March 2025 – jmjimage

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Seattle Sounders, March 29, 2025

The Quakes team huddle before the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, California

PRESS RELEASE:

March 29, 2025

MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, Seattle Sounders FC 1

San Jose draws first leg of 2025 Heritage Cup; Quakes continue homestand at PayPal Park next Sunday afternoon vs. D.C. United in match commemorating 30 years of MLS since inaugural game at Spartan Stadium in 1996

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes drew with Seattle Sounders FC 1-1 on Saturday night in Major League Soccer regular-season play in front of 15,228 fans at PayPal Park.

The Quakes struck first in the 32nd minute when midfielder Beau Leroux intercepted a pass in the center of the pitch and unleashed a shot from just outside the box. The ball deflected off a sliding defender and floated over Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei for the San Jose native’s first MLS goal.

After intermission, the visitors assailed the net in search of an equalizer, but the Quakes’ sturdy back line and goalkeeper Daniel repeatedly turned them away, making seven consecutive saves. However, in the 80th minute, forward Albert Rusnak’s blast from the right wing found the back of the net to knot the score 1-1.

The Black and Blue will continue their homestand next Sunday, April 6, when they take on D.C. United in a match commemorating 30 years of MLS since the inaugural game took place at Spartan Stadium, which took place between the two clubs at Spartan Stadium in 1996. Kickoff from PayPal Park will take place at 2 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as on local radio via KSFO 810 AM (English) and 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).

GAME NOTES

The Quakes move to 15-15-11 all-time against Seattle Sounders FC in MLS play (48 GF, 58 GA) with an 8-5-6 home record (25 GF, 19 GA). San Jose is 5-0-3 vs. Seattle in all competitions since 2021, 4-0-3 in MLS play, and 3-0-1 at PayPal Park during that stretch.

Tonight marked the first leg of the 2025 edition of the Heritage Cup, a competition honoring the two teams’ history in the North American Soccer League (NASL). Head-to-head points determines the winner, with goal differential followed by total goals during the two matches as the first tiebreakers. Seattle has won eight times (2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021), while San Jose has won eight times (2009, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024) and is aiming to keep the Heritage Cup a fourth consecutive year.

Quakes forward/team captain Cristian Espinoza extended his consecutive games streak—a club record and the longest active run in MLS—to 115, good for third all-time. Only Luis Robles (183) and Chris Klein (141) are ahead of him on the list.

MLS ALL-TIME CONSECUTIVE GAMES

183 Luis Robles (2012-18)

141 Chris Klein (2005-09)*

115 Cristian Espinoza (2021-present)*

113 David Ousted (2013-16)

*field players

Defender Reid Roberts, who made his MLS and Quakes debut in the second half last Saturday vs. Charlotte FC, made his first start tonight. The Quakes acquired the fifth overall pick in the first round of this year’s MLS SuperDraft from the New England Revolution to select Roberts out of the University of San Francisco.

Quakes midfielder Beau Leroux, a San Jose native and 2024 MLS SuperDraft second-round pick out of San Jose State, scored his first MLS goal in the 32nd minute. He had an assist in the Feb. 22 season-opening win over Real Salt Lake.

Daniel again showed why he is one of the league’s elite goalkeepers, facing 26 shots (19 in the second half) and saving nine of them. The Brazilian now leads all of MLS in saves as of Saturday night with 28.

MLS 2025 GOALKEEPER SAVE LEADERS

28 Daniel (SJ)

27 Kristijan Kahlina (CLT)

27 Jonathan Sirois (MTL)

27 Zack Steffen (COL)

San Jose Earthquakes 1 – 1 Seattle Sounders FC

Saturday, March 29, 2025 – PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.

Weather: 55°F Cloudy

Attendance: 15,228

Match Officials:

Referee: Guido Gonzales, Jr.

