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San Jose Earthquakes vs. Minnesota United, August 31, 2024

Minnesota United Defender JEFFERSON DIAZ (28) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Minnesota United at PayPal Park in San Jose, California

MEDIA ADVISORY:

Aug. 31, 2024

MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, Minnesota United FC 2

Bouda equalizes for San Jose but Loons edge Quakes in second half; Black and Blue now head into international break before resuming MLS play Sept. 14 on road vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Minnesota United FC 2-1 on Saturday night at PayPal Park in front of 15,122 fans.

The visitors got on the board in the ninth minute when Robin Lod controlled a loose ball and found Bongokuhle Hlongwane on a diagonal run for the one-timed finish. But the Earthquakes would answer in the 33rd minute when Amahl Pellegrino headed an aerial ball in the box toward a charging Ousseni Bouda, whose left-footed strike beat goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. Bouda almost had a second off a header but St. Clair made a spectacular save to keep the score level. The half ended 1-1.

MNUFC regained the lead in the 63rd minute when off a long throw-in, the Quakes cleared two point-blank attempts by Hlongwane in the box, but not a third, as the Loons forward’s industriousness paid off for his second goal of the match. San Jose pushed for an equalizer but could not get one before time expired.

The Quakes will now head into the international break before resuming MLS regular-season play on Saturday, Sept. 14, when they travel north of the Canadian border to face Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Kickoff from BC Place is set for 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 AM 810 The Spread (English) and AM 1370 La Kaliente (Spanish).

GAME NOTES

The Quakes move to 5-6-4 (21 GF, 26 GA) in the all-time series against Minnesota United FC and 3-3-2 at home (13 GF, 16 GA). Not counting the two clubs’ clash in the 2020 MLS Is Back Tournament where San Jose was technically the home team but the match was held at a neutral site in Florida, tonight’s loss snapped the Quakes’ home unbeaten streak over MNUFC in San Jose at three games (1-0-2).

Forward Ousseni Bouda’s 33rd-minute goal was his first of the MLS season and second in all competitions. His other goal was a May 7 game-winner over Oakland Roots SC in the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32.

Per the Apple TV telecast, Bouda was also the fastest player on the field tonight, reaching a top speed of 21.2 miles per hour.

Forward Amahl Pellegrino stayed hot, notching his second assist of the MLS season on Bouda’s goal. The play also marked his 10th goal contribution across all competitions and fourth in as many total games.

Forward Cristian Espinoza extended his run of consecutive MLS regular-season games played to a current league-high of 102 with his start tonight (Oct. 2, 2021 – present). The streak is not only a Quakes record but the seventh-longest in MLS history. Luis Robles holds the league record with 183 straight appearances (Sept. 29, 2012 – May 12, 2018).

MATCH INFORMATION

San Jose Earthquakes 1-2 Minnesota United FC

Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 — PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.

Weather: 68°F Clear

Attendance: 15,122

Match Officials:

Referee: Sergii Demianchuk

AR1: Stefan Tanaka-Freundt

AR2: Eduardo Jeff

4th Official: Tim Ford

VAR: Edvin Jurisevic

AVAR: Tom Supple

Scoring Summary:

MIN (0-1) – Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Robin Lod) 9’

SJ (1-1) – Ousseni Bouda (Amahl Pellegrino) 33’

MIN (1-2) – Bongokuhle Hlongwane (unassisted) 63’

Misconduct Summary:

MIN – Jefferson Diaz (caution) 79’

SJ – Carlos Gruezo (caution) 87’

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel; Vítor Costa (Paul Marie 72’), Rodrigues, Daniel Munie, Benji Kikanović (Tanner Beason 77’); Carlos Gruezo, Jackson Yueill (C) (Niko Tsakiris 72’), Hernán López; Amahl Pellegrino (Jack Skahan 72’), Cristian Espinoza, Ousseni Bouda (Preston Judd 77’).

Substitutes not used: William Yarbrough (GK), Alfredo Morales, Tommy Thompson, Oscar Verhoeven.

