This Week's Match-Up
The Earthquakes extended their unbeaten streak at home to six game with their 3-1 win over the MetroStars at Spartan Stadium on June 12. The Quakes will next travel to Chicago to take on the Fire on Saturday, June 19 at 5:30 p.m. PT at Soldier Field. San Jose will look to score their first goal against the Fire this season after their April 10 match resulted in a 0-0 tie. The game will be broadcast on the radio on 1590 AM KLIV (English) and on television on Fox Sports Net, Fox Sports World and Fox Sports Espanol.
Earthquakes All-Time Record vs. Fire
MLS Regular Season: 5-7-4
Home: 4-3-4
Away: 1-4-2
Shootout: 1-0 (1996-99)
Overtime: 0-0-3 (2000-2003)
Playoffs: 1-0-0; U.S. Open Cup: 0-1-0
All-Time Scoring (Includes Open Cup and Playoffs): San Jose - 23, Fire - 29
Earthquakes Schedule for the Week of 6/14/04*
Monday, June 14: Off
Tuesday, June 15: 10:15 a.m., Training at West Valley College
Wednesday, June 16: 10:15 a.m., Training at West Valley College
Thursday, June 17: Travel to Chicago
Friday, June 18: Training in Chicago
Saturday, June 19: 5:30 p.m. Earthquakes vs. Fire live on 1590 AM KLIV and Fox Sports Net, Fox Sports World and Fox Sports Espanol.
*All times Pacific
Injury Report/Suspensions
Out:
Chris Ronér (R - ankle surgery)
Eddie Robinson (L - ruptured tendon of left hamstring)
Doubtful:
Troy Dayak (upper back strain)
Jamil Walker (R - ankle sprain)
Last Match
Earthquakes 3, MetroStars 1; Saturday, June 12, 2004
Spartan Stadium; San Jose, Calif.
The San Jose Earthquakes remained unbeaten at home in 2004, using second half goals from Brian Ching and Brian Mullan to pull away from the MetroStars and claim a 3-1 victory at Spartan Stadium. Earthquakes goalkeeper Jon Conway earned his first MLS win of 2004, as the Quakes responded with two incredible late goals after the MetroStars tied the match in the 59th minute. The Earthquakes took a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute when Jeff Agoos buried a free kick from about 24 yards out. After Ching was fouled near the left corner of the MetroStars penalty area, Agoos sent a swerving blast around the wall and over New York goalkeeper Zach Wells for the 1-0 lead. The Metros tied the game at 1-1 in the 59th minute when Quakes goalkeeper Jon Conway blocked a free kick shot from Mark Lisi. The ball deflected off Agoos onto the crossbar, bouncing directly to Jeff Parke who headed the loose ball into the net. The Quakes regained the lead at 2-1 in the 79th minute on a brilliant individual effort by Ching. Ching trapped down a beautiful long-pass over the Metros defense by Mulrooney, and then dribbled into the box alone with only Wells to beat. Ching maneuvered around a sliding Wells, but slipped as a sprinting Ricardo Clark attempted to steal the ball from him. Ching shielded the ball from Clark, forcing him to the ground and then spun around to fire a shot into the open net. Mullan added an exclamation point to the Quakes victory in the 89th minute when his incredible goal gave the Quakes a 3-1 advantage. Mullan received a pass at the left corner of the Metros penalty area, and proceeded to dribble through and around five MetroStars defenders before sending a finely placed shot into the lower left corner from 18-yards out for the final margin.
Last Match vs. Fire
Earthquakes 0, Fire 0; Saturday, April 10, 2004
Spartan Stadium; San Jose, Calif.
The San Jose Earthquakes played to a 0-0 tie against the Chicago Fire in their home opener. In a rematch of the 2003 MLS Cup Championship, the Quakes applied heavy pressure to the Chicago goal but were not able to score despite playing a man down for the final 17 minutes following a Ramiro Corrales red card. Earthquakes goalkeeper Pat Onstad made five saves for the Quakes to earn his first shutout of 2004, as the Quakes got their first point of the year. Last season, Onstad broke the San Jose club record with nine shutouts on his way to winning the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award. The Fire forced Onstad to make a great save in the 23rd minute, when Damani Ralph connected with Ante Razov in the box. Ralph crossed the ball from the right and Razov struck a fine overhead volley toward goal, but Onstad was up to the task and punched it over the bar. In the 36th minute the Quakes had perhaps their best chance of the game when Agoos sent a pass to a streaking Dwayne De Rosario on the left side. De Rosario dribbled to the end line before crossing the ball into the middle of the box where an open Landon Donovan drove a volley that sailed just over the crossbar. As the match wore on, the tension rose and tempers flared. For the second straight week, San Jose was left with 10 men after Corrales was dispatched after a tackle on Andy Williams. Despite the disadvantage, Donovan came close to drawing a penalty kick with 12 minutes left. He had Fire defender Evan Whitfield beaten and seemingly went down with a tug to the shirt, but no penalty was called.
