This Week's Match-Up
Following a 1-1 tie with Chivas USA at The Home Depot Center, the Earthquakes return to Spartan Stadium for their first of three consecutive home games on Saturday, June 18 when the Quakes take on Real Salt Lake. The third-place Quakes (3-3-6, 15 pts.) and fourth-place Real Salt Lake (3-7-2, 11 pts.) tied 2-2 in April, but San Jose will be aiming for three points when they take on the new expansion team for the second time in history. The Western Conference match-up will kick off at 7:00 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on the radio on 1590 AM KLIV (English) and 1370 AM KZSF (Spanish) and on television on HDNet. The Earthquakes reserves will compete in their last home game of the season on Sunday, June 19 when they take on the Real Salt Lake reserves at 10:00 a.m. PT.
Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake All-Time
MLS Regular Season: 0-0-1
Home: 0-0-0
Away: 0-0-1
Shootout: 0-0 (1996-99)
Overtime: 0-0-0 (2000-2003)
Playoffs: 0-0-0; U.S. Open Cup: 0-0-0
All-Time Scoring: San Jose - 2, Real Salt Lake - 2
Injury Report/Suspensions
Doubtful: Brian Ching (R - hamstring strain); Eddie Robinson (R - groin strain)
Out: Troy Dayak (L - ACL tear); Craig Waibel (R - LCL/ACL tear); Brian Mullan (L - ankle avulsion fracture)
Last Match
Earthquakes 1, Chivas USA 1; Sunday, June 12, 2005; The Home Depot Center; Carson, CA
The San Jose Earthquakes played to a 1-1 tie with CD Chivas USA at The Home Depot Center. Alejandro Moreno scored his fourth goal of the season for the Quakes late in the first half, but CD Chivas USA responded with an Ezra Hendrickson goal in the 66th minute to tie the game. Dwayne De Rosario appeared to score the game-winner off a beautiful Moreno cross late in stoppage game, but the goal was disallowed due to a controversial offside call, ensuring the 1-1 draw as the Quakes earned a point on the road. In the 45th minute, Moreno gave the Earthquakes a 1-0 lead. Wade Barrett intercepted a CD Chivas USA pass in the Quakes penalty area, and then hit De Rosario with a ball near midfield. De Rosario turned and lofted a long pass over the Chivas USA defense to Moreno, who ran onto the ball and found himself with just Guzman to beat. Moreno settled the ball before firing a low shot into the right corner of the net for the 1-0 advantage. San Jose nearly extended their lead in the 63rd minute on a pretty combination from Barrett and Mark Chung. Barrett moved with the ball up the left sideline deep into the Chivas USA corner. Barrett sent a perfect cross to an on-rushing Chung, whose hard header bounced off the underside of the crossbar and out of danger. CD Chivas USA would tie the match at 1-1 on an Ezra Hendrickson goal in the 66th minute. Ramon Ramirez penetrated into the middle of the Quakes area before whipping a cross to the far post, where Hendrickson ran onto the ball and volleyed it past Onstad and the post to even the game. De Rosario and second half substitute Julian Nash had several strong opportunities to even the game in the final minutes, but it was Moreno's cross from the left side that De Rosario was able to re-direct into the goal that appeared to give San Jose the victory. However, De Rosario was controversially ruled offsides on the play, and the match ended tied at 1-1.
Last Match vs. Real Salt Lake
Earthquakes 2, Real Salt Lake 2; Saturday, April 30; Rice-Eccles Stadium; Salt Lake City, UT
The San Jose Earthquakes came from behind to earn a 2-2 tie with Real Salt Lake at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Brian Ching and Alejandro Moreno scored a goal apiece to offset a two-goal effort by Jason Kreis. Ching gave San Jose a 1-0 advantage with a header for his fourth goal of the season in the 11th minute. Brad Davis received a pass from Dwayne De Rosario on the left wing and swung a cross into the box. Ching beat his defender to the ball and headed it behind Countess for the lead. In the 21st minute, Real equalized with a penalty kick by Jason Kreis. After Eddie Robinson was whistled for a foul on a quick free kick, Kreis slotted the ball into the lower left corner. Quakes goalkeeper Pat Onstad got his fingertips on the shot but could not keep it out of the net. RSL broke out to a 2-1 lead with a goal in the 34th minute from Kreis. After a turnover, Clint Mathis dribbled into the heart of the Quakes defense and drew a defender, before slotting a pass over to Kreis on his left. Kreis blasted a shot that Onstad got a piece of, but the ball deflected off the post and into the net. Moreno finally evened the score in the 82nd minute off a cross from Brian Mullan. Mullan received the ball from De Rosario and made a run down the wing, before finding Moreno at the back post. Moreno floated a header over Countess for the equalizer.
