The San Jose Earthquakes will host the West Bromwich Albion of the English Premier League for the first time in club history on Tuesday, July 12 in a friendly at 7:30 p.m. PT at Buck Shaw Stadium. The game will be available on the radio at www.sjearthquakes.com/wba.
The Quakes will then travel to Columbus for a game against the Crew on Saturday, July 16 at Crew Stadium. The match kicks off at 4:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on Comcast SportsNet Plus, 1220 KDOW (English) and 1370 KZSF (Spanish).
Earthquakes vs. Columbus Crew All-Time
MLS Regular Season: 13-18-3
Home: 10-6-2
Away: 3-12-1
Shootouts: 3-2
Playoffs: 2-2-0; U.S. Open Cup: 0-1-0; U.S. Open Cup Play-In: 0-0-0
All-Time Scoring: San Jose – 52, Columbus – 60
Earthquakes Schedule for the Week of 7/11/11
Tuesday, July 12 – 7:30 p.m. PT – Exhibition – West Bromwich Albion at San Jose Earthquakes, Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
Wednesday, July 13 – 10:15 a.m. PT – Practice at Nutrilite Training Facility
Thursday, July 14 – Travel to Columbus
Friday, July 15 – TBD – Practice in Columbus
Saturday, July 16 – 4:30 p.m. PT – San Jose Earthquakes at Columbus Crew, Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio
Sunday, July 17 – Off
Injury/Discipline/International Duty Report
Out: Bobby Convey (L – knee contusion), Andre Luiz (L – knee injury), Ike Opara (L – foot injury), Steven Beitashour (R- leg injury).
Last Game
Earthquakes 0, Philadelphia Union 0; July 9, 2011; Buck Shaw Stadium; Santa Clara, Calif.
The San Jose Earthquakes extended their home unbeaten streak to six games by holding Eastern Conference power Philadelphia scoreless in a 0-0 draw at Buck Shaw Stadium on Saturday. Earthquakes keeper Jon Busch recorded his fifth shutout of 2011. The point keeps San Jose in the thick of the playoff race just past the midway point of the MLS regular season.
Last Game vs. Crew
Earthquakes 3, Columbus Crew 0; May 14, 2011; Buck Shaw Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.
After a scoreless first half, the Earthquakes broke through for three second-half goals to cruise to a 3-0 victory over the Columbus Crew on Saturday, May 14 at Buck Shaw Stadium. The Quakes scored all three goals in a 12-minute span to break open a tight game. Chris Wondolowski started things off with his fifth goal of the year and Brandon McDonald gave San Jose a 2-0 advantage when Steven Lenhart’s header on a corner kick deflected off his backside and into the goal. Khari Stephenson capped the scoring spree with a 25-yard blast into the upper corner.
Misc. Notes
Quakes to Host West Bromwich Albion of English Premier League on Tuesday
The San Jose Earthquakes will host West Bromwich Albion from the English Premier League (EPL) on Tuesday, July 12 at Buck Shaw Stadium at 7:30 p.m. PT. Individual tickets are on sale at www.sjearthquakes.com and by calling (800) 225-2277. Season ticket holders should use their Bonus Game “B” ticket for the match. Prices for individual seats range from $20 to $50. West Brom is laden with internationals from around the globe including: Peter Odemwingie (Nigeria), Marek Čech (Slovakia), Pablo Ibáñez (Spain), James Morrison (Scotland) and Steven Reid (Republic of Ireland). Ibáñez was a starter for Spain alongside Carlos Puyol at center back during the 2006 World Cup.
Earthquakes Record in International Exhibitions All Time
The Earthquakes are 5-8-6 all-time in international exhibitions. Some of the notable matches in franchise history include a scoreless draw against club partner Tottenham Hotspur on July 17, 2010 in front of a record crowd of 10,712 at Buck Shaw Stadium, a 1-1 draw against Mexican giants Club America on Sept. 18, 2002 at Spartan Stadium and a 4-3 loss against Bayer Leverkusen on May 26, 1996 at Spartan Stadium.
