Real Salt Lake Midfielder DOMINIK MARCZUK (11) beats San Jose Earthquakes Defender OSCAR VERHOEVEN (33) down the wing during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder DOMINIK MARCZUK (11) streaks down the sideline during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder BRAIAN OJEDA (6) awaits a corner kick during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Defender JAVAIN BROWN (91) looks for a teammate during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder DOMINIK MARCZUK (11) cuts the ball near the side of the penalty box during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender PAUL MARIE (3) attempts to block a shot from Real Salt Lake Midfielder DOMINIK MARCZUK (11) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ANDERSON JULIO (29) works the ball around the midfield during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ANDERSON JULIO (29) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ANDERSON JULIO (29) protects the ball with pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender PAUL MARIE (3) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ANDERSON JULIO (29) cuts the ball away from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) and San Jose Earthquakes Defender PAUL MARIE (3) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ANDERSON JULIO (29) attempts to get around San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JACKSON YUEILL (14) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OSCAR VERHOEVEN (33) clears the ball with pressure from Real Salt Lake Midfielder NELSON PALACIO (13) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OSCAR VERHOEVEN (33) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder BRAIAN OJEDA (6) crosses the ball away from pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Defender JAVAIN BROWN (91) crosses the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Forward DIOGO GONCALVES (10) controls a ball at the top of the penalty box during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) strips the ball from Real Salt Lake Forward DIOGO GONCALVES (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) puts pressure on Real Salt Lake Defender JUSTEN GLAD (15) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) and Real Salt Lake Defender JUSTEN GLAD (15) battle for the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Defender ALEXANDROS KATRANIS (98) points to where he wants his teammate under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender CARLOS AKAPO (29) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Defender ALEXANDROS KATRANIS (98) controls the ball near the touchline during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender CARLOS AKAPO (29) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OSCAR VERHOEVEN (33) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder BRAIAN OJEDA (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder BRAIAN OJEDA (6) crosses the ball away from pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder DIEGO LUNA (8) looks for options around San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) and Real Salt Lake Defender PHILIP QUINTON (26) battle for the ball near the touchline during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Forward CRISTIAN CHICHO ARANGO (9) shoots with San Jose Earthquakes Goalkeeper DANIEL (42) diving and San Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) signaling offside during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ANDERSON JULIO (29) receives a yellow card from referee MARK ALLATIN during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) cuts the ball back during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JACK SKAHAN (16) charges the ball against Real Salt Lake Defender ALEXANDROS KATRANIS (98) and Real Salt Lake Midfielder MATT CROOKS (25) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaA shot from Real Salt Lake Midfielder DIEGO LUNA (8) has San Jose Earthquakes Goalkeeper DANIEL (42) diving for the ball headed into the corner of the net during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender CARLOS AKAPO (29) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward PRESTON JUDD (19) passes the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward AMAHL PELLIGRINO (9) looks for options against Real Salt Lake Defender JUSTEN GLAD (15) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward PRESTON JUDD (19) shoots during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, California
MEDIA RELEASE:
Oct. 5, 2024
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 0, Real Salt Lake 1
San Jose edged in second half to close 2024 home slate; Quakes end season on road vs. LAFC on Oct. 19
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Real Salt Lake 1-0 on Saturday night at PayPal Park in front of 16,322 fans to close their 2024 Major League Soccer home schedule.
After a scoreless first half, the visitors appeared to score first in the 56th minute, but substitute Chicho Arango was ruled offside. At the hour mark, Rodrigues almost propelled San Jose into the lead, but his header was just wide. Five minutes later, Arango stayed dangerous, launching a deep attempt that was parried away at the last moment by Quakes goalkeeper Daniel. In the 70th minute, Dominik Marczuk’s header at the far post hit the crossbar and bounced out of harm’s way.
However, in minute 78, RSL midfielder Diego Luna’s left-footed shot at the edge of the box found the back of the net to give the visitors the lead. San Jose forward Preston Judd nearly had an equalizer in minute 90 but goalkeeper Zac MacMath batted it away.