POSS.: 54.1%; SHOTS: 5; SOG: 2; CORNERS: 3; OFFSIDES: 1; SAVES: 4; FOULS: 7; xG: 1.1

MINNESOTA UNITED FC: Dayne St. Clair; Miguel Tapias, Michael Boxall (C), Jefferson Diaz; Joseph Rosales ( DJ Taylor 71’), Robin Lod (Carlos Harvey 90+2’) , Wil Trapp, Hassani Dotson; Kelvin Yeboah, San Bin Jeong (Tani Oluwaseyi 63’), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Devin Padelford 71’).

Substitutes not used: Alec Smir (GK), Franco Fragapane, Matúš Kmet, Teemu Pukki, Samuel Shashoua.

POSS.: 45.9%; SHOTS: 13; SOG: 6; CORNERS: 8; OFFSIDES: 1; SAVES: 1; FOULS: 18; xG: 2.7

EARTHQUAKES INTERIM HEAD COACH IAN RUSSELL

On Ousseni Bouda’s performance and return from his loan spell with Monterey Bay FC:

“I thought we didn’t start great. It’s good for [Ousseni] Bouda to get that goal. Bouda’s been a really bright spot these last two games. I thought he played well in Salt Lake [City] and played well tonight. Glad he got rewarded. But again, we have to be consistent right from the start of the first whistle. We had some moments, but I think it wasn’t our best game tonight.”

“Bouda played two games with Monterey Bay, and in both games he did really well, scored a goal and was just a handful. He’s a tough player to play against — he’s strong, physical, wants to run, looks to running behind. We liked what we saw and we’re going to look to get [Bouda] some minutes here. He’s taken that and done really well.”

On the lead-up to tonight’s match:

“We had a really good week of training. The start of the half, or end of this first half, I thought we started getting control of the game and created some chances. We didn’t capitalize, and they did. They had a long throw, they flicked it in and got it to go that way. It’s just been trying to be consistent. I think over the last seven games, we’ve been pretty good in every game. This is a game that we could have tied at the end, so we’re making progress, but it’s frustrating to lose.”

On Minnesota United FC’s second goal:

“We scored, and they come back and capitalize on a long throw, a set piece, basically. So it’s frustrating. But again, I felt like the players didn’t quit. We tried to get that second goal. We almost did with [Daniel] Munie, actually who was really injured at the time. As long as we’re fighting and trying to equalize late, that’s all we can do.”

On the team’s continued improvement:

“It’s been getting consistently better defensively. Starting with our front three pressing. We’ve been winning a lot of balls high at the field. We created turnovers against [Real] Salt Lake that led to two goals. It’s about being consistently good at doing that, but just limiting chances. I think as the season has gone, we’ve gotten gradually better at that. So I’m happy with that.”

EARTHQUAKES FORWARD OUSSENI BOUDA

On scoring the first-half equalizer:

“For me, I’m happy with the goal for sure. I thought I was going to get a second one. I think there is overall a lot of things in the game that I have to keep working on, trying to get better at. Link the game, do the running for the team and all of that. I look forward to keep progressing.”

On tonight’s game:

“I think we could have done better in this game; we could have won it. We could have started better. I think we weren’t necessarily on the front foot to begin the game. That’s what we need to correct and keep pushing. Obviously, not to concede off a long throw for example, to lose a game like that, especially when we work so hard to get back in the game and we are at home and towards the end, we know that we could grab a winner. I think we need to start better.”

On returning from his brief loan stint with Monterey Bay FC:

“When I came back, it was right before Leagues Cup. Ian [Russell] told me that he was happy with what he saw at Monterey. It was a short time, but he recalled me back and was like, ‘Keep pushing, work hard, then we’ll see what happens because there might be opportunities.’ I was excited to be back for sure.”

On making the most of his opportunities on the field:

“For me, regardless of whether it’s one minute or 90 minutes, this is what I love to do. This is my dream. I love playing for the Quakes. I just want to just give it my all, all of the time, because that’s really all I can control. Whether I miss a chance, or whether I’m in for five minutes and maybe I don’t touch the ball, just always control whatever you control. And I hope that I continue to do that, and then just keep my head down whether I’m scoring hat tricks in games or not, that’s just the mentality I aspire to have.”

