On this date in club history, the 2003 San Jose Earthquakes bested the Eastern Conference-champion Chicago Fire 4-2 at the Home Depot Center to win their second MLS Cup in three years.
In front of a sellout crowd of 27,000, Ronnie Ekelund, Richard Mulrooney and Landon Donovan helped San Jose explode for an MLS-record four goals in the league’s season finale. Donovan, who was awarded MLS Cup MVP, led the way for San Jose with two goals, becoming the first player to do so in league history.
Pat Onstad, the 2003 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, capped off an historic campaign with a club postseason best eight saves in the final. Seven-year veteran and club captain Jeff Agoos won his second MLS Cup with San Jose and a league record fifth career championship. With the victory, the Earthquakes joined D.C. United as just the second club to win multiple MLS Cups.
2003 MLS Cup Postgame Quotes:
Frank Yallop, on winning championship:
“It was an emotional game for our team after everything that we went through this year. Nobody believed that we could win it this year. I am very happy for the guys in that locker room. They are a great bunch of players.”
Yallop, on game:
“What a final. You couldn’t ask for a better game. We got a little pummeled in the first half, but we went into the locker room 2-0 up. We knew that we would get chances and we put them away today. I think that we came out well in the second half and played a strong game.”
Goalkeeper Pat Onstad, on the penalty kick save:
"I thought on the first goal I got caught near post. It was a shot I could stop. I got caught leaning and I was disappointed. On the PK I thought I could make the save. I felt I had a good chance of stopping it and I did."
Defender Jeff Agoos, on winning MLS Cup for a record fifth time:
"It's great every time, but I think that five is a pretty good number. I don't think it's me but the organizations I've been with. It's a team sport and not just up to one person. I've been fortunate to be with some class organizations."
Landon Donovan, on game:
“It was a tough first half for us. We got outplayed, but we ended up being up 2-0 at halftime, so something had to be going for us today.”
Donovan, on heart of team:
“I wouldn’t trade anyone in our locker room for anyone in the league. They play with more heart than any team in the league and that is why we are successful.”
