This Week
The San Jose Earthquakes (14-6-5, 47 pts.) will host the Colorado Rapids in a Western Conference clash on Saturday, Aug. 25 at Buck Shaw Stadium. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on Comcast SportsNet California, 1590 KLIV (English) and 1370 KZSF (Spanish).
Earthquakes Schedule for the Week of 8/20/12
Tuesday, Aug. 21 – 10:15 a.m. – Practice at Earthquakes Training Facility
Wednesday, Aug. 22 – Off
Thursday, Aug. 23 – 10:15 – Practice at Buck Shaw Stadium
Friday, Aug. 24 – 10:15 – Practice at Earthquakes Training Facility
Saturday, August 25 – 7:30 pm. PT – Earthquakes vs. Colorado Rapids, Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
Sunday, Aug. 26 – Off
Injury Report
Out: Jean-Marc Alexandre (R – MCL sprain); Joey Gjertsen (R – knee surgery), Jason Hernandez (R – hamstring strain), Shea Salinas (L – hamstring strain), Tim Ward (L – non-specific soft tissue injury); Doubtful: Cesar Diaz Pizarro (R – groin strain).
Earthquakes All-Time Record vs. Colorado Rapids
MLS Regular Season: 22-18-9
Home: 11-8-5 (42 GF, 33 GA)
Away: 11-10-4 (29 GF, 32 GA)
Playoffs: 0-1-0; US Open Cup: 0-0-0
All-Time Scoring: San Jose – 71, Colorado Rapids – 65
Colorado Rapids Info
Last Game vs. Colorado
Earthquakes 2, Colorado Rapids 1; June 20, 2012; Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Denver, Colo.
The San Jose Earthquakes scored twice in the final seven minutes to rally for a 2-1 win against the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. After falling behind on an 18th-minute header from Brian Mullan, the Earthquakes responded with a quality first-half chance from Steven Lenhart. The target man got on the other end of a Justin Morrow cross in the 36th minute, only to be denied by a fingertip save by Rapids goalkeeper Matt Pickens. Following the intermission, Alan Gordon once again came off the bench to bring San Jose back. First, he was in the mix with Rapids defender Hunter Freeman to put the Earthquakes on the board in the 83rd minute. Although, the equalizer was credited as an own goal, Gordon was the man pressing the action for San Jose. In the 90th minute, Simon Dawkins sprung Gordon in the box with a through ball. Gordon tried to go by Pickens but was tripped, earning a stoppage-time spot kick. Chris Wondolowski struck the ensuing shot high and into the net, snaring three road points for San Jose.
Colorado Rapids Scouting Report
The Colorado Rapids (8-15-2, 26 pts.) enter Saturday’s game eighth in the Western Conference, 11 points out of the MLS Cup Playoff race. The Rapids are 2-7-1 since dropping a 2-1 result against the Earthquakes on June 20 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Colombian forward Jaime Castrillon leads the squad with six goals while Jamaican Omar Cummings is next on the scoring list with five strikes of his own. Midfielders Brian Mullan and Martin Rivero have each proved dangerous with seven assists apiece while veteran goalkeeper Matt Pickens is tied for the MLS lead in saves with 83.
History of the Earthquakes-Rapids Rivalry
The Earthquakes have a long history with the Colorado Rapids … They played for the first time in 1996 and the Quakes swept the four-game season series, outscoring Colorado 9-3 in the process … In 1997 Colorado won three of four and swept the Quakes in two games at San Jose … Colorado dominated again in 1998 and had a memorable win at Stanford where they edged the Earthquakes 4-3 in penalty kicks … The Earthquakes returned the favor and beat Colorado 4-3 in penalty kicks in the first match of 1999 and they split the season series 2-2 … 2000 saw the teams split the series again with the Earthquakes winning the first two meetings … on August 25, 2001 the Earthquakes scored three goals in four minutes for their second win of the year against the Rapids. Manny Lagos scored his second goal of the match on an assist from Junior Agogo. Two minutes later Landon Donovan scored on an assist from Ian Russel. Then in the 40th minute Donovan assisted Agogo for the fourth goal. The Quakes added one more and then cruised to a 5-2 victory … In 2002 the teams split the series … In 2003 the Quakes opened the season at Colorado and Brian Ching scored 53 seconds into the match and the Quakes were victorious 2-1 … 2004 began an unbeaten streak in which the Earthquakes did not lose to the Rapids from 2004-2010. The Quakes were 8-0-4 during the streak before losing 1-0 on August 7, 2010 … The two teams met again in the 2010 Eastern Conference Finals, but the Rapids beat the Quakes 1-0 on their way to winning the MLS Cup … The Quakes were unable to beat the Rapids last year, with the Rapids defeating the Quakes 2-1 on August 13, 2011 at Buck Shaw Stadium, and the sides tying 1-1 on September 24, 2011 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park … Earlier this season, San Jose scored twice late in the game, including a 92nd minute penalty from Chris Wondolowski, to knock off Colorado 2-1 at DSG Park.
