This Week's Match-Up
The Earthquakes head to Dallas this weekend with the season on the line as they take on the Burn on Saturday, October 16 at the Cotton Bowl in the regular season finale. The match kicks off at 5:30 p.m. and will be televised live in high definition on HDNet. It will also be aired live on 1590 AM KLIV. The Quakes need a win or a tie to clinch the fourth and final playoff berth in the Western Conference. A loss would end the Quakes season.
Earthquakes All-Time Record vs. Dallas Burn
MLS Regular Season: 18-13-0
Home: 11-5-0
Away: 7-8-0
Shootout: 4-3 (1996-99)
Overtime: 0-0-0 (2000-2003)
Playoffs: 0-0-0; U.S. Open Cup: 0-0-0
All-Time Scoring: San Jose - 56, Dallas - 35
Injury Report/Suspensions
Out: Chris Ronér (R - ankle surgery); Eddie Robinson (L - LCL sprain); Questionable: Troy Dayak (R - shoulder sprain); Jeff Agoos (Lower back strain); Probable: Craig Waibel (L - Hamstring Strain).
Last Match
Kansas City Wizards 0; Earthquakes 0; Saturday, October 9; Spartan Stadium: San Jose, Calif.
The San Jose Earthquakes earned a 0-0 tie against the Kansas City Wizards to move two points ahead of the Dallas Burn for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. A crowd of 25,311 saw the Quakes create a number of clear chances, but the post and Wizards goalkeeper Bo Oshoniyi kept the Quakes off the board. The Earthquakes started the game applying pressure early to the Kansas City goal. In just the second minute Brian Mullan received a pass on the left side of the penalty area and beat his defender before sending a dangerous cross to Ian Russell in the middle of the Wizards six-yard box. As Russell attempted to tap the ball past the goalkeeper, the Wizards defense collapsed and knocked the ball away. The Quakes continued to pressure on corner kicks throughout the first half as they created two more clear-cut opportunities three minutes apart. After a save from Oshoniyi on a Todd Dunivant shot, Mulrooney served a corner to the near post, but Ryan Cochrane's twisting header bounced off the post. Two minutes later in the 34th minute, Ching elevated for a header on another Mulrooney corner kick and drove it on goal, but Oshoniyi dove to his right to make the save. The Quakes had one of their best opportunities of the night in the 82nd minute as Richard Mulrooney recovered the ball off a Wizards turnover and dribbled towards the goal before unleashing a shot from 22 yards out that deflected off a diving Oshoniyi's arm and off the bottom of the crossbar. A charging Ching was unable to put the rebound away.
Last Match vs. Burn
Earthquakes 3, Burn 0; Saturday, August 21, 2004; Spartan Stadium; San Jose, Calif.
The San Jose Earthquakes moved into fourth place in the Western Conference with a convincing 3-0 victory over the Dallas Burn at Spartan Stadium. Ramiro Corrales scored in the 5th minute and the Quakes used an own goal and Brian Ching's league-leading 11th goal of the season to down the Burn 3-0 behind Pat Onstad's fourth shutout of the season. The Earthquakes took a 1-0 lead in the fifth minute off a brilliant finish from Ramiro Corrales. After a long ball from the right side to the top of the Dallas penalty area found Ronnie Ekelund, he flicked the ball ahead to an on-rushing Landon Donovan. Donovan controlled the ball and maneuvered around the aggressive Burn goalkeeper, who attempted to get the ball. Donovan dribbled off to his left, and laid the ball off for Corrales, who blasted a shot past Jeff Cassar. With the Quakes in control of the match, Corrales helped the Quakes to a 2-0 advantage in the 24th minute when he stole the ball on the left side of the field, dribbled around Ronnie O'Brien and then headed downfield. Corrales sent a cross into the middle toward Ching, but before it could get to the Quakes forward, Dallas defender Cory Gibbs jumped in the air to block the ball and deflected it into the goal, giving San Jose a 2-0 lead with the own goal. After Jason Kreis tested San Jose goalkeeper Pat Onstad in the 45th minute, Ching added to his MLS-leading goal-scoring tally with a beautiful finish in the 52nd minute to put the Quakes up 3-0. After some solid Quakes possession, Richard Mulrooney sent a ball from deep in the midfield to Ching at the top of the 18-yard box. Ching chested the ball down to Donovan and turned into the box, where Donovan laid a pass off to him. Ching then blasted a high shot over a sliding Scott Garlick, who had replaced an injured Jeff Cassar, and into the net for the final 3-0 tally.
