Stanford, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes continued their run in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a 1-0 win against Minnesota Stars FC Tuesday night at Stanford’s Cagan Stadium.
With the win, the Earthquakes advanced to host a U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal on June 26 at Kezar Stadium against Seattle Sounders FC, 5-0 winners against Cal FC on Tuesday.
This week it was Steven Lenhart providing the dramatic moment, heading home a cross from Steven Beitashour in the 85th minute. Chavez started the play on the sideline, playing a pass to Beitashour who snuck his cross into the mix where Lenhart leapt highest to send San Jose through.
San Jose saw most of the quality chances over 90 minutes. The best came in the 27th minute when Alan Gordon played Lenhart into the box. Lenhart beat everyone to the ball and fired toward goal, but the shot deflected off of Stars FC goalkeeper Matt VanOekel and into the crossbar.
Opening the second half, Ike Opara had a look on a corner kick in the 48th minute. Chavez sent the ball in front of the frame and the lanky defender rose to nod a shot on target, but VanOekel parried to keep the sides level.
San Jose kept the pressure on and again found a chance in front of goal in the 61st minute. Ramiro Corrales hustled down the sideline to win a ball before sending a pass into the area. Gordon put his head on the cross, but the shot was just high of the far corner.
The win marks the eighth time in club history the Earthquakes have reached the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal round. The victory also snapped Minnesota’s 17-game unbeaten streak.
The last time San Jose advanced to the final eight was Aug. 24, 2005 when the club fell 2-1 against the LA Galaxy at Spartan Stadium.
Minnesota Stars FC (NASL) at San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
June 5, 2012 – Cagan Stadium, Stanford, Calif.
Attendance: 1,548
Scoring Summary: SJ – Steven Lenhart (Steven Beitashour, Marvin Chavez) 85.
Misconduct Summary: MN – Kyle Altman (caution) 42; SJ – Steven Beitashour (caution) 45; SJ – Ramiro Corrales (caution) 55; MN – Justin Davis (caution) 60; MN – Brian Kallman (caution) 90+3.
San Jose Earthquakes – David Bingham, Steven Beitashour, Ike Opara, Jason Hernandez, Ramiro Corrales, Sam Garza (Simon Dawkins 65), Jean-Marc Alexandre, Tressor Moreno (Sam Cronin 88), Marvin Chavez, Alan Gordon (Rafael Baca 77), Steven Lenhart.
TOTAL SHOTS: 13; SHOTS ON GOAL: 4; SAVES: 3; FOULS: 13; OFFSIDES: 0; CORNER KICKS: 8.
Minnesota Stars FC – Matt VanOekel, Justin Davis, Cristiano Dias, Kyle Altman, Brian Kallman, Neil Hlavaty, Kentaro Takada, Miguel Ibarra, Kevin Venegas, Simone Bracalello (Amani Walker 77), Martin Nunez (Devin Del Do 82).
TOTAL SHOTS: 10; SHOTS ON GOAL: 3; SAVES: 3; FOULS: 8; OFFSIDES: 1; CORNER KICKS: 5.
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SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH FRANK YALLOP
On flow of the game:
“We had some good chances early with Lenny (Steven Lenhart) hitting his shot off of the bar and I thought they had some half chances as well. The game opened up in the second half and we took advantage of that. Marvin (Chavez) on the wing was dangerous and (Simon) Dawkins brought some energy off the bench. That’s their first lost in 18 matches, so obviously they’re a good side. They made it difficult for us, but in the end we played well and I thought we deserved to move on with the win.”
On upcoming four games in 10 days stretch:
“A ten day span with four games is always tough, but we got through a span like that just recently with some good results. We look forward to our matches in Colorado and then after that in Salt Lake City in league play. We will make sure the players are comfortable with our plans for the games and take it one game at a time. I feel comfortable with where we are as a team at the moment and look forward to coming back strong after this break.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER TRESSOR MORENO
On game:
“We tried to do everything possible to win the game. We played out wide, in the middle, and we sent in a lot of crosses. We played passes into tight spaces trying to break them down, and their keeper did very well to keep us off the board. But we kept pushing forward to win the game and we finally broke through in the end.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES FORWARD STEVEN LENHART
On his goal:
“Beita (Steven Beitashour) made a good run and he worked really hard to get there. He put in a good ball and I was able to get a head on it. The team did a great job to try and get that goal. Guys were pushing forward and we kept our heads in the game, just like every other game this year.”
On moving on in the tournament:
“It’s great for our team. The more wins the better. Guys get opportunities to play in these games, and the more games we get to play, the more we mesh as a team. We get to learn more about each other and build camaraderie. We are looking forward to the next round.”