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. LA Galaxy, July 31, 2024

The Quakes and Galaxy players line up for the National Anthem before the Leagues Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Los Angeles Galaxy at PayPal Park in San Jose, California

PRESS RELEASE:

July 31, 2024

MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, LA Galaxy 2

San Jose drops 102nd California Clásico in all competitions; Sunday’s group stage conclusion between Chivas and LA Galaxy will now determine if Quakes advance to Leagues Cup Round of 32

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes fell to the LA Galaxy 2-1 on Wednesday night at PayPal Park in 2024 Leagues Cup West 2 Group Stage play.

The 102nd California Clásico across all competitions almost began with a Galaxy goal in the ninth minute, but goalkeeper William Yarbrough’s spectacular double save prevented two dangerous shots from crossing the goal line. In the 18th minute, Amahl Pellegrino unleashed a low shot in the box that required a kick-save from LA goalkeeper Novak Mićović to keep the match scoreless. In minute 21, San Jose had two sizable opportunities to score. However, Jeremy Ebobisse’s left-footed strike sailed above the bar, and moments later, Carlos Gruezo’s attempt in the box was turned away by Mićović, while Hernán López’s shot off the rebound bounced out of play. In the 41st minute, the visitors finally broke the deadlock when Diego Fagundez curled a shot from the left wing at the edge of the box into the back of the net.

Entering the second half down a goal, the Quakes looked to push the issue. In the 67th minute, Cristian Espinoza broke free down the right wing, but could not connect with Pellegrino on the cross. Moments later, LA’s Joseph Paintsil eluded two defenders, but he could not do so a third time, as Rodrigues recovered the ball in the box to thwart the threat. In the 73rd minute, Quakes midfielder Hernán López drew a foul a few feet from the top of the box; the ensuing free kick was blocked. In the 75th minute, San Jose’s high pressure finally paid off in an equalizer, as team captain Jackson Yueill intercepted a wayward LA pass and found Gruezo, whose through ball for Ebobisse was coolly gathered and slotted home from the top of the box. However, the visitors would emerge in the 89th minute with a goal by Miguel Berry.

Despite the loss, the Quakes’ chances to advance to the Leagues Cup Round of 32 are still alive. After earning two points from their penalty shootout win over Chivas Guadalajara last Saturday, San Jose will now await the result of Sunday’s 7:30 p.m PT match between the Galaxy (3 points) and Chivas (1 point) to close the West 2 Group Stage. The two top teams in the group after Sunday will advance to the Leagues Cup Round of 32; the Quakes would go through if the Galaxy win Sunday by any means (in regulation or via penalties).

All Leagues Cup games are broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with San Jose’s matches in the competition also airing on local radio AM 810 The Spread (English).

GAME NOTES

Leagues Cup represents a monumental new chapter for North American soccer. Beginning last year, MLS and LIGA MX pause their regular seasons each summer and all 47 first-division professional clubs in both leagues compete in the official Concacaf-sanctioned tournament, which will qualify the top three finishers to the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.

Tonight’s Leagues Cup group stage match marked the 102nd California Clásico across all competitions between the Quakes and Galaxy, with San Jose now holding a 33-50-19 record (143 GF, 168 GA). The Earthquakes are 28-40-17 against LA in MLS play, with a 1-4-1 record in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and a 4-5-1 record in the MLS Cup Playoffs. The Quakes also went to 18-17-11 in their all-time home record against their SoCal rivals.

Quakes forward Jeremy Ebobisse stayed hot with his second goal in as many Leagues Cup games to run his total to six in all competitions in 2024.

Defensive midfielder Carlos Gruezo broke up several Galaxy attacks while also earning his first goal contribution of the season with his 75th-minute assist to Ebobisse.

MATCH INFORMATION

San Jose Earthquakes 1 – 2 LA Galaxy

Wednesday, July 31, 2024 — PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.

Weather: 76°F Sunny

Match Officials:

Referee: Lukasz Szpala

AR1: Chris Ellliott

AR2: Cameron Blanchard

4th Official: Joe Dickerson

VAR: Daniel Radford

AVAR: Tristley Bassue

Scoring Summary:

LA (0-1) – Diego Fagúndez (Gabriel Pec) 41’

SJ (1-1) – Jeremy Ebobisse (Carlos Gruezo) 75’

LA (1-2) – Miguel Berry (Miki Yamane) 89’

Misconduct Summary:

SJ – Cristian Espinoza (caution) 56’

LA – John Nelson (caution) 60’

LA – Maya Yoshida (caution) 82’

LA – Miki Yamane (caution) 90+6’

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: William Yarbrough; Vitor Costa, Tanner Beason ( Ousseni Bouda 89’), Rodrigues, Benji Kikanović; Carlos Gruezo, Jackson Yueill (C), Hernán López (Daniel Munie 83’) ; Amahl Pellegrino (Paul Marie 72’), Cristian Espinoza, Jeremy Ebobisse.