AR1: Micheal Barwegen

AR2: Gerard-Kader Lebuis

VAR: Michael Radchuk

AVAR: Kathryn Nesbitt

4th Official: Malik Badawi

Scoring Summary:

SJ (1-0) – Beau Leroux (unassisted) 32’

SEA (1-1) – Albert Rusnak (Cristian Roldan, Jesus Ferreira) 80’

Misconduct Summary:

SJ – Cristian Espinoza (caution) 35’

SJ – Ousseni Bouda (caution) 59’

SEA – Jackson Ragen (caution) 90+2’

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Rodrigues, Bruno Wilson, Dave Romney; Cristian Espinoza (C), Ian Harkes, Cristian “Chicho” Arango, Beau Leroux (Mark-Anthony Kaye 86’), Reid Roberts (Daniel Munie 73’); Ousseni Bouda (Josef Martínez 73’), Preston Judd (Nick Lima 66’).

Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK), Paul Marie, Amahl Pellegrino, Jamar Ricketts, Jack Skahan.

POSS.: 40.4%; SHOTS: 10; SOG: 3; CORNERS: 4; OFFSIDES: 2; SAVES: 9; FOULS: 18; xG: 1.1

SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC: Stefan Frei (C) (GK), Nouhou, Jackson Ragen, Yeimar; Joao Paulo (Danny Musovski 46’), Paul Rothrock (Georgi Minoungou 73’), Alex Roldan, Obed Vargas; Cristian Roldan, Albert Rusnak, Jesus Ferreira.

Substitutes not used: Andrew Thomas (GK), Cody Baker, Reed Baker-Whiting, Jonathan Bell, Kim Kee-hee, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, Danny Leyva.

POSS.: 59.6%; SHOTS: 26; SOG: 10; CORNERS: 12; OFFSIDES: 6; SAVES: 2; FOULS: 13; xG: 2.3

EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA

On the team’s overall performance tonight:

“The first half we played well, but the second half we did not. Give Seattle a lot of credit; they have a good team. [They’ve] been together a long time, very experienced and obviously put on a lot of pressure. To get a point is a fair result.”

On the team’s standing in the league during this early juncture of the season:

“We’ve played six games to date. The first four games, we should have got a result in every game. In Charlotte, we didn’t play well. Tonight, against a real good team, we had a good first half. Second half wasn’t what I wanted. … There’s a lot of things going on in the league right now. If you look at some of the scores today, it’s a league where everybody’s a little bit up and down right now. It’s still early in the season and we’ll take it one game at a time.”

On the team’s attack and finishing ability:

“It’s certainly something that we know has to get better. Against this team tonight, they’re a good team. I think they scored five or six goals a couple weeks ago. We have to get [Josef] Martínez and [Chicho] Arango on the field together. We had to be careful with Josef tonight because of his traveling [due to international duty]. I think we really need to see our team through the first half of the season to really be able to analyze correctly where we’re at and where we need to go.”

On Beau Leroux returning to the starting lineup and scoring his first MLS goal:

“Beau has been very good. He’s a player with not a whole lot of experience at this level and he’s done very well. I thought he ran out of gas a little bit tonight. That’s why we made the change. He’s been a pleasant surprise.”

“I’m not sure that’s one he’s going to be showing his grandchildren, but it’s nice to get a goal.”

EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER BEAU LEROUX

On developing as a young player and having veterans like Ian Harkes for guidance:

“It’s been great, just learning something new every day from the guys and being involved in trainings and games, just growing and learning as a player.”

“It’s been great. I mean Ian and I get along so well. You know, people have told me that he looks like an older brother on the field, and that’s kind of how it’s been and feels like.”

On the significance of scoring his first goal:

“I kissed the badge. This club means everything to me. You know they took a chance on me. I just love this club. I love San Jose and the people. I definitely feel some weight off my shoulders, but still have a lot to work on. So we still have a lot to do to get these results and go for three points.”

On head coach Bruce Arena having faith in him to start after making his MLS debut this season:

“It’s great. I thank Bruce a lot that he trusts me that much, and the whole coaching staff and the players trust me that much. I just go out there and do the best I can to help the team.”