MISC. NOTES
In October
The Earthquakes all time regular season record in the month of October is 1-3-3.
Quakes Zero In On Playoff Race
By earning a 0-0 tie with the Kansas City Wizards on Saturday, the Quakes now lead the Dallas Burn by two points in the Western Conference and sit just three points behind the Colorado Rapids. With one match remaining for all teams in the regular season, the Quakes need a win or a tie against the Burn this Saturday to clinch a playoff spot. The Quakes could move into third place in the West if they earn a win and the Rapids lose to the Columbus Crew this weekend. By winning, San Jose would tie Colorado with 40 points and the Quakes hold the second tiebreaker (goal difference against all teams), which would earn them third in the final Western Conference standings.
Earthquakes Viewing Parties
There are two places where Quakes fans can catch all the action of Saturday's important regular season finale against the Dallas Burn, which is being broadcast on HDNet and 1590 AM KLIV at 5:30 p.m. PT. There will be an official Earthquakes viewing party at the Britannia Arms in Almaden, located at 5027 Almaden Expressway in San Jose. For more information, fans can call (408) 466-0550. Earthquakes fans will also be able to watch the game at Ricky's Sports Theatre and Grill located at 15028 Hesperian Blvd. in San Leandro.
Streaking vs. The Wizards
The Earthquakes are unbeaten in nine of their last 11 matches vs. Kansas City, despite dropping a 1-0 decision to the Wizards on Sept. 18 at Arrowhead Stadium. The last time the Wizards won in San Jose was on Aug. 16, 2000 in a 3-0 win.
Ching Signs New Contract
The San Jose Earthquakes announced last Friday that U.S. National Team forward Brian Ching has signed a new contract with Major League Soccer and the Earthquakes. In keeping with club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed. The Quakes orginally selected Ching, a top contender for MLS Honda MVP and Comeback Player of the Year, first overall in the 2003 MLS Dispersal Draft after making a trade with D.C. United to secure that draft position. In his first season with the Quakes, he scored six goals and notched two assists in 15 games while also earning his first cap with the U.S. National Team before having his season cut short by a ruptured right Achilles tendon on August 16. In 2004, Ching, 26, has been even better as he has been among the leaders in scoring in the league throughout the season, while also earning regular call-ups to the national team. He is currently tied for first in MLS with 11 goals and is tied for fourth in scoring with 26 points. He was also selected to the Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game in late July and scored a goal for the West All-Stars.
Mulrooney Is Quakes Only Constant
Earthquakes midfielder Richard Mulrooney is the only member of the San Jose roster who has started and played 90 minutes in all 29 games for the Quakes in 2004. In his 2,610 minutes of play, Mulrooney has scored one goal and notched eight assists for ten points, which is the fifth highest point total on the Quakes. He is tied for first with three other players with the most minutes played in MLS.
Tie Record
The Quakes also set the club's single season record for ties on Saturday night by earning a 0-0 draw with the Wizards. The previous record of nine was set last year.
Defense Holding Strong
Since the all-star break, the Earthquakes defense has been strong, allowing just seven goals in 12 games and they now rank fourth in MLS in fewest goals allowed with 33. The team has posted seven shutouts in those 12 games, including four in a row from Aug. 14 - Sept. 4. The Quakes have only allowed two teams, (Chicago, Aug. 11, Los Angeles, Sept. 11) to score more than one goal in a game since the all-star break. The Quakes defense has also allowed a league-low 317 shots this season. The Quakes now have eight shutouts in 2004, two shy of the club record for shutouts in a season. The club record for shutouts was set last year as Pat Onstad and Jon Conway combined for 10 shutouts.
Conway in Command
Earthquakes fifth-year veteran goalkeeper Jon Conway made his fifth appearance of the season for San Jose on Saturday and continued his excellent play. He earned his second shutout of the season and lowered his goals against average to 0.60 for the season. Against the Wizards on Saturday, he made three saves to help the Quakes earn their seventh shutout in the past 12 matches.