Misc. Notes
Earthquakes President & General Manager Alexi Lalas Departs Club
The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that President & General Manager Alexi Lalas will depart the club to take over as the President & General Manager of the MetroStars, effective immediately. Former MetroStars President & General Manager Nick Sakiewicz has been named President, AEG Soccer New York/New Jersey, while Earthquakes Vice President of Business Operations Kate McAllister will serve as interim President & General Manager of the Earthquakes. Lalas became the first former MLS player to serve in a management position in the league when he was named President & General Manager of the Earthquakes on January 27, 2004. During his time in San Jose, Lalas oversaw a 24 percent increase in attendance, and played a role in the Quakes increasing group sales 70 percent from 2003 to 2004. The Quakes 2004 average attendance of 13,001 for 15 home games was the highest-average season attendance since 1999. Lalas saw the Quakes increase season tickets to an all-time high in 2004, with an increase of more than 22 percent from 2003.
Moreno Joins Top Scorers
With his goal against Chivas USA on June 12, Quakes forward Alejandro Moreno now has four goals this season, making him the leading scorer on the Quakes along with Brian Ching and Ronald Cerritos, who also have four. Every single one of Moreno's goals this year has come on the road. Moreno scored on April 16 at Chicago, April 30 in Salt Lake City, on May 25 at Colorado, and on June 12 at the Home Depot Center against Chivas USA.
Scoreless Streak Snapped
Alejandro Moreno's goal in the 45th minute on Sunday against CD Chivas USA snapped a 238-minute Quakes scoreless streak. Moreno has now scored the last two Quakes goals, scoring against Chivas USA and previously on May 25 against Colorado in the 76th minute.
Robinson, Califf Form Tough Duo
Since Danny Califf was inserted into the Quakes starting lineup alongside Eddie Robinson in central defense on May 25 against Colorado, the Quakes have allowed just two goals in four games, posting two shutouts in that span.
Home Stretch
The Quakes will play three games in a row at Spartan Stadium on Saturday, June 18 against Real Salt Lake, Saturday, June 25 vs. the Los Angeles Galaxy, and Wednesday, June 29 against the Colorado Rapids. So far this year the Quakes hold a 1-0-4 record at home, scoring eight goals, allowing seven, and earning two shutouts. San Jose plays four out of their five matches in June at Spartan Stadium.
Drought at Spartan
Neither the Quakes nor their opponents have scored a goal at Spartan Stadium since the 57th minute of the Quakes win over Kansas City on April 23, 2005. The scoreless streak at Spartan Stadium now sits at 213 minutes, as the Quakes have played two consecutive 0-0 ties (May 14 against FC Dallas and June 4 vs. D.C. United) at home. San Jose has played two straight scoreless games at Spartan Stadium twice before, on June 28 and July 5, 2003 as well as on September 25 and October 9, 2004.
Depleted Quakes Injury Update
The Earthquakes currently have three starters definitely out of action for Saturday. Defenders Craig Waibel (torn right ACL/LCL) and Troy Dayak (torn left ACL) will be gone for the remainder of the season with their injuries, while Brian Mullan (left ankle avulsion fracture) is out for the Real Salt Lake game, but expected back within the next two weeks. Brian Ching (right hamstring strain) has been upgraded to doubtful for Saturday's match-up. Eddie Robinson, injured against Chivas USA is also listed as doubtful with a right groin strain.
Feeling It In June
Mark Chung has been more dangerous in the month of June than any other Quakes player with 10 goals and 15 assists. June is midfielder Ian Russell's best month also, with two goals and six assists in his career. Pat Onstad has a 0.76 goals against average in June, his personal second best month in the GAA category.