####

Earthquakes Communications Contacts:

Ryan Maquiñana – Director, Communications

rmaquinana@sjearthquakes.com

C: 650.243.8523

Jake Jansing – Coordinator, Communications

jjansing@sjearthquakes.com

C: 408.425.1329

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Colorado Rapids, March 15, 2025

The San Jose Earthquakes (blue) and the Colorado Rapids stand for the National Anthem before the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Colorado Rapids at PayPal Park in San Jose, California

PRESS RELEASE:

March 15, 2025

MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, Colorado Rapids 2

San Jose edged in second half after Chicho Arango equalizer before intermission; Quakes go on the road next Saturday to face Charlotte FC

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes fell to the Colorado Rapids 2-1 on Saturday night at PayPal Park in front of 15,302 fans.

The visitors got on the board first in the 38th minute when Earthquakes goalkeeper Daniel parried away a cross from the left wing, but Colorado midfielder Cole Bassett poked in the rebound—one of only two Rapids shots in the half. However, San Jose answered in the first minute of stoppage time as the half wound down. Chicho Arango thumped a Cristian Espinoza corner kick into the back of the net for the equalizer to knot the match 1-1 at intermission.

The pitch opened up for both teams in the second half. In the 59th minute, Rapids winger Djordje Mihailovic broke free down the middle but his blazing shot from the edge of the box was batted away by Daniel. San Jose had a chance two minutes later but Ousseni Bouda’s blast bounced off the crossbar. Finally in the 71st minute, Colorado broke the deadlock when defender Keegan Rosenberry’s through ball found midfielder Omir Fernandez on the left wing, who then connected with second-half substitute Calvin Harris for the go-ahead goal.

The Black and Blue will now travel to Charlotte, North Carolina, next Saturday, March 22, when they take on Charlotte FC. Kickoff from Bank of America Stadium will take place at 4:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as on local radio via KSFO 810 AM (English) and 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).

GAME NOTES

San Jose moved to 33-27-19 in MLS play against the Colorado Rapids (104 GF, 100 GA) with a home record of 19-11-9 (58 GF, 43 GA).

Quakes forward Chicho Arango scored at the beginning of stoppage time in the first half (45+1’) for his second goal of the season and 55th of his MLS career. Arango also stayed hot against Colorado, earning his seventh goal contribution (5g/2a) in seven MLS matches vs. the Rapids.

Quakes forward/team captain Cristian Espinoza’s first-half assist on Chicho Arango’s goal was his third on the season and 74th career helper, extending his club record.

Quakes forward/team captain Cristian Espinoza extended his consecutive games streak—a club record and the longest active run in MLS—to 113, tying David Ousted for third all-time. Only Luis Robles (183) and Chris Klein (141) are ahead of him on the list.

MLS ALL-TIME CONSECUTIVE GAMES

183 Luis Robles (2012-18)

141 Chris Klein (2005-09)*

113 Cristian Espinoza (2021-present)*

113 David Ousted (2013-16)

112 Kevin Hartman (2006-09)

*field players

The Quakes’ attack put Colorado goalkeeper Zack Steffen to the test, unleashing 28 shots (13 on goal), the most since Nov. 7, 2021, in a 1-1 draw with FC Dallas (also 28 shots, seven on goal).

Colorado head coach Chris Armas earned 66 caps for the U.S. Men’s National Team playing for current Quakes head coach Bruce Arena and assistant coach Dave Sarachan (1998-2005). At club level, Armas also played for Sarachan on the Chicago Fire (2002-07).

Father faced son tonight as Quakes assistant coach Dave Sarachan’s son Ian is an assistant on Chris Armas’ Colorado coaching staff.

San Jose Earthquakes 1 – 2 Colorado Rapids

Saturday, March 15, 2025 – PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.