Substitutes not used: Daniel (GK), Jacob Jackson (GK), Michael Baldisimo, Preston Judd, Alfredo Morales, Will Richmond, Jack Skahan, Tommy Thompson, Oscar Verhoeven.

POSS.: 44.6%; SHOTS: 14; SOG: 4; CORNERS: 2; OFFSIDES: 3; SAVES: 7; FOULS: 8; xG: 1.8

LA GALAXY: Novak Mićović; Miki Yamane, Jalen Neal, Maya Yoshida (C), John Nelson (Miguel Berry 77’); Edwin Cerrillo ( Gastón Brugman 71’), Marco Delgado, Diego Fagúndez (Mauricio Cuevas 59’) , Riqui Puig, Gabriel Pec; Joseph Paintsil.

Substitutes not used: John McCarthy (GK), Brady Scott (GK), Emiro Garcés, Tucker Lepley, Isaiah Parente, Eriq Zavaleta.

POSS.: 55.4%; SHOTS: 20 ; SOG: 9; CORNERS: 6; OFFSIDES: 1; SAVES: 3; FOULS: 13; xG: 2.8

EARTHQUAKES INTERIM HEAD COACH IAN RUSSELL

On overall reflections of the match:

“This one really hurts, especially because it was so late in the game and we just scored. It’s a really quality team. Galaxy is a very good team. But I still feel like we had enough chances to at least get a result in this game. But you have to finish and you have to defend late. You have to defend your box. We’ll look at the goal again, and I’ve seen it a few times, and there were three or four errors on that play that are so preventable, and that’s what’s frustrating.”

On Jeremy Ebobisse’s second goal in as many games:

“We felt pretty confident once we scored, we went to a back five, which really should prevent any diagonal balls that get in behind your back line at that point. But Jeremy’s been really good. Really good finish. I thought we pressed really well on that goal, and we played them and he finished it coolly. So two goals for Jeremy in this tournament, and he’s looking really sharp.”

On the decision to go with Will Yarbrough at goalkeeper after Daniel started his first game since March 16 last Saturday vs. Chivas:

“Daniel was really sore from last game. Daniel was out for [four] and a half months. He played a really good game, but fitness-wise, health-wise, he just didn’t feel ready to go and I have a lot of belief in Will. He made some really big saves again tonight. So whether it’s Will or Jacob or Daniel, I’ve got confidence in these guys.”

On the high pressure bearing fruit compared to the June 29 game vs. the Galaxy at Stanford Stadium:

“We got a good goal from it tonight. I thought we played tonight better than we did at Stanford. I think there’s improvement there. You still want more. At least a tie. I think a tie would’ve been a fair result with the amount of chances. They had a big chance early on with the one that hit William Yarbrough, but I think that was offside anyway. But yeah, I think we’ve improved.”

On moving forward after the result knowing the team’s Leagues Cup chances are still alive:

“We’ve had a few of these late goals. That’s frustrating, so the message is we’re going to come into tomorrow to train. Re-gen for some guys. We’ll watch some film, and then we have to move on. It is frustrating. This one definitely hurts, but you have to move on, and again, we’re still in it because of our result against Chivas, and we’ll go from there.”

####

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. Chivas de Guadalajara, July 27, 2024

San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) takes some quiet time before the Leagues Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Chivas Guadalajara, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California

PRESS RELEASE:

July 27, 2024

MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1 (4), Chivas Guadalajara 1 (3)

San Jose wins 2024 Leagues Cup opener via penalties, breaks tournament attendance record with 50,675 fans; Quakes now return to PayPal Park to host LA Galaxy on Wednesday

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Club Deportivo Guadalajara, also known as Chivas, 4-3 via penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation on Saturday night at Levi’s Stadium in front of a tournament-record 50,675 fans to open the 2024 Leagues Cup group stage.

