The San Jose Earthquakes earned a point Sunday afternoon against the Portland Timbers in front of a sellout crowd of 18,000 at Avaya Stadium. Despite the absence of center back Clarence Goodson, San Jose kept a clean sheet and has now recorded a shutout in four of their last five MLS matches at Avaya Stadium.
San Jose’s next match is against the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium on Saturday, August 8. The two teams have met twice so far this season, with the road team winning each match. The Western Conference contest kicks off at 6:00 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on CSNCA, 1590 KLIV and 1370 KZSF.
Last MLS Game
Earthquakes 0, Portland Timbers 0; August 2, 2015; Avaya Stadium, San Jose, California
The San Jose Earthquakes kept a clean sheet and earned a point against the Portland Timbers in front of a sellout crowd of 18,000 at Avaya Stadium. San Jose has now recorded a shutout in four of their last five MLS matches at Avaya Stadium. San Jose was forced to play the match without one of their two starting center backs, Clarence Goodson, due to a left leg injury that he sustained during the Quakes last game against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. His replacement, Jordan Stewart, made his first start of the season at center back, while midfielder Marc Pelosi made his first league appearance at Avaya Stadium, entering the match in the 78th minute. The Earthquakes nearly got on the board in the 7th minute. Midfielder Shea Salinas sent a cross into the middle of the box to Quakes forward Chris Wondolowski, who was able to sneak behind the Portland back line unguarded. Wondolowski took the shot from only a few yards away, but Portland goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey was able to make the save. In the 34th minute, San Jose almost found the back of the net again after Salinas chipped a shot from the left side of the penalty area to the back post. The shot narrowly avoided the punch by Kwarasey, but drifted just wide. In the 47th minute, Portland forward Fanendo Adi hit a low shot, which snuck past Quakes keeper David Bingham, but smacked the far post. The Earthquakes created another chance in the 61st minute. Quakes defender Marvell Wynne floated in a cross, but midfielder Fatai Alashe’s header went just high. Two minutes later, San Jose defender Shaun Francis held possession on the left flank, cut back onto his right foot and curled his shot up and over Kwarasey. His shot attempt drifted just long, landing on top of the net. In the 75th minute, Portland seemed destined to take the lead when a penalty was drawn, but midfielder Diego Valeri’s PK attempt caromed off the crossbar, eventually being cleared out of danger.
MLS Regular Season
San Jose Earthquakes 0-0 Portland Timbers
August 2, 2015 – Avaya Stadium
Attendance: 18,000
Scoring Summary: None.
Misconduct Summary: SJ – Shaun Francis (caution) 14; SJ – Jordan Stewart (caution) 88.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: David Bingham, Marvell Wynne, Victor Bernardez, Jordan Stewart, Shaun Francis, Fatai Alashe, Cordell Cato (Sanna Nyassi 64), Chris Wondolowski, Matias Perez Garcia (Tommy Thompson 82), Shea Salinas (Marc Pelosi 78), Quincy Amarikwa.
SHOTS: 12; SHOTS ON GOAL: 3; SAVES: 5; FOULS: 16; CORNER KICKS: 11; OFFSIDES: 1.
PORTLAND TIMBERS: Adam Kwarasey, Alvas Powell (Taylor Peay 46), Nat Borchers, Liam Ridgewell, Jorge Villafana, Will Johnson, Diego Chara, Diego Valeri, Darlington Nagbe, Rodney Wallace (Maximilano Urruti 80), Fanendo Adi (Lucas Melano 66).
SHOTS: 15; SHOTS ON GOAL: 5; SAVES: 3; FOULS: 11; CORNER KICKS: 5; OFFSIDES: 0.
OPPONENT INFORMATION
Earthquakes vs. Houston Dynamo All-Time
MLS Regular Season: 6-7-1
Home: 4-3-1 (11 GF, 8 GA)
Away: 2-4-0 (6 GF, 10 GA)
Playoffs: 0-0-0; US Open Cup: 0-0-0
All-Time Scoring: San Jose – 17, Dynamo – 18
Last Game vs. Houston Dynamo
Earthquakes 0, Houston Dynamo 2; July 10, 2015; Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California
The San Jose Earthquakes fell to the Houston Dynamo 2-0 at Avaya Stadium. Forward Quincy Amarikwa made his first appearance with San Jose since being acquired in a trade with the Chicago Fire, starting and playing 84 minutes, while Designated Player Matias Perez Garcia returned from his one-game absence due to injury. Houston took a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute. Midfielder Alexander Lopez whipped in an in-swinging cross and midfielder Ricardo Clark’s diving header got past Quakes keeper David Bingham and into the back of the net. In the 21st minute, Quakes midfielder Fatai Alashe played the ball off his chest and ripped a volley from 25 yards out, forcing keeper Tyler Deric to make an uncomfortable save and knock the ball out for a corner kick. In the 32nd minute, San Jose was awarded an indirect free kick inside the penalty area. Defender Victor Bernardez received a quick pass and blasted a shot that beat the keeper, but smacked the woodwork, causing a scramble in front of net. The loose ball was eventually cleared to safety. Houston doubled their lead in the 81st minute. Dynamo midfielder Leonel Miranda intercepted a back pass to the keeper and fed forward Will Bruin across the box, who slotted his shot into the empty net.