Earthquakes - Colorado Rapids Connections
Rapids midfielder Pablo Mastroeni played briefly in 1998 with Quakes midfielder Ramiro Corrales for the Miami Fusion and on the U.S. National Team with Quakes goalkeeper Jon Busch on March 9, 2005 against Colombia … Earthquakes players Jed Zayner (2003-05) and Brad Ring (2005-08) and Rapids defender Drew Moor (2003-04) attended the University of Indiana … Rapids goalkeeper Matt Pickens played with Quakes goalkeeper Jon Busch in 2007 with Chicago … Rapids goalkeeper Ian Joyce played at Seton Hall University, the same school where Quakes defender Jason Hernandez played … Rapids midfielder Wells Thompson is a Wake Forest product (2003-06), just like Quakes defender Ike Opara and midfielder Sam Cronin ... Rapids midfielder Brian Mullan played with the Earthquakes from 2003-05 and played with Chris Wondolowski in Houston from 2006-09 … Wondolowski and Rapids midfielder Jeff Larentowicz were both called up to the USMNT this January for its games against Venezuela on January 22 and Panama on January 25. Wondolowski and Larentowicz appeared in both games, both 1-0 victories for the U.S. … Quakes midfielder Khari Stephenson, Rapids defender Tyrone Marshall, and Rapids forward Omar Cummings all represent Jamaica at the international level, with Stephenson winning 26 caps, Marshall winning 82 caps, and Cummings winning 28 caps … Quakes midfielder Jean-Marc Alexandre and Rapids goalkeeper Stewart Ceus both represent Haiti at the international level, with Alexandre winning 13 caps, and Ceus winning seven caps.
Earthquakes All-Time Leaders vs. Colorado Rapids
Forward Chris Wondolowski has four goals and one assist in 10 games against … Forward Alan Gordon has three goals in 14 games … Forward Steven Lenhart has two goals in seven appearances … Defender Ramiro Corrales has three assists in 32 games … Midfielder Marvin Chavez has two goals in six games … Goalkeeper Jon Busch is 5-7-4 and has three shutouts in 16 games.
Colorado Rapids All-Time Leaders vs. Earthquakes
Forward Conor Casey has three goals in five appearances … Midfielder Brian Mullan has one goal and two assists in 12 games … Midfielder Wells Thompson has one goal and one assist in nine games... Defender Tyrone Marshall has three assists in 26 matches … Midfielder Jeff Larentowicz has one goal and one assist in nine appearances … Goalkeeper Matt Pickens is 3-2-1 with one shutout in six appearances.
Community Events
San Jose City Council Recognition
Who: Chris Wondolowski, Steven Beitashour, Justin Morrow, Ramiro Corrales
What: San Jose City Council Chambers, 200 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA 95113
When: Tuesday, Aug. 21 at 1:15 p.m. PT
Details: The club’s four MLS All-Star representatives will receive an award for their participation in the 2012 AT&T All-Star Game.
XFINITY Youth Soccer Clinic in San Jose
Who: Jean-Marc Alexandre, Justin Morrow, Shea Salinas, Evan Newton
What: XFINITY Youth Soccer Clinic
Where: Hoover Middle School Soccer Field, 1635 Park Avenue, San Jose, CA 95191
When: Wednesday, Aug. 22 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Details: Earthquakes players are a part of each clinic, interacting and instructing participants throughout the event. Each child also receives a soccer ball, ticket to an upcoming Earthquakes home game and the chance to meet and greet club players during an exclusive autograph session following the clinic.
Miscellaneous Notes
MLS Cup Playoff Tickets Now on Sale
Earthquakes 2012 MLS Cup Playoff tickets are now on sale at www.sjearthquakes.com/2012playoffs through the March to the Cup Mini-Plan. The mini-plan includes a ticket to three of San Jose’s remaining regular season home games – including the Quakes’ international friendly against San Luis FC on Thursday, Sept. 6 – and the club’s first MLS Cup Playoff home game since 2010. Prices start at $72 per package. For groups of 10 or more, call the club’s front office at 408-556-7700.
Quakes First in Western Conference, Supporters’ Shield Standings
The Earthquakes (14-6-5, 47 pts.) remain atop the Western Conference and Supporters’ Shield standings following the club’s 3-1 loss against the Montreal Impact on Saturday. San Jose holds a one-point advantage over Sporting Kansas City (14-7-4, 46 pts.) in the Supporters’ Shield race. Meanwhile, the Earthquakes are five points ahead of Real Salt Lake (13-10-3, 42 pts.) in the Western Conference table.