Quakes Face Third English Premier League Side in Club History
Tuesday's match against West Bromwich Albion marks the third time the Quakes have faced a team from the EPL. On July 17, 2010, San Jose hosted club partner Tottenham Hotspur at Buck Shaw Stadium and drew a Buck Shaw Stadium record crowd of 10,712. Aston Villa also visited San Jose to play the Quakes in 1997 at Spartan Stadium, a match that ended 1-1 with Shawn Medved scoring the lone goal for San Jose.
Chris Wondolowski Named to MLS All-Star First XI
Earthquakes forward and leading goal scorer Chris Wondolowski was named to the MLS All-Star First XI for the first time in his seven-year career on Sunday. Wondolowski won the 2010 MLS Budweiser Golden Boot with a league-high 18 goals, nine of which were game winners for an Earthquakes squad that reached the Eastern Conference Championship. The local product leads San Jose and is tied for No. 6 in MLS with six goals in 13 games. He also represented the United States in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in June. MLS unveiled its list of 11 names selected by fans to represent the league in Harrison, NJ during halftime of the Portland Timbers vs. Seattle Sounders FC match on Sunday. The First XI received the most votes at their respective positions from combined fan voting on three platforms – online at MLSsocer.com, via text message, and via Twitter.
Best of the Best Goals Contest and Sweepstakes
The Earthquakes launched a new sweepstakes featuring a vote for the best goals of all time. Fans of the Earthquakes can view a continuous stream of highlights from the best Quakes goals of all-time and vote for their favorites. Once a vote has been registered, a leaderboard can be accessed that shows the leading vote-getters. Participants will be entered into a drawing for a VIP Fan Experience for two for the July 20 game versus the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The Earthquakes partnered with ShortForm, a social and interactive video entertainment company to implement the contest.
Root Beet Float Night Raises $5,000 for American Red Cross and ALS Research
The Earthquakes scooped and poured their way through the First Annual Root Beer Float Night before kickoff against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, raising $5,000 for the American Red Cross and the ALS Association. Local celebrities from around the Bay Area participated in the community-based event at Buck Shaw Stadium. The proceeds will be evenly split between the two non-profit organizations.
Community MVP Voting
Earthquakes fan Stuart Berman of San Francisco, Calif. has been nominated for MLS Community MVP. One representative from each MLS club’s market was picked to participate in a fan vote with the winner earning a $10,000 donation to the charity of their choice. The Earthquakes and Berman have selected R.O.C.K and America SCORES as their charity. Voting began on Friday, July 8 and will end on July 22 at 2 p.m. PT. The grand-prize winner will be announced during the halftime recognition ceremony at the All-Star game. For more information and to vote, visit: https://www.facebook.com/MLS?sk=app_137762336290574.
Unbeaten in Last Six at Home
The Earthquakes are unbeaten in their last six MLS regular season games at home. The club is 3-0-3 and has outscored opponents 9-3 during the streak. San Jose’s last loss at home was a 2-1 result against Chivas USA on April 23.
Lenhart Returns
After missing San Jose’s July 9 game against the Philadelphia Union due to a suspension for yellow card accumulation, Steven Lenhart is available for selection on Saturday against the Columbus Crew. Lenhart is the Quakes’ second-leading scorer with five goals.
Baca Makes First Appearance
Rafael Baca played in his first career MLS game on July 9, against the Philadelphia Union. He came in as a substitute for Simon Dawkins in the 80th minute. Baca signed with the Earthquakes on July 8 after playing with Loyola Marymount University for four years.
Johnson Will Play in 100th Match Against Columbus
With an appearance against Columbus, San Jose midfielder Ryan Johnson will play in his 100th game as a member of the Earthquakes. Since his first game for San Jose on April 3, 2008, Johnson has scored 17 goals and notched 13 assists.