History of the Quakes-Houston Dynamo Rivalry
The history of the Earthquakes-Dynamo rivalry pre-dates their first meeting on the field, as the original San Jose Earthquakes moved to Houston following the 2005 season, with MLS eventually returning to San Jose in 2008 … The first meeting between the two clubs came on May 22, 2008, when the Earthquakes edged the Dynamo, 2-1, at Buck Shaw Stadium on the strength of second-half goals by Kei Kamara and Ivan Guerrero … On Sept. 13, 2008, the Earthquakes and Dynamo battled to the lone tie in the all-time series between the two clubs, a 1-1 draw at Buck Shaw Stadium … Later that season on Oct. 15, the Dynamo handed the Earthquakes a 2-1 defeat at Robertson Stadium … In 2009, the Earthquakes and Dynamo split the season series, with the Earthquakes winning 3-2 at Buck Shaw on March 28, and the Dynamo earning a 3-1 victory on May 23 at Robertson … With a 2-1 triumph over Houston at Robertson on Sept. 5, 2010, San Jose became the first of the two clubs to record a win on the road, as Earthquakes midfielder Khari Stephenson and former forward Geovanni each scored the first goals of their MLS careers … Houston returned the favor with a 1-0 decision at Buck Shaw on Oct. 16, 2010 … On June 4, 2011, San Jose earned a 2-0 home victory, the second-half goals coming from Steven Lenhart and Simon Dawkins … At the end of 2011, the Dynamo produced a come-from-behind 2-1 win in Houston on Sept. 17 … In 2012, the Houston Dynamo picked up a 1-0 victory thanks to a Brian Ching first-half penalty at AT&T Park in San Francisco on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17 … Houston won the two teams’ first meeting at BBVA Compass Stadium 2-0 on March 30, 2013 thanks to goals from Will Bruin and Giles Barnes … San Jose routed Houston in a 3–0 victory on May 25, 2014 at Buck Shawn Stadium in Santa Clara, CA … With the help of a second half goal by forward Adam Jahn, the Earthquakes defeated the Dynamo 1-0 on May 5, 2015 at BVAA Compass Stadium … In their second meeting of the season, the Quakes fell to the Dynamo 2-0 at Avaya Stadium on July 10.
Earthquakes – Houston Dynamo Connections
Following the 2005 MLS season, the San Jose Earthquakes relocated to Houston as the Houston Dynamo … The Earthquakes (2001, 2003) and Dynamo (2006, 2007) each have a pair of MLS Cup championships, with only D.C. United (4) and the LA Galaxy (5) having earned more MLS titles … Earthquakes head coach Dominic Kinnear coached the Houston Dynamo for nine seasons from 2006 to 2014 … Dynamo assistant coach Wade Barrett played for San Jose from 1998-02, and again in 2005, and still ranks among the club’s all-time leaders in several statistical categories, including fifth in appearances (142) … San Jose forward Chris Wondolowski played for the Dynamo from 2006-09, scoring four goals in 37 games … Houston midfielder Brad Davis played with the Quakes in 2005, scoring two goals and notching eight assists in 18 games, making up the one holdover from the squad that moved from San Jose … Quakes midfielder Tommy Thompson (2013) and Dynamo forward Will Bruin (2008-10) both played at Indiana University … Houston’s Tyler Deric made his MLS debut with Houston vs. San Jose on Oct. 16, 2010, making three saves to post his first career shutout and the first in league play for the Dynamo since July 10, 2010, breaking a streak of 12 games without a shutout … Houston’s Ricardo Clark was a member of the Earthquakes in 2005, appearing in 30 games, starting all but two of the appearances, and scored three goals … Quakes defender Victor Bernardez and Houston midfielder Oscar Boniek Garcia represented Honduras in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil … Quakes forward Mike Fucito and Houston defender David Horst were teammates with the Portland Timbers in 2012 … Quakes defender Clarence Goodson and Houston midfielder Brad Davis were teammates with the Dallas Burn in 2004 … Dynamo forward Giles Barnes and Quakes defender Jordan Stewart are both from England … Quakes forward Mark Sherrod made nine appearances for Houston in 2014 and scored two goals.
EARTHQUAKES IN THE COMMUNITY
Modelo Player Appearance
Who: Earthquakes midfielder Cordell Cato
What: Signing autographs and taking photos with fans
Where: O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub: 25 N San Pedro St, San Jose CA 95110
When: Tuesday, August 4 at 5:30pm
Modelo Player Appearance
Who: Earthquakes forward Mark Sherrod
What: Signing autographs and taking photos with fans
Where: The Britannia Arms –Almaden: Robertsville Square, 5027 Almaden Expy, San Jose, CA 95118
When: Thursday, August 6 at 5:30pm
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
Lock Down Defense
San Jose’s defense has been stellar at Avaya Stadium this season, allowing a total of four goals in seven MLS matches. With the clean sheet on Sunday, the Quakes have now shut out their opponents in four of their last five matches at their new venue [W 1-0 vs. VAN (4/11); W 2-0 vs. CLB (5/16); D 0-0 vs. DAL (6/7); D 0-0 vs. POR (8/2)].
