season, a slate that includes 20 games in high-definition. The entire broadcast team returns with Anthony Passarelli and Chris Dangerfield in the booth and Kate Scott back for her third season as the sideline reporter. In total, the Earthquakes appear on Comcast SportsNet California 11 times, with four games on CSN Bay Area and five on CSN Plus. San Jose also has 14 national broadcasts, with four games on Fox Sports 1, three on ESPN2, five on UniMas and two on Univision Deportes Network.
U.S. Women’s National Team to Play at Avaya Stadium on Sunday, May 10
The U.S. Women’s National Team will open up its three-game Send-Off Series against the Republic of Ireland at Avaya Stadium on Sunday, May 10. The Mother’s Day match will kick off at 11:30 a.m. PT and be broadcast on FOX Sports 1. Ticket information will be announced at a later date, but Earthquakes season ticket holders will have an exclusive window to purchase seats. This game will mark the beginning of the WNT’s final preparations at home prior to the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. It will also be the WNT’s first trip to Avaya Stadium. The home of the Earthquakes is set to open on March 22, setting the stage for the WNT to be one of the first teams to play in the new facility.
ACADEMY NOTES
U-14 Update
The Earthquakes U-14 Academy squad defeated the Diablo Futbol Club 6-1 at John Mise Park on Saturday.
U-16 Update
The Earthquakes U-16 Academy squad beat the De Anza Force 4-0 at the Mustang Soccer Complex on Saturday.
U-18 Update
The Quakes U-14 Academy club tied the De Anza Force 2-2 on Saturday at the Mustang Soccer Complex.
