This Week's Match-Up
The Earthquakes won their third straight league game and fourth game overall last weekend and now play two more games this week. On Monday night, San Jose faces Spanish First Division club Deportivo Alavés at 7:30 p.m. PT at Spartan Stadium. The Quakes then play the Colorado Rapids for the last time this season on Saturday, August 13 at Spartan Stadium. The game kicks off at 7:00 p.m. PT and will be aired live on 1590 AM KLIV (English) and 1370 AM KZSF (Spanish).
Injury Report/Suspensions
Out: Ryan Cochrane (R - ankle sprain); Troy Dayak (L - ACL tear); Craig Waibel (R - LCL/ACL tear); Brian Ching (R - hamstring strain)
Last Match
Earthquakes 2, Crew 1; Saturday, August 6, 2005; Spartan Stadium; San Jose, Calif.
The San Jose Earthquakes won their third straight game and extended their unbeaten streak at Spartan Stadium to 12 games with a 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew Saturday night. Goals by Dwayne De Rosario and Brad Davis boosted the Quakes to the best overall record in MLS and secured their place alone at the top of the Western Conference, as Ronald Cerritos became the club's all-time assist leader with his 45th career Quakes assist on De Rosario's goal. San Jose got on the board first in the 13th minute on a beautiful De Rosario goal. The play started deep in the Quakes end of the field, as they masterfully moved the ball up the right sideline before Alejandro Moreno dished off a pass to Cerritos at midfield. Cerritos lofted a perfect pass over the Crew defense that De Rosario was able to run on to. De Rosario controlled the ball before sending a low shot to the left of sliding Columbus goalkeeper Jonny Walker for the 1-0 lead. The assist was the 45th of Cerritos' Earthquakes career, making him the club's all-time leader in assists and goals. In the 54th minute, Davis made a triumphant return to the Quakes lineup, scoring to give San Jose a 2-0 lead. After missing the previous six MLS games while with the U.S. National Team at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Davis made his presence felt when he powered a wicked free kick from 25 yards out over the Columbus wall and into the top left corner of the goal for the 2-0 advantage. Davis drew the foul when he attempted to get past Crew defender Chad Marshall, who brought him down. Columbus cut the Quakes lead in half in the 78th minute on a quick counter attack goal by Chris Henderson. Following an incessant San Jose attack, the Crew played the ball out of the back to Kyle Martino near midfield. With the Crew frantically pushing forward, Martino slotted a nice through ball past the Quakes defense to Henderson, who gathered the ball at the right corner of the Quakes penalty area. Henderson cut back into the middle of the field, beating his defender before striking a low, hard shot that bounced off the ground and popped over the outstretched arms of a diving Pat Onstad.
Last Match vs. Colorado Rapids
Earthquakes 2, Rapids 1; Wednesday, July 20, 2005; Invesco Field at Mile High; Denver, Colo.
The San Jose Earthquakes finished their four-game road stretch with a 2-1 win over the Colorado Rapids at Invesco Field at Mile High. Brian Mullan and Mark Chung each scored a goal as the Quakes ended the road trip with a 2-1-1 record. Mullan scored the Quakes first goal in the 20th minute on a great individual effort. After picking up a loose ball in the middle of the field, Mullan took the ball at the heart of the defense and dribbled past Ritchie Kotschau. He then slotted a shot to the far post past a diving Joe Cannon.Chung nearly put San Jose up by two goals five minutes into the second half after a strong run by Dwayne De Rosario on the left wing. Alejandro Moreno slipped a ball through for De Rosario and he dribbled past a Rapids defender and into the box. The Canadian international then dropped a pass back for Chung, but Chung's one-time effort went over the net. Cannon made an incredible save in the 63rd minute after a quick counter attack by Cerritos. Cerritos stole the ball and made a run up the right wing, before delivering a low cross to Chung 25 yards out. Chung blasted a left-footed shot to the near corner, but Cannon dove and made the save with his right arm. Chung finally broke through in the 73rd minute with the Quakes second goal. De Rosario got the ball on the right wing and dribbled past two defenders before finding Chung wide open just inside the box. The former Rapids midfielder made his former team pay by ripping a shot to the far post past the helpless Cannon. The Rapids cut the deficit in half with a penalty kick goal by Wolde Harris in the 81st minute. Eddie Robinson was whistled for the foul on Jean-Phillippe Peguero on a cross into the box by Terry Cooke. Harris then stepped up and drove the penalty to the left of Onstad.