Adjusting on the Fly
With the absence of defender Clarence Goodson on Sunday, Jordan Stewart, the team’s regular left back, was forced to make his first start of the season at center back. Stewart responded by playing 90 minutes and helping lead the team to a clean sheet.
First MLS Appearance at Avaya Stadium
Earthquakes midfielder Marc Pelosi made his first MLS appearance at home on Sunday against Portland, entering the match in the 78th minute. Pelosi had previously played at Avaya Stadium against Manchester United as part of the International Champions Cup (7/21) and later made his MLS debut at BC Place against Vancouver Whitecaps FC (7/26).
Young American Trio Competes Together at Home
The Earthquakes currently have three central midfielders on their roster that are 21 years of age or younger and have represented various U.S. youth national team – Fatai Alashe, Marc Pelosi and Tommy Thompson. On Sunday against Portland, the three players found themselves on the field together for the first time at Avaya Stadium when Pelosi (78th min) and Thompson (82nd min) entered as second-half subs.
Drawing Free Kicks and Taking Them
Not only does Quakes midfielder Matias Perez Garcia take the majority of the team’s free kicks, but he earns them as well. Perez Garcia has drawn 61 fouls this season, most in Major League Soccer.
Midfield Magician
Quakes midfielder Matias Perez Garcia has registered six assists in his last 11 MLS matches and San Jose has only lost three times in those 11 contests (4-3-4). In the process, he has boosted his game-winning assist total to four, tied for the most in Major League Soccer. The club is also 4–0 this year when MPG records an assist or scores [at HOU (5/5); vs. CLB (5/16); at SEA (6/20); vs. LA (6/27)].
Acquisition Pays Dividends
Since being acquired via trade with the Chicago Fire, Quakes forward Quincy Amarikwa has scored three goals in four games for the Earthquakes [2 at LA (7/17); 1 at VAN on (7/26)].
Quakes Among MLS Leaders
Currently, several Earthquakes rank near or at the top of numerous statistical categories. Among them are:
• Matias Perez Garcia – 61 fouls suffered (1st in MLS)
• Matias Perez Garcia – 4 game-winning assists (t-1st in MLS)
• Matias Perez Garcia – 89 corner kicks (2nd in MLS)
• Matias Perez Garcia – 6 assists (t-6th in MLS)
• David Bingham – 77 saves (1st in MLS)
• David Bingham – 6 shutouts (t-5th in MLS)
• David Bingham – 72.6 save pct. (7th in MLS)
• Chris Wondolowski – 9 goals (t-6th in MLS)
Greatest Six-Year Span in MLS History
Including nine goals so far this year, Chris Wondolowski has tallied 95 goals since the start of the 2010 season, the most by any player over a six-year span in MLS history. Wondolowski still has the remainder of this season to add to his league record. Only three other players ever registered more than 80 goals in a six-year span – Taylor Twellman (91 from 2002-07), Roy Lassiter (88 from 1996-01) and Carlos Ruiz (81 from 2002-07).
MLS Goals Since 2010
Chris Wondolowski has been by far the league’s most efficient striker since 2010, leading the league in goals during that time span:
1. Chris Wondolowski - 95 goals
2. Alvaro Saborio - 64
3. Robbie Keane - 62
4. Kei Kamara - 52
5. Thierry Henry - 51
T6. Landon Donovan - 48
T6. Sebastian Le Toux - 48
8. Fabian Espindola - 47
T9. Dwayne De Rosario - 42
T9. Dominic Oduro - 42
Kinnear Can Keep a Lead
Teams under head coach Dominic Kinnear are 123-11-43 when scoring first, a .816 winning percentage. As head coach of the Earthquakes, Kinnear has only lost twice when his team scored first, a 26-2-8 record overall.
Halftime Success
Since the beginning of the 2000 season, the Quakes are 108-4-23 when leading at the half, including a 4-1-2 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 106-13-31 since 2001 when scoring the first goal. The club is 4-1-1 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.
San Jose Earthquakes to Host Fourth Annual Wine and Dine Event on August 29
The San Jose Earthquakes announced that the club will host its Wine and Dine with the Earthquakes event on Sunday, August 29 at The Mountain Winery in Saratoga. The event will be held for the fourth-consecutive year and for the first time at The Mountain Winery. Guests will enjoy tasting The Mountain Winery’s red and white wines, while mingling with Earthquakes players, coaches and front office staff at the VIP Redwood Deck and Vista Point. They will also experience the irresistible charm of the winery as well as the picturesque views the winery offers. The event will feature a buffet dinner on the Chateau Deck, live auction, and raffle. All proceeds raised will go to the San Jose Earthquakes 501(c)(3) non-profit, the San Jose Earthquakes Community Fund.