The Earthquakes struck first in the sixth minute when Cristian Espinoza crossed a ball from the right wing that was headed home by Jeremy Ebobisse. The striker almost doubled the advantage in the 27th minute, but Chivas goalkeeper José Rangel did just enough to keep it out of the net.

In the second half, the Rebaño Sagrado turned on the heat, assailing the Quakes’ net with former San Jose star Cade Cowell causing trouble on the left wing with a series of shots. In response, the Black and Blue’s back line, led by an indomitable Rodrigues, won duel after duel to turn the Mexican giants away after 90 minutes.

However, in the eighth minute of stoppage time, Rodrigues could only look on from the sideline, as he was not immediately allowed back on the field after getting medical attention. In his absence, Chivas equalized in the eighth minute of stoppage time when Roberto Alvarado finished a Mateo Chávez service in the box.

With the Leagues Cup format mandating a penalty shootout immediately following a draw after regulation, San Jose showed their mettle, as goalkeeper Daniel, making his first start since injuring his hamstring in March, saved one penalty kick by Alvarado and forced another by Cowell over the crossbar. Meanwhile, the Quakes converted four of five from the spot, with Vítor Costa supplying the knockout blow to send the crowd into a final frenzy.

Both teams earn a point due to the draw after 90 minutes, with the Quakes earning a valuable extra point by winning the penalty shootout.

The Quakes finish Leagues Cup group stage play as they return home to host longtime rivals LA Galaxy on Wednesday, July 31. Kickoff from PayPal Park is set for 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, as well as on local radio AM 810 The Spread (English).

GAME NOTES

Tonight’s match broke the Leagues Cup attendance record as 50,675 fans packed Levi’s Stadium. The previous record was 41,108 fans, which was set last year in a group stage game between Atlanta United FC and Cruz Azul on July 29, 2023.

San Jose earned their first Leagues Cup points in three tries dating back to last year’s tournament (1-0 home loss to Tigres UANL and a 2-0 road loss to the Portland Timbers).

Quakes goalkeeper Daniel made his first start since undergoing hamstring surgery on March 27, facing 22 shots (six on goal) and saving five. He also saved one of the penalties in the decisive shootout and forced another to sail above the crossbar.

Chivas forward Cade Cowell made his initial return to the Bay Area since joining the LIGA MX side in January. Cowell started and played the entire match, missing his penalty in the shootout. As a Homegrown Player for San Jose, Cowell netted 10 goals in 104 appearances. In his first season with Chivas, the Ceres, California, native has scored four goals in 22 appearances.

The last time the Quakes played Chivas was a friendly on October 14, 2003, at San Jose’s Spartan Stadium. Chivas midfielder Armando Tavira recorded a brace that proved to be the difference as Chivas went on to beat San Jose 2-0. Current interim head coach Ian Russell played as a starting midfielder for San Jose. Coincidently, on that exact date, Cowell was born.

MATCH INFORMATION

Club Deportivo Guadalajara 1 (3) – 1 (4) San Jose Earthquakes

Saturday, July 27, 2024 — Levi’s Stadium; Santa Clara, Calif.

Weather: 66°F Sunny

Attendance: 50,675

Coors Light Man of the Match: Rodrigues

Match Officials:

Referee: Mario Escobar

AR1: Luis Haroldo Ventura Chacor

AR2: Humberto Noel Panjoj Chitay

4th Official: Randy Encarnacion Solano

VAR: Melissa Borjas Pastrana

AVAR: Shirley Perello

Scoring Summary:

SJ (0-1) – Jeremy Ebobisse (Cristian Espinoza) 6’

GDL (1-1) – Roberto Alvarado (Mateo Chávez) 90+8’

Misconduct Summary:

SJ – Carlos Gruezo (caution) 41’

GDL – Fernando González (caution) 41’

GDL – Antonio Briseño (caution) 54’

SJ – Daniel (caution) 55’

SJ – Hernán López (caution) 72’

SJ – Rodrigues (caution) 87’

SJ – Jackson Yueill (caution) 87’

GDL – José Rangel (caution) 87’

GDL – Fernando Beltrán (caution) 87’