Misc. Notes
Earthquakes To Face Spanish First Division Club
The San Jose Earthquakes host Spanish First Division club Deportivo Alavés in an international exhibition match on Monday, August 8 at 7:30 p.m. PT at Spartan Stadium. The first ever match-up between the Quakes and a Spanish First Division opponent will serve as bonus game "A" for Earthquakes season ticket holders. A finalist in the 2001 UEFA Cup, Alavés cruised to the championship game led by Jordi Cruyff, where they dropped a memorable 5-4 decision to Liverpool FC. Based in the Basque capital of Vitoria, Deportivo Alavés was relegated to the Spanish Second Division in 2003, before earning promotion back to the First Division last month. A proud team that boasts ten years in the Spanish First Division, the 84-year old club made a triumphant return to the top league in 1995, eventually leading to the successful run to the UEFA Cup Final in 2001. The Earthquakes have a 13-13-5 all-time record against professional international opponents since 1996, including the CONCACAF Champions Cup, the preseason La Manga Cup and friendly matches.
Maggiano's Media Luncheon
The San Jose Earthquakes announced that the next media luncheon will be held on Tuesday, August 9 at 1:15 p.m. PT at Maggiano's Little Italy in Santana Row. Luncheons will be held monthly at Maggiano's throughout the 2005 Major League Soccer season. At each luncheon, the Quakes will announce the Maggiano's Earthquakes Player of the Month and the Earthquakes Goal of the Month. Head coach Dominic Kinnear and all the players and coaches will be available for interviews at the luncheons. Maggiano's is located at 3055 Olin Ave at Santana Row in San Jose. All future media luncheons are scheduled for the first Tuesday of every month. Media members interested in attending should RSVP to Jed Mettee at 408-288-2688 or by e-mail at jed.mettee@sjearthquakes.com.
Vote For The San Jose Earthquakes All-Time Best XI At sjearthquakes.com
In celebration of the 10th season of the team, San Jose Earthquakes fans have the opportunity to select the club's all-time Best XI team. Fans can log onto www.sjearthquakes.com to vote for the best all-time team in Earthquakes/Clash history. Players who had appeared in 25 MLS games by July 15, 2005 are eligible for selection in a 4-4-2 formation. Fifty-three players are available to choose from, including four goalkeepers, 15 defenders, 23 midfielders and 11 forwards. All the players' career stats are available at sjearthquakes.com simply by clicking the players' name. San Jose has been the home to some of the top players in Major League Soccer and this team will feature some of the most legendary players to have ever donned a San Jose jersey. Leading candidates for the team include longtime team captain John Doyle, all-time leading scorer Ronald Cerritos, midfield stalwart Richard Mulrooney, two-time Defensive Player of the Year Jeff Agoos and star forward Landon Donovan, among others.
Winning Streak Continues
The Quakes have won three straight MLS games by identical 2-1 margins, defeating the Rapids on July 20, the MetroStars on July 23 and the Crew on August 6. The team is currently one game shy of the club's all-time record for consecutive wins. San Jose has had three separate four-game winning streaks (3/27/99 - 4/17/99, 5/5/01 - 5/23/01 and 7/19/03 - 8/13/03). A win against Colorado this weekend by the Quakes would equal that record.
Ten Wins
In 2004, the Earthquakes won nine games and earned 38 points on the season. Following their win over the Crew on Saturday, the team has surpassed last season's win total with their 10th win. The team also has 37 points, one point shy of last season's total with 11 games remaining.
Davis Back With Quakes
Earthquakes midfielder Brad Davis played his first game for the Earthquakes on Wednesday in the U.S. Open Cup against the Portland Timbers since a June 25 victory over Los Angeles. Davis started and played 70 minutes Wednesday in the Quakes 2-0 win over the USL First Division Portland Timbers. The Quakes assist leader picked up another assist on San Jose's first goal. Davis then made his first MLS appearance since June 25 with the Quakes on Saturday vs. Columbus. San Jose was happy to have Davis back in the lineup, as the 2005 All-Star scored the second goal of the game on a wicked free kick blast in the second half. Starting on June 29, Davis missed six Earthquakes games while with the U.S. National Team for the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Davis appeared in two Gold Cup games, scoring the tournament-winning penalty kick in the final against Panama in a shoot-out.