Misc. Notes
In June
June has historically been the Quakes' best month as they have posted a 21-14-6 MLS record all-time in the month. In the past three seasons, the team has gone 10-2-3 in June.
Still Unbeaten At Home
With the 3-1 win over the MetroStars on June 12, the Earthquakes extended their unbeaten streak at Spartan Stadium to six in a row, holding strong at home from October 25, 2003 to June 12, 2004. The Earthquakes are the only MLS team to remain unbeaten at home this season with a 2-0-3 record in 2004.
Goal of the Week Nominees
Jeff Agoos and Brian Mullan's brilliant goals from the Quakes 3-1 win over New York on June 12 are both nominated for the Sierra Mist Goal of the Week. Earthquakes fans can vote for their favorite goal at MLSNet.com.
Conway Gets First Win Of Season
San Jose goalkeeper Jon Conway received his first win of the 2004 season on June 12 against the MetroStars, allowing only one goal in their 3-1 win and making three saves. The win was Conway's first in MLS since June 29, 2002.
Ching Is Top Goal Scorer
With his goal in the 79th minute of the June 12 game against the MetroStars, Quakes forward Brian Ching is now tied for first in the league with six goals. Ching is also fourth in MLS with 13 points, just one point behind the leaders.
Mulrooney Atop The Assist Chart
Quakes midfielder Richard Mulrooney contributed to the Earthquakes win on June 12 with two assists. The two assists carried Mulrooney to the top of the leader board as he is now tied for first in MLS with five assists on the season. Mulrooney extended his San Jose club record for all-time assists to 41 in MLS regular season play.
Silent Auction Supports Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Earthquakes held a silent auction during the June 12 match against the MetroStars to support Earthquakes defender Todd Dunivant in his Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) Man of the Year campaign. The auction proved very successful, raising over $3,500 for LLS. Items up for auction included Earthquakes paraphernalia, soccer kits, and jerseys signed by MLS stars such as Freddy Adu, Joe Cannon, DaMarcus Beasley, and the entire MetroStars team. Dunivant has undertaken the campaign in honor of his brother Luke, a Leukemia survivor. The Earthquakes would like to thank the following people for their contributions: Todd Dunivant Kit - Eric Cullen; Landon Donovan Kit - Andrew Bertola; Colorado Rapids Joe Cannon Jersey - Dave McAllister; Mini Puma Ball Autographed by Freddy Adu - Martin Koren; Autographed US Men's National Team Photos - Geoff Rubio; NASL Earthquakes Jersey & MISL San Diego Sockers Jersey - Alex Arteaga; Autographed Taylor Twellman Jersey - Rosemary Alvarez; Official Match Ball Autographed by the Earthquakes - Tony Fernandez; Clash Gear - Dave McAllister & John Giza; MetroStars Autographed Jersey & Earthquakes Autographed Jersey - Christy Johnson; Autographed DaMarcus Beasley Jersey - Doug Griffith; Autographed Freddy Adu Jersey - Erik Ahrens; Autographed Soccer Balls featuring the US Men & Women's National Team - Ciovanni Musso.
Donovan Helps National Team Win
Earthquakes forward Landon Donovan contributed to the U.S. National Team's 3-0 win over Grenada on Sunday, June 13 at Columbus' Crew Stadium in the first round of World Cup Qualifying. Donovan notched an assist in the 71st minute on the second U.S. goal of the game, passing the ball to midfielder DaMarcus Beasley, who finished a low shot inside the right goalpost. Donovan will remain with the U.S. National Team to again face Grenada in game two of their aggregate goal series on June 20 in St. George's, Grenada (1:00 p.m PT), which will air on ESPN2 and Telemundo. Donovan will miss the Quakes match on Saturday, June 19 in Chicago while he is with the national team.
Onstad, De Rosario Contribute To Canadian National Team Win
Earthquakes goalkeeper Pat Onstad and forward Dwayne De Rosario played for the Canadian National Team in their 4-0 win over Belize in the first round of the World Cup Qualifying series in Kingston, Ontario on June 13. Onstad played all 90 minutes to earn a shutout against Belize, his 16th shutout with Canada. De Rosario also played the entire game and notched an assist in the 83rd minute. Onstad and De Rosario remain with Canada for their second game against Belize on Wednesday, June 16, in Kingston, Ontario and then travel to Chicago to reunite with the Earthquakes for the Saturday, June 19 match against the Fire.
Alvarez Called Up To U.S. Under-20 National Team
Eighteen-year old Earthquakes midfielder Arturo Alvarez was named to the U.S. Under-20 National Team roster to play against defending Under-20 FIFA World Champion Brazil. The match will be held at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Wednesday, June 16 at 5 p.m. PT. As one of only six professional Under-20 players, he is expected to be a leader for the young team. Alvarez will join the Earthquakes in Chicago before their June 19 match against the Fire.