Weather: 55°F Partly Cloudy

Attendance: 15,302

Match Officials:

Referee: Alexis Da Silva

AR1: Adam Garner

AR2: Felisha Mariscal

VAR: Younes Marrakchi

AVAR: Mike Kampmeinert

4th Official: Corbyn May

Scoring Summary:

COL (0-1) – Cole Bassett (unassisted) 38’

SJ (1-1) – Chicho Arango (Cristian Espinoza) 45+1’

COL (1-2) – Calvin Harris (Omir Fernandez, Keegan Rosenberry ) 71’

Misconduct Summary:

COL – Reggie Cannon (caution) 57’

SJ – Chicho Arango (caution) 81’

COL – Zack Steffen (caution) 90+1’

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Nick Lima, Bruno Wilson, Dave Romney, Jamar Ricketts (Vítor Costa 81’); Ian Harkes (Niko Tsakiris 81’), Beau Leroux (Mark-Anthony Kaye 58’); Cristian Espinoza (C), Chicho Arango (Preston Judd 90+3’), Ousseni Bouda (Amahl Pellegrino 81’); Josef Martínez.

Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK), Daniel Munie, Rodrigues, Oscar Verhoeven.

POSS.: 59.9%; SHOTS: 28; SOG: 13; CORNERS: 10; OFFSIDES: 1; SAVES: 2; FOULS: 9; xG: 3.1

COLORADO RAPIDS: Zack Steffen (GK); Reggie Cannon, Andreas Maxso, Chidozie Awaziem, Keegan Rosenberry (C), Wayne Frederick (Omir Fernandez 65’), Cole Bassett, Oliver Larraz; Kevin Cabral (Calvin Harris 65’), Djordje Mihailovic, Rafael Navarro.

Substitutes not used: Adam Beaudry (GK), Samuel Bassett, Michael Edwards, Ali Fadal, Alexander Harris, Ian Murphy, Darren Yapi.

POSS.: 40.1%; SHOTS: 9; SOG: 4; CORNERS: 4; OFFSIDES: 3; SAVES: 12; FOULS: 9; xG: 2.2

EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA

On bouncing back in the first half before conceding the game-winner after intermission:

“Obviously it was great to get the goal back right at the end of half. On the night we played well enough to come out of it with at least a point. And [we had] a couple mental breakdowns for sure. The second goal was just a mistake … and it cost us dearly.”

On Chicho Arango’s second goal of the season and the team’s approach in the second half:

“Chicho scored a great goal. At halftime we felt we were in control of the game although we had to come from behind. The second half, I thought we played well and they created one good scoring opportunity with that breakaway, and Daniel makes a big save. I thought we were in position to push the game real hard the last 20 minutes and get three minutes, and failed when we had a lapse defensively. You do that, you deserve to lose the game.”

On the Quakes taking 28 shots on Colorado goalkeeper Zack Steffen but unable to convert the equalizer:

“The keeper made some good saves for sure. I think we squandered a few chances and a couple plays where we needed to be cleaner on the ball to create a good chance at goal. We failed. We walk away with only one goal and I think a couple mistakes that cost us in conceding. Those things have to be cleaned up. There’s no excuses for that.”

EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER IAN HARKES

On overall thoughts of the match:

“It was a similar feeling to the Minnesota [United FC] game in terms of how much possession we had, how much we were on top of them, and starting well. I think we have to capitalize on those starts, like we did the first two games. Scoring early always helps with the confidence, but making sure we shore up the back line as well. That’s everyone, not just the back line, but all eleven players when those transition moments happen, because we knew Colorado was going to be a transition team. I think the goals you could see tonight were just too easy from us.”

On the frustration of scoring once despite taking 28 shots:

“It’s very frustrating. They have a good keeper, Zack Steffen, and he usually comes up with big saves. I think we could have definitely done better and been more clinical on our chances. We created way too much to not come away with at least a point tonight. We’re going to be frustrated with that. That’s everyone on the team, not just the strikers, but I think we have to be clinical. We had those chances, especially second half — two 3v1s and 2v1s that just weren’t finding the right pass or the final touch. We’ll get that right hopefully into next week.”