Tight Games
With three straight one-goal victories, San Jose has now had 18 of their 21 games either decided by one goal or finished in a tie. Also, 12 of the 21 games that the Quakes have played in 2005 have entered the halftime break with the teams tied.
Unbeaten At Home
The Quakes currently have a 12-game unbeaten streak at Spartan Stadium as they have not lost since Sept. 8, 2004 in their home stadium. The 12-game streak is the third longest in team history. The club has two 15-game unbeaten streaks at Spartan (8/21/99 - 7/4/00 and 8/25/01 - 9/7/02). The team has posted a 6-0-6 record at Spartan during the streak.
One-Goal Games
In 2004, San Jose had the worst record in MLS in one-goal games, posting a 2-9 record. The team has turned that around in 2005 as they are now 8-3 in one-goal games.
Cerritos Takes Another Record
Forward Ronald Cerritos broke the San Jose club record for assists with his 45th career assist as a member of the Earthquakes/Clash on Saturday against Columbus. It was the 54th assist of his MLS career. He is now the all-time club leader in goals (60) and assists. He passed Richard Mulrooney in assists and he currently places second in team history in appearances (139), starts (135) and minutes (11,839).
De Rosario Continues to Shine
Since returning from the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Quakes midfielder Dwayne De Rosario has been on a role, scoring two goals and notching two assists in four games. He has scored a goal or recorded an assist in three straight games. He has now moved into a tie with Brian Ching for third all-time in goals scored in team history with 22. He has scored four goals in 2005.
Season Sweeps
The Quakes defeated Columbus 2-1 Saturday to sweep the season series from the Crew for the first team in team history as they also defeated the Crew 2-1 on July 9. San Jose also swept the MetroStars this season winning 1-0 on May 7 and 2-1 on July 23. A win against the Rapids this Saturday would complete a four-game season sweep of Colorado. The Quakes last swept Colorado in 1996.
Clark MLS Player Of Month
Earthquakes midfielder Ricardo Clark was named the July Honda MLS Player of the Month award by a panel of journalists from the Professional Soccer Reporters Association (PSRA). Clark led the Quakes to a 3-1-1 record during the month of July, which saw the Quakes move into a first place tie in the Western Conference despite playing four out of five games on the road. Clark began the month of July with a goal and an assist as the Quakes overcame two one-goal deficits and earned a 2-2 tie with FC Dallas on the road on July 2, despite playing a man down for final 56 minutes. Clark's goal in that match, a drive into the upper corner, was chosen by the fans the Sierra Mist MLS Goal of the Week through voting on MLSnet.com. On July 9 against the Columbus Crew, Clark set up teammate Ronald Cerritos' winning goal by streaking past Crew defender Chad Marshall and delivering a perfect cross into the box, as San Jose stretched its unbeaten streak to seven games with the 2-1 victory. The Atlanta, GA native finished the month with two strong performances that saw San Jose defeat the Colorado Rapids on the road and the MetroStars at home, both by 2-1 margins.
Quakes Move Into Open Cup Quarterfinals
The San Jose Earthquakes defeated the Portland Timbers 2-0 in the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at PGE Park in Portland, Ore. Wade Barrett and Brian Mullan scored goals for San Jose as the team defeated Portland for the second straight season in the Open Cup. The Quakes will now take on the Los Angeles Galaxy in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, August 24 at Spartan Stadium at 7:30 p.m. PT. The Quakes and Galaxy have met three times in the Open Cup with the Galaxy winning all three times. The Quakes possess a 10-7 overall record in Open Cup play and have outscored opponents 34-15 in the tournament. The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the U.S. Soccer Federation's National Championship, is an annual competition open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. It is the oldest annual team tournament in U.S. sports history and among the oldest soccer tournaments of its type in the world.
Pitching In
Through 21 games, the Quakes have scored 32 goals and the goals are coming from the entire team. Fourteen different players have scored a goal and no player has scored more than five goals. Also, the team has never had one-player score two goals or more in a single game this season.
Equal Distribution
San Jose has scored 16 first half goals and 16 second half goals.
League Leaders
-Brad Davis and Dwayne De Rosario are tied with the Revolution's Clint Dempsey for second in MLS in assists with eight.
-Ronald Cerritos is tied for fifth in MLS in assists with seven.