The Quakes complete their 2024 MLS season on Saturday, Oct. 19, when they travel to Los Angeles to face Los Angeles Football Club. Kickoff from BMO Stadium 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 AM 810 The Spread (English) and AM 1370 La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Quakes moved to 16-15-12 (57 GF, 62 GA) against Real Salt Lake in MLS regular-season competition, including a 10-7-5 (36 GF, 28 GA) record at home.
San Jose split the season series with Real Salt Lake after defeating them 2-0 in Utah on Aug. 24. The Quakes also saw their two-game unbeaten home streak against RSL snapped after drawing 2-2 with them in 2022 and beating them 2-1 last year.
The Quakes celebrated 50 years with Krazy George, who has been leading cheers since the club’s first match in 1974. The first 5,000 fans through the gates received a Krazy George wig courtesy of Habbas Law.
Cristian Espinoza extended his run of consecutive MLS regular-season games played to a current league-high of 108 (Oct. 2, 2021 – present). The streak is not only a Quakes record but tied for fifth longest in MLS history. He now stands equal with Darlington Nagbe (May 1, 2021 – Apr. 6, 2024) in the all-time annals and second among all field players. Espinoza can pass Nagbe in the season finale on Oct. 19 in a road contest vs. LAFC. Goalkeeper Luis Robles holds the league record with 183 straight appearances (Sept. 29, 2012 – May 12, 2018).
San Jose Earthquakes 0 – 1 Real Salt Lake
Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 – PayPal Park, San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 84°F Clear
Attendance: 16,322
Match Officials:
Referee: Mark Allatin
AR1: Matthew Nelson
AR2: Kevin Lock
4th: Malik Badawi
VAR: Luis Guardia
AVAR: Jonathan Johnson
Scoring Summary:
RSL (0-1) – Diego Luna (Braian Ojeda) 78’
Misconduct Summary:
RSL – Alexandros Katranis (caution) 45’
RSL – Anderson Julio (caution) 53’
RSL – Zac MacMath (caution) 85’
RSL – Justen Glad (caution) 90+5’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel; Oscar Verhoeven (Vítor Costa 75’), Tanner Beason, Rodrigues, Carlos Akapo; Niko Tsakiris (Preston Judd 81’), Jackson Yueill (Alfredo Morales 75’), Hernán López; Paul Marie (Amahl Pellegrino 63’), Cristian Espinoza, Jeremy Ebobisse (Jack Skahan 63’).
Substitutes not used: William Yarbrough (GK), Daniel Munie, Tommy Thompson, Bruno Wilson.
“Niko [Tsakiris] and Jackson [Yueill] broke the lines decently well, but I felt like after that, we didn’t have a lot of tempo change to get in behind them. I think Salt Lake does a pretty good job. They press pretty well, but I actually liked some of the combination plays with Niko, Hernán [López] and Jackson. But I think we were missing that next step to create a big chance.”
On the lone goal of the game:
“It was a really good strike by [Diego] Luna. Good player. They had some chances early on, and then most of their chances came from outside the box. Unfortunately, that one went in. They did hit the crossbar and one back post header. But if you look at the chances, we didn’t have a lot, but we had two really big chances. One with Rodrigues’ header that normally, he can put those away, six yards out, seven yards out, and then Preston Judd had a late one. So that’s a little frustrating. I thought Salt Lake was pretty good tonight. But chance-wise, most of them were outside the box. They did have some really early on in the game. For six minutes they were on this, but I thought we dealt with it pretty well, and it was a good strike.”
On looking ahead to the season finale vs. LAFC:
“Sometimes you’re going to win; sometimes you’re going to lose. What really gets me is if a player is not working hard enough, and for the most part, this group works hard, that’s going to be a big test. LAFC is very good, and they’re still playing for positions in the standings. We do match up pretty well against them. We beat them already this season. so just go down there, play good football, defend well, look at their chances and try to hurt them.”
EARTHQUAKES FORWARD PAUL MARIE
On areas of improvement for next season:
“We are going into the offseason after the next game. I think there’s always areas of the game to improve. Individually, everybody will be able to do their thing. I’ll do my thing. I’ll like to work on the physicality, on being more fit, on being more sharp on the ball. I’ll do all of this, and I’ll work with the coaches on it.”