On finishing goalscoring opportunities:

“I think it’s just making the right decision, picking the right pass and I think you could see that tonight. We were getting down the right side a lot with Cristian [Espinoza], with Nick Lima doing really well in the wide flank. So I think just picking the right pass and obviously just following it up with a with a clinical finish. Those moments will happen and keep falling for us, if we keep providing those opportunities.”

On looking ahead to the team’s next match on the road at Charlotte FC:

“I think we’re a confident group going into every game and I think that that’s why we’re disappointed right now. It’s only going to build even further going into Charlotte. They’re a very good team, away from home. It’s a tough place to play, so we have to be ready and we have to have a response.”

####

Earthquakes Communications Contacts:

Ryan Maquiñana – Director, Communications

rmaquinana@sjearthquakes.com

C: 650.243.8523

Jake Jansing – Coordinator, Communications

jjansing@sjearthquakes.com

C: 408.425.1329

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Minnesota United, March 8, 2025

San Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) crosses the ball with pressure from Minnesota United Midfielder ROBIN LOD (17) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Minnesota United FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, California

PRESS RELEASE:

March 8, 2025

MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 0, Minnesota United FC 1

San Jose incurs first loss of season; Quakes continue homestand next Saturday vs. Colorado Rapids

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Minnesota United FC 1-0 on Saturday night in front of 16,102 fans at PayPal Park.

The visitors got on the board first in the 33rd minute when Kelvin Yeboah volleyed home a Michael Boxall service from the right wing to give MNUFC a 1-0 lead. The Quakes went on a furious run in the second half, unleashing 11 shots, but could not find the equalizer before the final whistle for their first defeat of the season.

The Black and Blue continue their homestand next Saturday, March 15, when they take on the Colorado Rapids. Kickoff from PayPal Park will take place at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as on local radio via KSFO 810 AM (English) and 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).

GAME NOTES

San Jose moved to 5-7-4 all-time vs. Minnesota United FC (21 GF, 27 GA) with a home record of 3-4-2 (13 GF, 17 GA). Tonight’s win snaps a four-game winless streak against the Loons (0-2-2). In the Black and Blue’s last win over MNUFC, Shea Salinas and Benji Kikanović netted in a 2-0 win at PayPal Park.

Minnesota United FC’s 33rd-minute goal marked the first time all season the Quakes faced a deficit after 212 minutes.

Goalkeeper Daniel shone once again, making five saves on the night.

Cristian Espinoza extended his run of consecutive MLS regular-season games played tonight to a current league-high of 112 (Oct. 2, 2021 – present). The streak is not only a Quakes record but now tied for fourth longest in MLS history with former goalkeeper Kevin Hartman and second among all field players, trailing only Chris Klein (141). Former goalkeeper Luis Robles holds the all-time league record regardless of position with 183 straight appearances (Sept. 29, 2012 – May 12, 2018).

San Jose Earthquakes 0 – 1 Minnesota United FC

Saturday, March 8, 2025 – PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.

Weather: 55°F Clear

Attendance: 16,102

Match Officials:

Referee: Ricardo Fierro

AR1: Chris Elliot

AR2: Eduardo Jeff

VAR: Sorin Stoica

AVAR: Craig Lowry

4th: Lorenzo Hernandez

Scoring Summary:

MIN (0-1) – Kelvin Yeboah (Michael Boxall, Tani Oluwaseyi) 33’

Misconduct Summary:

MIN – Hassani Dotson (caution) 45’

SJ – Beau Leroux (caution) 61’

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Rodrigues (Niko Tsakiris 90+2’), Bruno Wilson, Dave Romney; Jamar Ricketts (Vítor Costa 69’), Ian Harkes (Mark-Anthony Kaye 70’), Beau Leroux (Preston Judd 79’), Cristian Espinoza (C); Amahl Pellegrino (Ousseni Bouda 70’), Chicho Arango, Josef Martínez.

Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK), Max Floriani, Nick Lima, Daniel Munie.

POSS.: 68.4%; SHOTS: 15; SOG: 3; CORNERS: 10; OFFSIDES: 3; SAVES: 5; FOULS: 8; xG: 1.5

MINNESOTA UNITED FC: Dayne St. Clair (GK); Anthony Markanich (Fernando Romero 87’); Michael Boxall (C), Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Morris Duggan, Jefferson Diaz (Carlos Harvey 65’); Robin Lod (Joaquin Pereyra 79’), Will Trapp, Hassani Dotson; Kelvin Yeboah (Sang Bin Jeong 65’), Tani Oluwayesi (Owen Frantz Gene 79’).

Substitutes not used: Alec Smir (GK), Devin Padelford, Hoyeon Jung, Samuel Shashoua.

POSS.: 31.6%; SHOTS: 10; SOG: 6; CORNERS: 4; OFFSIDES: 6; SAVES: 2; FOULS: 13; xG: 1.9

EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA

On his overall thoughts of the game:

“[Minnesota United FC] have an experienced team and obviously they have a very good defensive posture, and they were hard to break down. We need to be a little bit cleaner technically to try to create some other chances and give them a lot of credit. Our team played hard. They played well, in segments of the game, but not well enough to get a goal and at least walk off the field with a point.”

On conceding the lone goal of the match:

“[Minnesota United FC] defended very well. They dealt with a lot of crosses quite well. We obviously made a mistake on the goal, not clearing the ball properly, and not doing a good job stepping to the player who finished. I don’t even know who finished the goal, but bad defending on our part on that particular play, I’m not concerned about a couple of chances they got at the end of the game, because we were very exposed trying to get the goal. We opened ourselves up. We were well aware that was going to happen. I give our keeper [Daniel] credit. He made a lot of good saves.”

On trying to score on Minnesota United FC’s five-man back line:

“We could have been better in creating some better chances, but they were a tough team to break down with the numbers they put behind the ball and the back line. They did a good job.”

On the defense playing relatively well, having only conceded one goal in the run of play in three games:

“They are playing well and getting more comfortable with each other, but every phase of the game we can be better. Tonight, we didn’t create enough quality chances. That’s obviously an area we have to work on.”

EARTHQUAKES FORWARD CRISTIAN ESPINOZA

On almost converting his second-half free kick:

“Yes, absolutely yes, As soon as I saw the ball going over the wall, I was almost expecting that it was going to end up inside the net. It was very close, but unfortunately, I didn’t score the goal.”

On having Chicho Arango as a dual option on free kicks:

“It’s always pretty good to have a different option to take the free kick; it’s good for us. Unfortunately, we didn’t have Hernán [López] available, but Hernán also is a player who can also take the free kick, and he’s also a lefty. So we have a lot of options.”

On what was missing tonight in attack:

“We tried everything to break down the line of five they put in the back. I think it’s very difficult to have the opportunities to score when they put the lines too low, and when they defend for most of the game with almost nine players inside the box. But as I say, we need to keep working and improving, because probably during the season, we’re going to face another similar situation.”

On tonight’s result not affecting the team’s confidence:

“I think is so far it’s been pretty good. Tonight’s result won’t affect what we did. I think that we have a really strong team, a really strong lineup, and really good players this year. It’s a good mix between experienced and young players. We just need to keep working. We’re going to face this situation again during the year. We’re going to face teams here at PayPal Park who are going to defend the whole game, and we need to be ready for that.”

####

Earthquakes Communications Contacts:

Ryan Maquiñana – Director, Communications

rmaquinana@sjearthquakes.com

C: 650.243.8523

Jake Jansing – Coordinator, Communications

jjansing@sjearthquakes.com

C: 408.425.1329