-De Rosario leads MLS in game-winning assists with four.
-Pat Onstad is second in the league in goals against average with a 1.14 GAA. He is tied for second in MLS with seven shutouts on the season. He is also tied for first in MLS with 10 wins, while leading the league in save percentage (76.3).
-Opponents have fouled forward Alejandro Moreno 64 times this year, placing him for first in the league in fouls suffered. Brian Mullan is fourth in the league with 48 fouls suffered.
-The Earthquakes lead MLS with 40 assists.
Fouls Committed, Fouls Suffered
After 21 games in 2005, San Jose leads MLS in fouls suffered (383) and fouls committed (363). In their season opener against New England on April 2, San Jose set the team record with 30 fouls committed.
Hot in August
Mark Chung has proven to play his best in August with 17 goals and 12 assists in the month in his career. Pat Onstad's best month is also August, as he has posted a 0.54 goals against average, earned seven wins, and posted seven shutouts in the month. Ronald Cerritos has eight goals and 12 assists in his career in August.
Quakes All-Time in August
San Jose's all-time record in August is 22-20-4.
In the Community
Who: San Jose Earthquakes Mascot, Q
When: Tuesday, August 9th-1:30-2:30
Location: Lick Mill Park, Santa Clara
Details: 'Q' will be at Lick Mill Park coaching the kids through the Sierra Mist MLS Dribble, Pass & Score.
What: Dribble, Pass & Score
When: Wednesday, August 10th-10:00-12:00
Location: West Valley, MLS Camps
Details: The SJ Earthquakes will be running the Sierra Mist MLS Dribble, Pass & Score competition.
Who: Brian Mullan
When: Wednesday, August 10th-2:00-4:00
Location: Covad Communications, San Jose
Details: Brian Mullan will be at Covad's Annual Health Faire signing autographs from 2:30-3:30.
What: Dribble, Pass & Score
When: Thursday, August 11th-1:00-3:00
Location: Paul Moore Park, San Jose
Details: The SJ Earthquakes will be running the Sierra Mist MLS Dribble, Pass & Score competition.
What: Dribble, Pass & Score
When: Friday, August 12th-11:00-2:00
Location: El Camino YMCA
Details: The SJ Earthquakes will be running the Sierra Mist MLS Dribble, Pass & Score competition.
What: Union City Summer Carnival
When: Friday, August 12th-12:00-3:00
Location: Union City
Details: 'Q' will be at the Union City Summer Carnival interacting with children and coaching them through the Sierra Mist MLS Dribble, Pass & Score competition.
Who: Alejandro Moreno
What: The 8th Annual Children's Summer Funfest
When: Saturday, August 13th & Sunday August 14th-11:00-5:00
Location: San Jose Flea Market
Details: The SJ Earthquakes will be running our Sierra Mist MLS Dribble, Pass & Score competition both days at the Flea Market. 'Q' will be out at the Flea Market both days interacting with the children and coaching them through the Sierra Mist MLS Dribble, Pass & Score competition. Alejandro Moreno will be signing autographs on Sunday from 1:00-2:00 at the SJ Earthquakes booth.
Who: San Jose Earthquakes Mascot 'Q'
What: Dublin United Soccer League Carwash Fundraiser
When: Saturday, August 13th-10:00-11:00
Location: America Tire Co, Dublin
Details: 'Q' will be helping the 2005 Dublin Fighters U-11 girls team raise money at their carwash fundraiser.
What: Dribble, Pass & Score
When: Saturday August 13th & Sunday August 14th-8:00-2:00
Location: Morgan Hill Soccer Complex
Details: The SJ Earthquakes will be running the Sierra Mist MLS Dribble, Pass & Score competition during the 23rd Annual South San Jose YSL tournament.
Who: Brad Davis, Julian Nash & Ricardo Clark
What: San Jose Sports Fair
When: Sunday, August 14th-12:00-1:30
Location: San Jose Convention Center, Parkside Hall
Details: Brad Davis, Julian Nash & Ricardo Clark will be signing autographs at the Annual San Jose Sports Fair. Players from the NBA, NFL & MLB will also be in attendance signing autographs for the event. For more information visit http://www.naxcomtradeshows.com/
MLS Camps
MLS Camps will be putting on youth soccer camps in eight different areas the week of August 8. MLS Camps will hold camps for Foster City Parks and Recreation, Mt. Area, Los Gatos Youth Soccer League, Alameda Parks and Recreation, AYSO 27 - Saratoga, AYSO 281 - Pleasant Hill/Martinez, Napa Youth Soccer League and West Valley Youth Soccer League.