On transitioning from defender to the forward position late in the season:
“I see myself competing for that position. I think I’ve shown defensively that I can help a lot. You have someone who’s completely acting on the job of doing his defensive part and helping the team. I can definitely get sharper in the final third and help a lot more, but I see myself competing in that.”
On the fans sticking with the team throughout the campaign:
“We have a lot of respect for the people who stayed with us the whole season. We’ve been very lucky to have the support we’ve been having with the stadium and all the fans coming to see us. They pay to come see us, so we have a lot of respect for that. We would love to give them a lot more than what we have been giving them. But we just love their support all year long, and hopefully next year we can give them a little bit more.”
San Jose Earthquakes Defender PAUL MARIE (3) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDallas FC Forward PAUL ARRIOLA (7) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDallas FC Defender SEBASTIEN IBEAGHA (25) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender CARLOS AKAPO (29) leaps to head a ball over Dallas FC Forward PAUL ARRIOLA (7) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender BRUNO WILSON (4) dribbles away from pressure from Dallas FC Forward ALAN VELASCO (20) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) crosses the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JACKSON YUEILL (14) looks for teammates during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender PAUL MARIE (3) looks for options to pass the ball with pressure from Dallas FC Defender RUAN (5) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OSCAR VERHOEVEN (33) puts pressure on Dallas FC Forward JESÚS FERREIRA (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDallas FC Forward JESÚS FERREIRA (10) looks for teammates during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDallas FC Forward PETAR MUSA (9) dribbles away from pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CARLOS GRUEZO (7) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDallas FC Forward JESÚS FERREIRA (10) looks for a teammate during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDallas FC Forward JESÚS FERREIRA (10) crosses the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDallas FC Midfielder MANUEL “SHOW” CAFFUMANA (21) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDallas FC Midfielder MANUEL “SHOW” CAFFUMANA (21) shoots during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDallas FC Forward BERNARD KAMUNGO (77) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDallas FC Forward BERNARD KAMUNGO (77) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDallas FC Forward ALAN VELASCO (20) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDallas FC Forward ALAN VELASCO (20) passes the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDallas FC Forward BERNARD KAMUNGO (77) shoots during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDallas FC Forward BERNARD KAMUNGO (77) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDallas FC Forward JESÚS FERREIRA (10) dribbles from pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JACKSON YUEILL (14) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender TANNER BEASON (15) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDallas FC Forward LOGAN FARRINGTON (23) looks to cross from the wing during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDallas FC Midfielder MANUEL “SHOW” CAFFUMANA (21) crosses the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReferee LORENZO HERNANDEZ views the VAR monitor during a check for a possible penalty during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReferee LORENZO HERNANDEZ explains to San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) and San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) why the call is for a penalty kick during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDallas FC Forward JESÚS FERREIRA (10) shoots a penalty kick (and misses) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Dallas FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward JEREMY EBOBISSE (11) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender TANNER BEASON (15) clears the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder ALFREDO MORALES (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, California
MEDIA RELEASE:
Oct. 2, 2024
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 3, FC Dallas 2
Hernán López brace, Jeremy Ebobisse insurance goal power San Jose to victory; Quakes head into home finale Saturday night vs. Real Salt Lake
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes defeated FC Dallas 3-2 on Wednesday night at PayPal Park.
San Jose struck first blood in the 14th minute when defender Bruno Wilson collected a loose ball and funneled it to forward Cristian Espinoza on the right wing, who found Hernán López at the edge of the box. The midfielder spun and unleashed a left-footed clinical finish to beat Dallas goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer. However, the visitors would equalize in the 41st minute when midfielder Paul Arriola’s cross from the left wing was chested down by forward Petar Musa. The ball bounced over to forward Alan Velasco, whose left-footed blast evened the score heading into intermission.
In the second half, the Black and Blue went on the offensive and found the breakthrough in the 79th minute when Amahl Pellegrino’s pass from the left wing fed López for his second goal of the night. Four minutes later, the Quakes got an insurance goal to make it 3-1 when midfielder Niko Tsakiris streaked down the left wing and swept the ball over to forward Jeremy Ebobisse for the finish. FC Dallas were awarded a penalty late but Quakes goalkeeper Daniel dove to his right to save a Jesus Ferreira attempt from the spot in minute 89. Sebastien Ibeagha scored moments later for Dallas off a Sebastian Lletget assist to draw the visitors close before the final six minutes of stoppage time, but they would get no closer as San Jose secured all three points.