Onstad Silences Fire Offense
Quakes goalkeeper Pat Onstad has earned three of his 10 MLS career shutouts against the Fire and he has never allowed Chicago to score in regular season play. Onstad has kept the Fire offense completely silent during the three games in which he has faced Chicago. Despite his three shutouts, Onstad has never achieved regular season a win against Chicago, as the Quakes have tied the Fire 0-0 in all three meetings with Onstad in goal.
Goalscoring at Home
The Earthquakes are currently on a hot streak at Spartan Stadium as they have scored 12 goals in their past three home matches, setting a club record for the most goals in three consecutive games at home. The team is tied for second in MLS with 13 goals scored at home in 2004.
Mulrooney, Russell Hot in June
Quakes midfielder Richard Mulrooney has typically played well in June in his career as he has notched 13 of his club record 41 assists in the month. June has been the best month in his career for points, racking up 15 points in the month. Ian Russell has also been strong in June, scoring two goals and notching six assists for 10 career points in the month.
Mullan Successful At Home
Earthquakes forward Brian Mullan scored an amazing unassisted goal, dribbling around five MetroStars defenders and then catching the goalie flat-footed with his shot, on June 12 against the MetroStars for his eighth career goal with the Quakes. Mullan plays exceptionally well in San Jose, as seven of his eight Quakes goals have come on home turf at Spartan Stadium.
Earthquakes - Fire Connections
Chicago head coach Dave Sarachan coached the Quakes Jeff Agoos as an assistant coach at D.C. United in 1998-99... Chicago midfielder C.J. Brown is from Hayward, Calif. and played college soccer at San Jose State... Chicago defender Kelly Gray is from San Jose... Fire midfielder Jesse Marsch and Agoos were teammates on D.C. United from 1996-97.
History vs. Fire
The Quakes are 5-7-4 all-time against the Chicago Fire in the regular season, but San Jose defeated Chicago 4-2 in the most important match between the two teams, the MLS Cup Championship match in 2003...Since 2000 in the regular season, the teams have played to a draw six times and only one match has been decided by more than one goal...Chicago has outscored the Quakes 29-23 all-time. Midfielder Richard Mulrooney netted his first career MLS goal against Chicago on July 23, 1999...Chris Ronir started his first game and scored his first goal against Chicago on May 31, 2003...Jamil Walker appeared in his first match on May 31, 2003 against the Fire...Pat Onstad earned MLS Player of the Week honors by making six saves and earning a shutout against Chicago on May 10, 2003...Landon Donovan earned his first MLS assist on May 26, 2001 against the Chicago Fire at Soldier Field...Onstad shut out the Fire offense again on April 10, 2004 and earned MLS Player of the Week honors for the second time in his career.
Top Earthquakes Against Fire
Midfielder Richard Mulrooney leads the Quakes against Chicago with one goal and two assists for four points. Landon Donovan has notched three assists against the Fire and has taken 11 shots. Ronnie Ekelund, Ian Russell, and Chris Ronir have each scored one goal against Chicago.
Fire Leaders Against Earthquakes
Chicago forward Ante Razov has proved the most dangerous player against the Earthquakes as he has 16 points on six goals and four assists over 15 games against San Jose. Midfielder DaMarcus Beasley has scored two goals for four points, and midfielder Chris Armas has notched two assists.
Quakes Defense Holds Strong
The Earthquakes' tough defense has only allowed the opposing team to take 121 shots this season. The Quakes lead the league in fewest shots allowed.
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 111-114-29.
League Leaders
Earthquakes forward Brian Ching is fourth in the league with 13 points on six goals and one assist...Forward Landon Donovan is currently twelfth in MLS with eight points on two goals and four assists...Ching is tied for first in the league with six goals...Midfielder Richard Mulrooney is tied for first in the league with five assists...Donovan is tied for fifth in the league with four assists...The Earthquakes are second in the league with 55 points on 19 goals and 17 assists...The Quakes lead MLS with nine first half goals this season.
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 38-0-5 in games when leading at the half, including 8-0-1 in 2003.
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 3-0-1 when scoring first. Dating back to the 2000 season, the Earthquakes own a 42-2-4 record in their last 48 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.
"We Believe" - The Story of the 2003 San Jose Earthquakes DVD on Sale Now
For the first time ever, Earthquakes fans can relive the Quakes incredible ride to the 2003 MLS Cup Championship with "We Believe, The Story of the 2003 San Jose Earthquakes." This special two-disc DVD set captures all of the drama and excitement from the Earthquakes unbelievable season. In addition to a 33-minute season in review that includes player interviews and game action, Disc One features an exclusive behind the scenes package as well as a highlight reel. Disc Two of this one-of-a kind set is the original television broadcast of the "Greatest Game In MLS History," the Earthquakes dramatic 5-2 win over Los Angeles in the Western Conference Semifinals on Nov. 9, 2003. Earthquakes fans can Believe Again with this extraordinary two-disc DVD set. Fans can purchase this special two DVD set on the Earthquakes website at sjearthquakes.com or by calling 408-985-GOAL.