SJ – Alfredo Morales (caution) 90+6’

SJ – Chris Wondolowski (ejection) 90+8’

Penalty Shootout Summary:

GDL – Roberto Alvarado (no goal)

SJ – Jack Skahan (goal)

GDL – Alan Mozo (goal)

SJ – Paul Marie (no goal)

GDL – Erick Gutiérrez (goal)

SJ – Rodrigues (goal)

GDL – Cade Cowell (no goal)

SJ – Alfredo Morales (goal)

GDL – Fernando Beltrán (goal)

SJ – Vítor Costa (goal)

CD GUADALAJARA (CHIVAS): José Rangel; Alan Mozo, Gilberto Sepúlveda, Leonardo Sepúlveda ( Fidel Barajas 81’), Mateo Chávez; Victor Guzmán (Fernando Beltrán 63’) , Erick Gutiérrez, Fernando González (Antonio Briseño 90+3’); Pavel Pérez (Roberto Alvarado 46’) , Cade Cowell, Ricardo Marín (Armando González 62’).

Substitutes not used: Juan Liceaga (GK), Oscar Whalley (GK); Isaác Brizuela, José Castillo, Ariel Castro, Luis Olivas, Jesús Sánchez.

POSS.: 59.1 %; SHOTS: 22; SOG: 6; CORNERS: 4; OFFSIDES: 0; SAVES: 1; FOULS: 6; xG: 2.3

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel; Benji Kikanović, Rodrigues, Tanner Beason, Vítor Costa; Carlos Gruezo, Jackson Yueill (C) ( Alfredo Morales 87’), Hernán López (Oscar Verhoeven 87’); Amahl Pellegrino ( Jack Skahan 65’), Cristian Espinoza (Paul Marie 82’) , Jeremy Ebobisse (Ousseni Bouda 82’).

Substitutes not used: Jacob Jackson (GK), William Yarbrough (GK), Michael Baldisimo, Will Richmond, Tommy Thompson.

POSS.: 40.9%; SHOTS: 7; SOG: 2; CORNERS: 3; OFFSIDES: 0; SAVES: 5; FOULS: 8; xG: 0.9

EARTHQUAKES INTERIM HEAD COACH IAN RUSSELL

On what he told the team after conceding late, which led to the penalty shootout:

“There were a lot of emotions after that. A lot of frustrations with our team, so I had to bring them together and tell them everybody needs to calm down at this point. I told them they played a great game, but we need to calm down and we need to bury our penalty kicks. We know that Daniel was a good shot-stopper in goal, so they did that. I feel like they were so emotional that it wouldn’t have went well if we hadn’t gotten together and talked about it a bit.”

On Jeremy “Jebo” Ebobisse’s effectiveness up front tonight:

“I think Jebo was excellent all night. His holdup play has gotten a lot better. He was really dangerous in the box. You saw the goal, and he almost had another goal. Sepulveda did a good job of getting a body on him, but when Jebo plays like that, he’s one of the better strikers in the league for sure.”

On goalkeeper Daniel’s return after missing four months due to injury:

“Daniel has a really good aura about him. He’s very confident bordering on cocky. So I think the guys rally around that, but again, I don’t want to take anything away from Will Yarbrough who’s been really good for us the whole season. And when Will gets the chance again, he’ll step up and do really well.”

On the Leagues Cup-record crowd of 50,675 having an impact on the game:

“I kind of prepped the players for this game. I was fortunate enough in 2003 to play Chivas, the Quakes did. It was in a smaller stadium but it was packed and when we went on the field, we were the one team getting booed. I got them ready for that. I told them there was going to be a massive crowd. There’s a lot of Mexicans that live in San Jose, especially a lot from Jalisco here. So it was a great crowd. The players would love to play in an atmosphere like that every weekend.”

On Leagues Cup being an opportunity to turn the season around:

“That’s how we’re approaching this. We want to go far in Leagues Cup. It’s been a frustrating year, and even conceding late again. It was kind of like, man, we just conceded another late one. But if you look at our overall games, we’ve been in a lot of games. We make mistakes. We don’t score at the right times or miss chances. But tonight it felt different. It felt like the guys were completely bought in, so I think we can use this to go forward and get the confidence.

####

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