Top Rapids Players vs. Quakes
Jeff Cunnigham has scored 10 goals and notched six assists against San Jose in his MLS career...Wolde Harris has scored five goals and dished out five assists in his MLS career vs. San Jose, scoring two of those goals and recording two assists while with Colorado.
Top Quakes Players vs. Rapids
Ronald Cerritos has scored seven goals and registered three assists in a San Jose uniform against the Rapids. In his MLS career he has scored eight goals and notched three assists against Colorado...Brian Ching has scored three goals against the Rapids...Mark Chung has scored three goals and notched 12 assists against Colorado, while playing for Kansas City, the MetroStars and the Quakes...Dwayne De Rosario has netted two goals and recorded three assists against Colorado.
Earthquakes - Rapids Connections
Midfielder Brian Mullan grew up in Littleton, Col. and was the 1997 Colorado High School Player of the Year at Regis Jesuit High School...Earthquakes defender Craig Waibel played in two games for the Rapids in 2000... Earthquakes head coach Dominic Kinnear played for the Rapids in 1996...Colorado goalkeeper Joe Cannon played four seasons in San Jose, winning the 2001 MLS Cup and the 2002 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award. Cannon is still the Quakes all-time leader in wins and shutouts...Midfielder Mark Chung arrived to the Quakes from Colorado in a trade on May 20, 2005 after playing parts of four seasons for the Rapids...Rapids Defender Eric Denton played for Santa Clara University.
History vs. Rapids
The Earthquakes series against the Rapids has been very close since 1996, with the Quakes holding a slim edge in the all-time series 19-16-4...Wade Barrett made his MLS debut with the Earthquakes on March 28, 1998 against Colorado...Brian Ching scored his first San Jose goal on April 12, 2003 at Colorado in just the 53rd minute of the match...Ryan Cochrane notched his first MLS assist on October 2, 2004 vs. the Rapids...Roger Levesque made his MLS debut on July 12, 2003 vs. COL when he entered as a sub in the 68th minute...Brian Mullan made his MLS debut on April 21, 2001 at Colorado while playing with the Galaxy...Pat Onstad made his MLS and Earthquakes debut against the Rapids on April 12, 2003...Julian Nash notched his first career MLS assist on June 29, 2005 against the Rapids.
Quakes Set Unbeaten Streak Record At Home
The Earthquakes set an MLS record with their August 7, 2004 win against D.C. United, extending their unbeaten streak at home to 46 games when scoring first. That streak now stands at 52 games after San Jose's 2-1 victory over the Columbus Crew on August 6, 2005. It started on April 3, 1999.
Quakes Closing In On .500
The Earthquakes have now gotten their all-time MLS record above the .500 mark. The Quakes all-time regular season MLS record is 126-125-44.
Halftime Success
Despite relinquishing a halftime lead on June 12, 2005 against Chivas USA in a game that ended 1-1, the Earthquakes remain amongst the best in league history in holding on to a half-time lead. Since the beginning of the 2000 season, the Earthquakes are 46-0-7 in games when leading at the half, including 8-0-1 in 2003, 7-0-1 in 2004 and 4-0-2 in 2005.
Making The First One Count
The Quakes earned another 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew to continue their incredible run over the past 64 games when scoring first. Dating back to the 2000 season, the Earthquakes own a 54-3-7 record in their last 64 matches when they score the first goal of the game. In 2005, San Jose remains undefeated at 7-0-3 when scoring first. 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 went 8-1-1 when scoring first, the top mark in MLS. The Quakes gave up their lead and lost to Los Angeles on July 4, 2004 for the first time since July 27, 2002 against Kansas City. The Quakes are also impressive in the playoffs when scoring first, posting a 6-0-0 record.
Individual Tickets Now on Sale
Individual tickets for 2005 San Jose Earthquakes games are now on sale. Individual ticket prices for the Earthquakes 2005 regular season are $45 (VIP), $30 (West Sideline), $16 (East Sideline and Corners) and $13 (Endzone). Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Earthquakes Ticket Office at 100 North Almaden Ave., by logging onto 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.