Lenhart Hot Streak Continues
Steven Lenhart has scored five goals in his last six games for San Jose after not finding the net in his first five starts with the club. He is one goal away from tying his career high for a single season. Lenhart scored six goals with the Columbus Crew in 2010, San Jose’s opponent on Saturday.
Earthquakes 4v4, Presented by Wells Fargo
The San Jose Earthquakes will kick off their first 4v4 Tournament presented by Wells Fargo on Saturday, July 23. Registration is open at www.sjearthquakes.com/4v4. The Earthquakes 4v4 Presented by Wells Fargo are adult and youth 4v4 soccer tournaments that will take place on three upcoming weekends. The first tournament is set for July 23 at Independence High School in San Jose, followed by tournaments on Aug. 28 at Cesar Chavez Academy in East Palo Alto and Sept. 18 at Alden Oliver Sports Park in Hayward. Divisions include boys and girls U-8 through U-19, Men’s and Women’s Rec, Adult CoEd and Men’s Open. Prizes will be awarded to the first and second place teams in all divisions. All participants receive an Earthquakes ticket, event t-shirt, and other gifts. There will also be appearances by Earthquakes players. Participation fees are $120 for Youth and Adult Rec, and $150 for Men’s Open
Wondo Nominated for an ESPY
San Jose Earthquakes and US National Team forward Chris Wondolowski has been nominated for an ESPY in the Best MLS Player category after his meteoric rise to become the top goal scorer in the league over the last two seasons. Others nominated for Best MLS Player include Edson Buddle, formerly of the LA Galaxy, Landon Donovan of the LA Galaxy and David Ferreira of FC Dallas. Voting for Best MLS Player is underway at www.espn.com/espy. Fans can also vote at www.facebook.com/espn. The award show will air live at 6 p.m. PT on Wednesday, July 13 from the Nokia Theater in Downtown Los Angeles with host Seth Meyers.
Busch the Shot Stopper
Eighteen games into the season, Earthquakes goalkeeper Jon Busch is third in the league in saves with 64. Toronto FC’s Stefan Frei leads the pack with 77 saves in 21 matches, and Matt Reis of the New England Revolution is in second with 66 saves in 15 games.
Busch Among MLS Career Leaders for Shutouts
Jon Busch picked up his 58th career clean sheet on July 9 in a 0-0 draw against the Philadelphia Union at Buck Shaw Stadium. The Earthquakes’ starting goalkeeper is eighth among MLS all-time leaders. He has recorded 12 shutouts in two seasons with San Jose, 21 during three seasons (2007-09) with the Chicago Fire and 25 in five seasons (2002-06) with the Columbus Crew. Next on the list are New England Revolution keeper Matt Reis and former MLS standout Tony Meola with 62.
Wells Fargo Soccer Mom of the Match
Wells Fargo will feature a Soccer Mom of the Match for each Earthquakes home game in 2011. The promotion kicked off on Saturday, June 25 with Tina Castaneda of San Jose taking home the award. One nominated mom will be selected for on-field and video-board recognition prior to kickoff each week. The winner will also receive four match tickets to an Earthquakes home game, a parking pass, and a jersey. They will also have the special privilege to watch pre-game warm ups from the field. If you know somebody who goes above and beyond for their soccer team or league who you think deserves the honor of being our “Soccer Mom of the Match,” make their case by filling out the nomination form. To nominate a mom, visit: www.sjearthquakes.com/soccermom.
History of the Quakes – Columbus Crew Rivalry
The Earthquakes and the Crew have had a strong rivalry in MLS history, playing twice in the playoffs and competing in a number of memorable games … In 2001, the Quakes eliminated the Crew from the MLS Cup Playoffs with two convincing wins, 3-1 and 3-0 en route to winning the MLS Cup … Columbus turned the tables on San Jose in 2002 by knocking the Quakes out of the playoffs with a pair of 2-1 victories that both came on goals in the final 10 minutes of the game … Quakes midfielder Ronnie Ekelund scored one of the best goals in league history against Columbus on Sept. 7, 2002. Richard Mulrooney lifted a free kick up for Ekelund, who half-volleyed a shot from 25 yards out into the upper corner. The Quakes went on to win 4-3 in overtime. That overtime win was the team’s only regular season overtime win in team history. The Quakes went 1-1-26 all-time in regular season overtime games. The league eliminated overtimes for the regular season following the 2003 season … Last season, both games ended in ties. After a 2-2 draw in San Jose, with goals from Eddie Gaven and Chad Marshall for the Crew and Arturo Alvarez and Chris Wondolowski for the Earthquakes, the two sides battled to a 0-0 tie in Columbus ... This season the Earthquakes took the first game 3-0 with goals from Chris Wondolowski, Steven Lenhart and Khari Stephenson.