Playoff Tickets On Sale Now
San Jose Earthquakes MLS Cup playoff tickets for the Western Conference semifinals are on sale now. Individual ticket prices for the Earthquakes 2004 playoff tickets are $45 (VIP), $25 (West Sideline), $15 (East Sideline and Corners) and $12 (Endzone). Youth and senior tickets are available for $12 on the East Sideline and Corners and for $10 in the Endzones. Season ticket holders should use their Playoff Game "A" ticket in their season ticket booklets for this match. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Earthquakes Ticket Office at 100 North Almaden Ave. in downtown San Jose, by logging on to www.sjearthquakes.com, or by calling Ticketmaster at 408-998-TIXS, 415-421-TIXS, 510-625-TIXS, 925-685-TIXS, or by visiting any Ticketmaster outlet, including Tower Records, Rite Aid, and Ritmo Latino. Discounted tickets for groups of 15 or more are available by calling 408-985-GOAL. The 2004 MLS Cup Playoffs begin the weekend of October 22-24. Depending on the Earthquakes final place in the standings, the Quakes could host a home match on the weekend of October 22-24 or October 29-31. If the Earthquakes do not qualify for the playoffs, customers will be entitled to a full refund at their place of purchase.
Quakes In The Community
Monday, October 11 - 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
WHO: Todd Dunivant
WHERE: Greer Park in Palo Alto
DETAILS: Todd Dunivant will be signing autographs for the youth soccer players at Greer Park.
Monday, October 11 - 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
WHO: West Hart
WHERE: Miner Elementary School in San Jose
DETAILS: Wes Hart will be signing autographs for the South San Jose Youth Soccer League Players at Miner Elementary in San Jose.
Tuesday, October 12 - 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
WHO: Steve Cronin
WHERE: Redwood Shores - exact field location TBD
DETAILS: Steve Cronin will be signing autographs at the youth soccer practice.
Wednesday, October 13 - 4:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
WHO: Ronnie Ekelund
WHERE: Fischer Middle School in Los Gatos
Details: Ronnie Ekelund will be signing autographs for the Los Gatos United Soccer Club's youth soccer players practicing at Fischer Middle School.
Sunday, October 17th - 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
WHO: Players TBD
WHERE: Santa Clara University
DETAILS: San Jose Earthquakes Players will be at the ARCA Clinic at Santa Clara University signing autographs and giving tips. For more information regarding the ARCA Clinics, please contact our Sponsorship Department at 408-288-2600.
Donovan Helps U.S. to Win
Earthquakes forward Landon Donovan wore the captain's armband for the first time for the United States National Team as he helped them to a 2-0 win over El Salvador in World Cup Qualifying on Saturday. Donovan earned an assist on the second U.S. goal. Donovan returned to Washington, D.C. with the national team as they prepare for another qualifying match on Wednesday, October 13 against Panama at R.F.K. Stadium. A win by the U.S. would send them to the final group stage of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying. The Americans currently lead their group with eight points. Donovan will meet the Quakes in Dallas following the U.S. match for San Jose's crucial season finale against the Burn.
Onstad and De Rosario Close Again
Forward Dwayne De Rosario and goalkeeper Pat Onstad both played 90 minutes on Saturday against Honduras and helped Canada to a 1-1 draw in World Cup Qualifying. The Canadians held a 1-0 lead late into the match, but Honduras equalized in second half stoppage time. De Rosario had a goal nullified for a foul on the play. The pair returned to Canada with the national team for a match on Wednesday, October 13 against Costa Rica in Vancouver, BC. Canada needs a win to keep their slim hopes of moving on to the next round alive. Both players will then meet the Quakes in Dallas for the final regular season match against the Burn.
League Leaders
Earthquakes forward Brian Ching is the league leader in goals scored with 11 ... Ching is also fourth in MLS in points with 26 on 11 goals and four assists ... Quakes forward Landon Donovan is sixth in assists with nine...Three Quakes (Richard Mulrooney, Brian Mullan and Brian Ching) are all amongst the top ten most fouled players in MLS. Mulrooney has been fouled 85 times, Mullan 69 and Ching 66 times.
Milestones
Ian Russell is just one games behind Ronald Cerritos for fifth all-time in appearances with 117 and could tie him Saturday if he plays against the Burn. Forward Dwayne De Rosario jumped into fifth place all-time in points in Quakes history (54) with his goal on Oct. 2, just one point behind Jeff Baicher for fourth place.
Dallas Domination
The Earthquakes have recently dominated the season series against the Dallas Burn. Though the Burn broke the Quakes seven-game winning streak against Dallas with a 2-1 loss on July 7, San Jose has won 10 of the last 12 matches between the teams. In those 12 games, the Quakes have out-scored Dallas 31-9. San Jose has the edge over the Burn with an 18-13-0 all-time record vs. Dallas.
Quakes on the Road vs. Dallas
The Earthquakes have won three straight matches on the road against the Burn, including a 2-1 victory on May 15 against the Burn. The Quakes last loss in Dallas came on July 13, 2002 when they fell 2-1. Overall, San Jose has won five of their past six matches in Dallas.
