VANCOUVER, B.C. – The San Jose Earthquakes fell 2-1 to Vancouver Whitecaps FC Saturday night at BC Place.
Vancouver took the lead in the first half through Alphonso Davis’ goal in the 22nd minute and doubled it in the second with Nicolas Mezquida’s strike in the 78th.
Vako put San Jose on the scoreboard one minute into stoppage time, scoring his ninth tally of the season and third over the past two games. The Quakes made a late rally for a tie, but the match ended with Vancouver taking all three points.
The Quakes now have a bye-week and will return to MLS action when they take on Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, Sept. 15 at 7:15 p.m. PT at Avaya Stadium. The match will be broadcast live on NBC Sports California, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
MLS Regular Season
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2-1 San Jose Earthquakes
Sept. 1, 2018 – BC Place in Vancouver, B.C.
Attendance: 22,120
Scoring Summary: VAN – Alphonso Davis (Yordy Reyna, Kei Kamara) 22; VAN – Nicolas Mezquida (Yordy Reyna) 78; SJ – Vako (Jackson Yueill) 90+1.
Misconduct Summary: SJ – Nick Lima (caution) 42; VAN – Cristian Techera (caution) 63; VAN – Yordy Reyna (caution) 67; SJ – Magnus Eriksson (caution) 83.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC: Stefan Marinovic; Brent Levis, Aaron Maund, Jakob Nerwinski, Kendall Waston; Aly Ghazal, Alphonso Davis; Russell Teibert, Yordy Reyna (Brek Shea 90), Cristian Techera (Nicolas Mezquida 71); Kei Kamara (Erik Hurtado 81).
SHOTS: 16; SHOTS ON TARGET: 5; SAVES: 1; FOULS: 22; CORNER KICKS: 5; OFFSIDES: 1.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Andrew Tarbell; Joel Qwiberg (Shea Salinas 67), Florian Jungwirth, Guram Kashia, Nick Lima; Anibal Godoy (Jahmir Hyka 81), Luis Felipe (Jackson Yueill 58); Chris Wondolowski, Vako, Magnus Eriksson; Danny Hoesen.
SHOTS: 11; SHOTS ON TARGET: 2; SAVES: 3; FOULS: 7; CORNER KICKS: 3; OFFSIDES: 1.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH MIKAEL STAHRE
Overall thoughts on the match:
“I am really disappointed with the result. I think we played until the last minute and really tried to score in the dying seconds. I can’t say that I am super disappointed with the performance, but we are not sharp enough. I think that we followed the game plan ok, the intention was still there, but we were not fast or sharp in our decisions. The reason for that probably is that we played three games in one week.”
On the team’s fight until the end:
“Even after 2-0 here and there are five minutes left, we still fight. They have a good mentality in our locker room. Even if we are in the dead last position in our division, we are still playing for the club, the fans and for each other every single second and I am really happy with that.”
On the difficulties this season:
“It is a complex game. We have been in a really hard season. Most of the time we are losing by one. Like today, we are almost there, but many times we have to travel home with nothing. It is hard to have this defeat.”
On the objectives for the rest of the season:
“Try to win as many games as possible, take some positions in the league, and still maybe reach some teams. Improve our game and our style, but also play for the fans so we can give something back to them.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES FORWARD CHRIS WONDOLOWSKI
On the result:
“It was not good enough across the board. When you dig yourself a hole at 2-0, it is definitely tough to go down. It was good to have a bit of fighting spirit in there and a chance at the end, but all across the board not good enough.”
On the tough season:
“To be honest, especially in this league, it’s the little things, tracking runners, making that extra pass and doing the little things better than the other team. We have only done that four times this year. I think we are right where we deserve to be.”
On improving the performance:
“At times I think we play too individualistic. You can’t do that. You have to play team ball, have an identity and execute the game plan. When you go AWOL on that it hurts.”
On the record chase to become MLS’ all-time leading goal scorer:
“I’m glad I’m in that spot, but at the same time, I do hope to get it done. It’s an amazing chase and pretty cool. I definitely hope I get there, but I just want to win.”