Earthquakes – Columbus Crew Connections
Quakes defender Chris Leitch played for the Columbus Crew in 2002 and again in 2006 … Quakes goalkeeper Jon Busch played with Columbus from 2002-2006 and ranks second in their franchise history in shutouts … Quakes defender Tim Ward played with the Crew from 2006-2007 … Quakes forward Steven Lenhart played with the Crew from 2008-2010 ... Columbus defender Danny O’Rourke was the Earthquakes first round draft pick in 2005, playing 13 games for San Jose in 2005, and also went to Indiana, the same school as Quakes midfielder Brad Ring, who played two seasons there with Crew players Andy Adlard and Rich Balchan in 2007-2008 … Crew goalkeeper William Hesmer was a college teammate of Quakes forward Scott Sealy at Wake Forest from 2001-2003, while Quakes defender Ike Opara and midfielder Sam Cronin are also Wake Forwards alumni … Hesmer also played with Sealy (2005-06) and Quakes midfielder Khari Stephenson (2005) with the Kansas City Wizards ... Crew midfielder Eddie Gaven played in New York from 2003-2005 with current Quakes defender Chris Leitch and in 2005 with Quakes defenders Jason Hernandez and Tim Ward ... Crew midfielder Josh Gardner played under Quakes head coach Frank Yallop with the Los Angeles Galaxy from 2004-2006 ... Crew forward Jeff Cunningham played with Quakes forward Ryan Johnson at Real Salt Lake in 2006 ... Columbus head coach Robert Warzycha was a player for the Crew in 2002 while Chris Leitch played there … Columbus defender Chad Marshall played college soccer at Stanford.
Earthquakes All-Time Leaders vs. Columbus Crew
Forward Scott Sealy has three goals and two assists in 15 career appearances … Forward Ryan Johnson and defender Ramiro Corrales each have three goals … Midfielder Bobby Convey has one goal and three assists in 17 career appearances … Forward Chris Wondolowski has two goals and one assist in eight career appearances ... Goalkeeper Jon Busch has one win and six ties in seven career appearances with three shutouts.
Columbus Crew All-Time Leaders vs. Earthquakes
Forward Jeff Cunningham has 11 goals and eight assists in 27 career appearances ... Midfielder Eddie Gaven has two goals and two assists in 12 career appearances … Midfielder/forward Robbie Rogers has three goals and one assist in six career appearances … Defender Chad Marshall has two goals in ten career appearances … Midfielder Emmanuel Ekpo has three assists in six career appearances ... Goalkeeper William Hesmer has two wins and a tie in five career appearances with two shutouts.
San Jose Earthquakes on Twitter
@SJEarthquakes – Official account of the San Jose Earthquakes
@ChrisWondo – 2010 MLS Budweiser Golden Boot Winner Chris Wondolowski
@AnthonyAmpai – Rookie from NCAA Champion Akron University Anthony Ampaipitakwong
@bobbyburling – Veteran central defender and sports trivia guru Bobby Burling
@BradRing87 – Third-year central midfielder Brad Ring
@JHernandez21 – Veteran center back and social maven Jason Hernandez
@awebs13 – Witty goalkeeper Andrew Weber
@MattLuzu32 – First-year striker Matt Luzunaris
San Jose’s Record in July
The Quakes are 21-31-15 all-time in July in MLS play.