The Quakes complete their final homestand of the season on Saturday, Oct. 5, when they face Real Salt Lake. 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 KNBR 1050 AM (English) and AM 1370 La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Quakes moved to 30-22-22 (113 GF, 91 GA) against FC Dallas in MLS regular-season competition, including a 18-8-12 (65 GF, 44 GA) record at home.
San Jose is unbeaten at home vs. FC Dallas in their last eight games dating back to 2017 (3-0-5), with the teams battling for three consecutive draws.
2017: 1-1 D
2018: 4-3 W
2019: 2-2 D
2020: No Game
2021: 3-1 W; 1-1 D
2022: 1-1 D
2023: 1-1 D
2024: 3-2 W
Hernán López scored his fifth and sixth goals of the year in the 14th and 79th minutes, running his goal contribution total to eight in MLS play (6g/2a) and 12 in all competitions (9g/3a). Tonight also marked his first ever two-goal game since joining San Jose in May.
Amahl Pellegrino’s 79th-minute assist was his second in MLS play and fourth in all competitions, running his goal contribution total to nine in MLS play (7g/2a) and 11 in all competitions (7g/4a).
Niko Tsakiris recorded the first assist in his MLS career in the 83rd minute; it was his second assist and goal contribution in all competitions (0g/2a).
Jeremy Ebobisse’s 83rd-minute goal was his sixth goal in MLS play and 10th in all competitions, running his goal contribution total to eight in MLS play (6g/2a) and 12 in all competitions (10g/2a).
Bruno Wilson made his first appearance since injuring his hamstring on the road against NYCFC on May 31. His assist of Hernán López’s 14th-minute goal was his third of the season in MLS play, running his goal contribution total to four on the season (1g/3a).
Cristian Espinoza’s assist of Hernán López’s 14th-minute goal was his 14th of the season in MLS play, lifting him to a tie for sixth on the overall league leaderboard. The assist also puts him now at 18 goal contributions in MLS play (4g/14a) and 21 in all competitions (5g/16a).
Cristian Espinoza is the first player in Earthquakes history to have three straight seasons with 10 or more assists in MLS play (2022: 14; 2023: 13; 2024: 14 and counting).
Cristian Espinoza extended his run of consecutive MLS regular-season games played to a current league-high of 107 (Oct. 2, 2021 – present). The streak is not only a Quakes record but sixth longest in MLS history and third among all field players. He now stands one game away from tying Darlington Nagbe (May 1, 2021 – Apr. 6, 2024) for fifth all-time and second among all field players. Goalkeeper Luis Robles holds the league record with 183 straight appearances (Sept. 29, 2012 – May 12, 2018).
San Jose Earthquakes 3 – 2 FC Dallas
Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 – PayPal Park, San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 89°F Clear
Match Officials:
Referee: Lorenzo Hernandez
AR1: Logan Brown
AR2: Diego Blas
4th: Marcos Deoliveira
VAR: Younes Marrakchi
AVAR: Jozef Batko
Scoring Summary:
SJ (1-0) – Hernán López (Cristian Espinoza, Bruno Wilson) 14’
DAL (1-1) – Alan Velasco (Petar Musa, Paul Arriola) 41’
SJ (2-1) – Hernán López (Amahl Pellegrino) 79’
SJ (3-1) – Jeremy Ebobisse (Niko Tsakiris) 83’
DAL (3-2) – Sebastien Ibeagha (Sebastian Lletget) 90’
Misconduct Summary:
DAL – Nkosi Tafari (caution) 15’
SJ – Paul Marie (caution) 37’
DAL – Alan Velasco (caution) 55’
DAL – Sebastien Ibeagha (caution) 60’
SJ – Carlos Gruezo (caution) 73’
DAL – Paul Arriola (caution) 74’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel; Oscar Verhoeven, Tanner Beason, Bruno Wilson, Carlos Akapo (Vítor Costa 63’); Carlos Gruezo (Alfredo Morales 81’), Jackson Yueill (Niko Tsakiris 75’), Hernán López; Paul Marie (Amahl Pellegrino 75’), Cristian Espinoza (C), Jack Skahan (Jeremy Ebobisse 63’).
