SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes fell 1-0 to Seattle Sounders FC on Sunday afternoon in front of a sellout crowd at Avaya Stadium. After a scoreless 90 minutes, Sounders FC forward Jordan Morris tallied the match's lone goal four minutes into stoppage time.
The Earthquakes took 22 shots and forced 10 saves by Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei, tying his season high.
Despite the result, San Jose would punch their ticket to the postseason with a win in the season finale next Sunday in Portland. The Quakes are just one point behind seventh-place FC Dallas and two points behind the sixth-place Portland Timbers.
Sunday's Decision Day matchup is set for 1 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live NBC Sports California, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
MATCH NOTES:
The Earthquakes now hold a record of 13-15-5 in regular-season play and remain in eighth in the Western Conference. The Quakes would earn their spot in the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs with a win in Portland on Decision Day.
The Quakes are now 10-11-6 in regular-season matchups against Seattle Sounders FC.
MLS Regular Season
San Jose Earthquakes 0 - 1 Seattle Sounders FC
Sept. 29, 2019 - Avaya Stadium in San Jose, Calif.
Attendance: 18,000
Scoring Summary: SEA - Jordan Morris (unassisted) 90+4.
Misconduct Summary: SJ -Tommy Thompson (ejection) 56; SEA - Xavier Arreaga (caution) 60; SEA - Xavier Arreaga (ejection) 71; SEA - Nouhou Tolo (caution) 87.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel Vega; Nick Lima, Florian Jungwirth, Guram Kashia, Tommy Thompson; Cristian Espinoza (Carlos Fierro 82), Jackson Yueill, Magnus Eriksson, Vako (Shea Salinas 61); Danny Hoesen, Chris Wondolowski (Andy Rios HT).
SHOTS: 22, SHOTS ON GOAL: 10; SAVES: 5; FOULS: 13; CORNER KICKS:8, OFFSIDES: 0.
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC: Stefan Frei; Brad Smith (Roman Torres 88), Xavier Arreaga, Kim Kee-hee, Kelvin Leerdam; Cristian Roldan, Gustav Svensson; Joevin Jones (Jordy Delem 74), Victor Rodriguez (Nouhou Tolo 79), Jordan Morris; Raul Ruidiaz.
SHOTS: 8, SHOTS ON GOAL: 5; SAVES: 10; FOULS: 9; CORNER KICKS: 7,OFFSIDES: 1.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH MATIAS ALMEYDA
On managing the pressure and priorities that present themselves in these matchups:
"Honestly, we put a lot of work into that mentally, with rest, and the team performed well. They had a great match. I am really pleased with the performance of the team, not the result. But this result, regardless of a win or draw, would not have made a difference. There are still 98 minutes left in which the fate of our season will be determined. In general, we should be proud of our players and we are very grateful for the people that came to support us today. I experienced a fantastic atmosphere today - a great spectacle."
On what went wrong:
"I think they [Seattle Sounders FC] weren't even expecting to score a goal because they kept waiting and we played most of the match with just 10 players. I just looked at the numbers in terms of how many shots they took, corner kicks taken, ball possession and passing, and our team was superior considering the risks we took while being a man down. We were left with a majority of attacking players. These players always show effort and dedication. We were not exposed and the team controlled possession of the ball with just 10 players. We hit the post twice. We had our chances and I think we got back to the way we had been playing throughout the season."
On any concern over the stretch of recent losses:
"No, because many other teams also have not been winning. If they were, that could have made a big difference, and I think that's something natural in this league. It's still just the first year in which I took part in this league. As we get closer to the end, many teams have fallen due to fitness, emotions and the risks they take. It's even across the league. In our conference, four teams are still in the race for playoffs."
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER SHEA SALINAS
On the team's performance:
"I thought we responded really well. We had good control of the game. There were times that we didn't, but most of the time we had good control. You could see every guy left everything they had out there. We had our chances and just weren't able to put them away."
On the emotions after the game:
"We were just going for three points. That's what we came to do. Once the final whistle blew, it was disappointment, but everyone came in the locker room and said there's still hope. Win and we're in. We're excited for that."
On having a chance to make the postseason:
"After four games if you would have asked us that if we could play the last game and win it to be in the playoffs, everyone one of us would have said yes. We went on a string of results that was great. We were not expecting to be in this situation, but here we are. Now we just have to get our heads around one game. We can battle for one game. We can play all out for one game and get the win."
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER MAGNUS ERIKSSON
On managing emotions after the game:
"We wanted more. We deserved more, but we didn't get it today, we didn't get it in Atlanta and we didn't get it against Philly. Hopefully we will next weekend. If we win, we're in. That's good to know."
On the team now compared to the strong midseason run:
"It's small details in football. We do exactly what we did in July as well. If we get the first goal after five minutes, that changes everything. We have a big belief in what we're doing. It's really nice to have it in our hands, and we're looking forward to next weekend."
On confidence this week:
"We're a great group in here. We're going to train and enjoy training together. Later on this week we'll talk about the opponent. We have harmony in the group so we don't have any issues on that point. We're just looking forward to next week. We need to step up our game a little bit, but it's small details and we'll be really prepared for Sunday."
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES FORWARD DANNY HOESEN
On if something needs to change after five matches without a point:
"I don't think we need to change too much. The effort is there and the belief is there. We were a little bit unlucky, but we still have a second chance. We'll keep the same belief and just be a little bit better in the final third."
On the mentality of the team entering the final week with recent results:
"The coach handles it well. Even today he said he was proud of what we showed effort-wise. Even with 10 men, we still kept the ball and kept attacking. That's really positive. I'm not afraid that anybody is going to drop his head down. It's a big chance. It's a final. That's going to be very exciting."
On regaining his form:
"It's been a tough season with injuries, family problems, losing your spot. It's not easy. It's something I have to deal with personally. I love to be a part of this team. Obviously I want to get back to my top form. Hopefully I get another chance next week."