Nash On Target
Earthquakes forward Julian Nash made his second career MLS appearance on Sunday when he came on as a substitute in the 76th minute for Mark Chung. Nash recorded the first shot of his MLS career when he fired a hard ball on the Chivas USA net that was saved by Brad Guzan.
Assisting De Ro
Earthquakes midfielder Dwayne De Rosario recorded his fifth assist of 2005 Sunday against CD Chivas USA. In just 11 games, De Rosario is just three assists away from his career-high of eight wet in 2002.
League Leaders
-Ronald Cerritos, Brian Ching, and Alejandro Moreno are all tied for tenth in the league in goals scored with four.
-Brad Davis continues to lead MLS with six assists. Dwayne De Rosario is tied for second with four other MLS players in assists with five.
Fouls Committed, Fouls Suffered
After eight games in 2005, San Jose leads MLS in both fouls committed (232) and fouls suffered (225). In their season opener against New England on April 2, San Jose set the team record with 30 fouls committed.
Fit To Be Tied With Expansion Teams
The Earthquakes tied CD Chivas USA on Sunday, giving the Quakes their third straight tie against an expansion team in 2005. San Jose tied Chivas USA 3-3 in the club's first meeting on April 9, and then drew with Real Salt Lake on April 30. The Quakes are 0-0-3 vs. the two new expansion teams this season.
Quakes All-Time in June
June is typically San Jose's best month, as the team possesses a 21-14-10 all-time record in the month.
Quakes in the Community
WHO: Ricardo Clark
WHAT: Texas Hold'em Tournament for the Women in Leadership Organization
DATE & TIME: Thursday, June 16th - 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm
LOCATION: Downtown San Jose Marriott
DETAILS: Ricardo Clark will be celebrity Texas Hold'em dealers at a tournament for the Women in Leadership Organization sponsored by the San Jose Chamber of Commerce and the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.
WHO: Wade Barrett
WHAT: Northside Neighborhood Association Picnic
DATE & TIME: Sunday, June 19th - 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
LOCATION: Backesto Park - North 15th & Empire Street, San Jose
DETAILS: Wade Barrett will be at the Northside Annual BBQ signing autographs and taking pictures on Sunday, June 19th from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Backesto Park in San Jose.
Earthquakes - RSL Connections
Salt Lake player Chris Brown was traded to the Quakes in the early part of the 2004 season and played with San Jose for the rest of the year...Salt Lake defender Rustin Pierce played soccer at UNC Greensboro with San Jose forward Alejandro Moreno. ...Salt Lake's Leighton O'Brien wore a Quakes uniform in 1999, when he played in four games for San Jose.
Top Real Salt Lake Players vs. Quakes
Real has only faced the Earthquakes once in history, but forward Jason Kreis wasted no time in proving his dominance against the Quakes. Kreis scored two goals against San Jose, on a penalty kick. Midfielder Clint Mathis has one assist against San Jose.
Top Quakes Performers vs. Real
After their first meeting on April 30 of this year, Quakes forwards Brian Ching and Alejandro Moreno each have a goal against RSL. Midfielders Brad Davis and Brian Mullan both have an assist against Salt Lake as well.
Cerritos Milestones
Ronald Cerritos is currently second in Quakes history in assists with 40 in a San Jose uniform. Cerritos trails Richard Mulrooney by four assists, and is looking to become the teams' all-time leader in both goals and assists. He has appeared in 130 games with San Jose, moving into third place on the Quakes all-time list, two behind assistant coach John Doyle. Cerritos is also third all-time in Quakes history in starts with 126. Cerritos' next goal will be his 70th in his career, seventh best in MLS history.
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 48 games after San Jose's tie with the New England Revolution on April 2, 2005. It started on April 3, 1999.
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 119-124-43.
Halftime Success
Despite relinquishing a halftime lead on June 12 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 42-0-7 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 Quakes tied Chivas USA on June 12, continuing their incredible run over the past 59 games when scoring first. Dating back to the 2000 season, the Earthquakes own a 49-3-7 record in their last 59 matches when they score the first goal of the game. In 2005, San Jose remains undefeated at 2-0-3 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.