Substitutes not used: William Yarbrough (GK), Daniel Munie, Rodrigues, Tommy Thompson.
FC Dallas: Jimmy Maurer; Marco Farfan, Nkosi Tafari, Sebastien Ibeagha; Ruan (Bernard Kamungo 46’), Paul Arriola (C), Asier Illarramendi (Sebastian Lletget 89’), Show; Alan Velasco (Katlego Ntsabeleng 71’), Jesus Ferreira, Petar Musa (Logan Farrington 71’).
Substitutes not used: Antonio Carrera (GK), Patrickson Delgado, Omar Gonzalez, Sam Junqua, Ema Twumasi.
“It’s been a tough season, but these fans deserve a win. The team deserves a win. So I said [to the team], ‘Just enjoy tonight.’ The game did feel pretty comfortable. Dallas is a good team that likes to be in control of the ball. They did out-possess us; that is what it is. I’m not super concerned with that. They weren’t getting in behind us. I thought Paul Marie, as a winger, did really well at being compact and tucking in and almost played in more of a traditional 4-4-2 midfielder. Cristian [Espinoza] was a little bit higher, where we can press their three [defenders]. The compactness was really good. We looked dangerous on the break. The last four or five games have been pretty dangerous on the break, but this one, we finished our chances.”
On intangibles going San Jose’s way tonight:
“We haven’t had a lot of breaks this year. We got a pretty good one when the two players collided. We get the ball, we score on that play, and then Daniel making a huge penalty save. Overall, I just felt like we were really getting in our 18[-yard box] defensively, and we finished our chances when we had them. We had a couple big chances right away in the game as well. We came out on the front foot, which again, when you have a season like this, the players can pack it in. But they came out flying, and it was a good result.”
On rotating the lineup:
“We rotated the squad a lot — three games in a week, but we have really good quality coming in. Jackson [Yueill] started tonight. I thought he was really good. Paul Marie, very good. Bruno Wilson, he hasn’t played in four or five months, and he goes 90 minutes, just to name a few. Then Hernán [López], two goals. He’s a special player when he plays simple and doesn’t try to overdo things in bad areas. He’s one of the top players; he really is. He’s a young player still, so he’s going to continue to grow and get better. But I think you see when he plays well, the team plays well.”
On Bruno Wilson returning to action for the first time since May:
“Bruno is a player that’s really technical, very good on the ball, very calm, organized as well. He can speak three different languages, so he communicates with everyone in the back line. He’s played at a very high level. He just brings a lot of composure. I think he was all of that tonight. I think the penalty, yeah, it was a foul, but that’s just a bit of bad timing. He hasn’t played in four or five months, and then he goes 90 minutes. So I was very happy with him and Daniel.”
EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER HERNÁN LÓPEZ
On scoring two goals and if he could have netted a third:
“I was happy to score tonight. Obviously the season hasn’t gone our way, but being able to finish the season strong, we’re happy to see that and I’m thrilled with the victory … Obviously, you’d like to score three goals, but I wasn’t able to do that. I’m just very happy to be able to score two goals at home. … I was able to dedicate those goals to my mother and my father and my family.”
On adjusting to life in America and MLS with his new teammates:
“Everything is new, coming from Argentina. It’s a new team, new style of football, new culture. Everything is different. I feel like I’ve been able to adjust, and I feel really good where I am now.”
“It’s a good group. A very united group. Many different cultures and nationalities in the locker room. Even in the good times and the bad times, we’ve been there for each other.”
On what the emphasis will be in the offseason:
“I just want to go to into the offseason and work hard. Do what I can do to prepare myself the best way for the next season … At the end of the year, we’ll talk with the team and see what we need to do, as far as which details specifically we need to work on so that we can go into next season on the front foot, better and stronger.”
On looking ahead to the home finale Saturday:
“We won at home tonight, and it’s always good to win at home. We definitely want to win this last one as well for the fans so that they can see the effort we’ve been putting forward to win these games at home and to close the season strong.”