Donovan Does It Against Dallas
Landon Donovan has been a major factor in the Earthquakes current success against the Dallas Burn. The Quakes midfielder/forward has registered seven goals and five assists in his last seven games vs. the Burn. Donovan has broken down the Dallas defense more than any other MLS team, notching 21 career points against the Burn. He had two assists in the Quakes 3-0 victory over Dallas on August 21.
Earthquakes - Burn Connections
Burn President & General Manager Greg Elliott served as the executive in charge of the Earthquakes for Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment during the 2001 season ... Dallas head coach Colin Clarke coached San Jose forward Dwayne De Rosario on the A-League's Richmond Kickers in 1999 ... Burn midfielder Eric Quill played with San Jose head coach Dominic Kinnear on the Tampa Bay Mutiny in 1999 ... Earthquakes defender Jeff Agoos grew up in the Dallas area...Quakes midfielder Arturo Alvarez is from Houston, Tex.
History vs. Burn
Ramiro Corrales notched a goal and an assist against the Burn on August 21, 2002 and earned MLS Player of the Week honors for the only time in his career for the performance ... Corrales also scored his first career MLS point against Dallas, registering an assist on June 8, 1996 in Dallas... Earthquakes defender Eddie Robinson recorded his first MLS assist against Dallas on July 20, 2002 ... Earthquakes midfielder Ian Russell recorded his first MLS assist against Dallas on April 22, 2000 ... Earthquakes forward Arturo Alvarez scored his first career MLS goal in his first career start against Dallas on June 14, 2003 ... Dwayne De Rosario recorded his first MLS hat-trick against the Burn on Sept. 27, 2003 and also scored the fastest goal in MLS history in the first 11 seconds of that match ... Quakes rookie defender Ryan Cochrane made his MLS debut against Dallas on May 15, 2004 at the Cotton Bowl.
Earthquakes Leaders vs. Dallas
Landon Donovan is the Quakes current leader vs. the Burn with eight goals and five assists in 11 career games. Dwayne De Rosario is second with 15 career points vs. Dallas with seven goals and one assist in nine games. Ramiro Corrales has 12 points against the Burn after notching a goal in the last meeting vs. Dallas.
Burn Leaders vs. Earthquakes
Jason Kreis is the Dallas Burn's all-time scoring leader against San Jose with six goals, four assists, and 68 career shots in 27 games. Bobby Rhine has seven points on three goals and one assist in 14 career games vs. San Jose, while Eric Quill has six points in 13 games with two goals and two assists.
Quakes Set Unbeaten Streak Record At Home
The Earthquakes set an MLS record with their August 7 win against D.C. United, extending their unbeaten streak at home to 46 games when scoring first. That streak now stands at 47 games after San Jose's win over the Dallas Burn on August 21. It started on April 3, 1999.
Slim Losses
In all but one of their nine losses this year, the Earthquakes have only lost by one goal. The only game decided by more than one goal was on July 10 against the MetroStars in a 2-0 loss in which the Quakes conceded a penalty kick goal in second half injury time. However, forwards Landon Donovan and Brian Ching, the teams leading scorers, missed the game while traveling with the U.S. National Team. The Quakes own a 2-9-0 record in one-goal games.
Quakes Closing In On .500
The Earthquakes are closing in on bringing their all-time regular season MLS record to the .500 mark. The Quakes all-time regular season MLS record is 116-120-36.
Halftime Success
If the Earthquakes enter the half-time break with the lead, recent history suggests they will keep it. Since the beginning of the 2000 season, the Earthquakes are 42-0-5 in games when leading at the half, including 8-0-1 in 2003 and 7-0-1 in 2004.
Making The First One Count
The Earthquakes were 25-2-2 in 2001 and 2002 when finding the back of the net first. The Quakes only gave up leads two times in 2002, losing 2-1 to Los Angeles on July 4 and falling 2-1 to Kansas City on July 27. The team continued that trend in 2003, possessing an 11-0-1 mark in the regular season when they scored the first goal. In 2004, the Quakes are 8-1-1 when scoring first. The Quakes gave up their lead to Los Angeles on July 4, 2004 for the first time since July 27, 2002 against Kansas City. Dating back to the 2000 season, the Earthquakes own a 47-3-4 record in their last 54 matches when they score the first goal of the game. The Quakes are also impressive in the playoffs when scoring first, posting a 6-0-0 record.