Unbeaten Streak Continues at Buck Shaw
The Earthquakes will put their 13-game unbeaten streak at Buck Shaw Stadium on the line against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday. The Rapids are the last team to beat San Jose at their primary home venue, winning 2-1 on Aug. 13, 2011. The Earthquakes are 7-0-3 at Buck Shaw this season and 8-1-3 at home including matches played at AT&T Park and Stanford Stadium.
Chavez Scores for Honduras
Marvin Chavez came off the bench to score in the 88th minute, sealing a 2-0 win for his native Honduras against Boca Juniors on Wednesday at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Fla. He took on a defender, created his own space and whipped in a shot for his third career goal for Los Catrachos. Chavez played the second half in his 28th cap for Honduras while Earthquakes teammate Victor Bernardez started the game at center back, his 54th cap.
Lenhart, Hernandez Suspended for Rapids Match on Saturday
Earthquakes forward Steven Lenhart and defender Jason Hernandez will each serve a one-game suspension on Saturday after receiving red cards in San Jose’s 3-1 loss against the Montreal Impact over the weekend.
Wondolowski Crosses Another off Hit List
Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski crossed another team of his hit list over the weekend, scoring in San Jose’s 3-1 loss against the Montreal Impact at Saputo Stadium. Wondolowski has now scored against 16 of 18 MLS teams with only Portland and Houston remaining. He will get two more cracks at finding the net against the Timbers this season – on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at Buck Shaw Stadium and on Saturday, Oct. 27 at JELD-WEN Field.
Iron Man Morrow
Quakes all-star defender Justin Morrow has played every minute of San Jose’s 25 games this season. He is one of five players in MLS to see the field in each of his club’s 25 matches in 2012. The list also includes Colorado’s Matt Pickens and Drew Moor, Sporting Kansas City’s Jimmy Nielsen and Vancouver’s Lee Young-Pyo.
Wondolowski Approaching MLS Single Season Record for Game-Winning Goals
Chris Wondolowski is one game-winning goal away from tying an MLS record that he shares with former LA Galaxy forward Carlos Ruiz. Wondolowski (2010) and Ruiz (2002) have each recorded nine game-winning goals in a single season. San Jose’s striker has scored the game winner in eight of San Jose’s 14 victories to date.
Wondolowski Closing in on Club Scoring Mark
Chris Wondolowski is six goals away from matching Ronald Cerritos’ club record for career goals scored. Cerritos scored 61 goals in 148 games over six seasons in San Jose. Meanwhile, Wondolowski has 55 goals in 97 games over five seasons for the Earthquakes. Additionally, Wondolowski’s goal against Montreal on Saturday tied his club record for tallies in a single season with 18.
Top of the League
Through 25 games, the Earthquakes are No. 1 in MLS with 48 goals scored and 51 assists. With 32 goals conceded, the Quakes are also No. 1 in the league with a +16 goal differential. San Jose also leads the league with 31 second-half goals and a +18 goal differential in the second half.
Single Season Goals Record
The San Jose Earthquakes continue to close in on the club’s single season record for goals scored. After Saturday’s 3-1 loss against the Montreal Impact, the Earthquakes have scored 48 goals in 2012 to lead the league. That total is the most scored in San Jose since the club returned to MLS in 2008 and seven off the benchmark of 55 set by the San Jose Clash in 1997.
Earthquakes to Host San Luis FC in International Friendly on Sept. 6
The Earthquakes will host San Luis FC of the Mexican Primera Division in an international friendly on Thursday, Sept. 6 at Buck Shaw Stadium at 7:30 p.m. PT. Tickets are on sale at www.sjearthquakes.com or by calling 800-225-2277. The club is also offering a special two-pack: A Supporters’ Section ticket to the Quakes’ match against Chivas USA on Sunday, Sept. 2 as well as San Luis FC for $30 (savings of $14). The offer is available only by visiting www.sjearthquakes.com.
Fifth Annual Soccer Silicon Valley Community Foundation Banquet Set for Oct. 12
The Fifth Annual Soccer Silicon Valley Community Foundation Awards Banquet is slated for Friday, Oct. 12 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, Calif. featuring former Earthquakes defender Jimmy Conrad as the keynote speaker. The event also includes the Andrew Bedard “Spirit of the Game” Award given to an Earthquakes player for the charitable works throughout the year. For ticket, donation and sponsorship information visit www.ssvcf.org/annualdinner.html.
Wells Fargo Goals for Education
Wells Fargo has again pledged to donate $250 for each goal the Earthquakes score in 2012 through the Goals for Education program. With 48 goals through 25 games, the donated total for this season already stands at $12,000. Thanks to 40 goals in 2011, the partnership raised $10,000 for local youth soccer and athletic development programs a year ago.
