The Earthquakes return home to Avaya Stadium this week for two key matchups. The Quakes will first take on the Chicago Fire on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 7:15 p.m. PT, presented by Cheez-it and Pringles, in their first and only encounter with the Eastern Conference side in the 2017 MLS regular season. Wednesday’s match will be broadcast on NBC Sports California, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
The Quakes will then face the Portland Timbers on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 7:15 p.m. PT, presented by Gyft, to conclude the three-game series between the two Western Conference sides in regular season play. The match will be broadcast on NBC Sports California Plus, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
OPPONENT INFORMATION
Earthquakes vs. Chicago Fire All-Time
MLS Regular Season: 10-14-11
Home: 8-5-5 (25 GF, 19 GA)
Away: 2-9-6 (17 GF, 31 GA)
All-Time Scoring: San Jose – 42, Chicago – 50
Last Game vs. Chicago Fire
Earthquakes 0 – 1 Chicago Fire; July 1, 2016; Toyota Park, Bridgeview, IL.
The San Jose Earthquakes fell 1-0 to Chicago Fire at Toyota Park. Chicago Fire midfielder and Dutch International John Goossens scored the game winner at the 58th minute to give the Fire three points.
History of the Quakes – Chicago Fire Rivalry
The Earthquakes and the Chicago Fire have had a memorable rivalry since the Fire came into MLS in 1998 … The most memorable game of the rivalry came in 2003, when Chicago and San Jose met for the MLS Cup at The Home Depot Center on Nov. 23 … The Quakes defeated the Fire 4-2 in Frank Yallop’s final game as the head coach before returning two seasons ago … Landon Donovan scored two goals, while Ronnie Ekelund and Richard Mulrooney each netted a goal to lead the Quakes to the victory … That game was the only playoff meeting between two of the league’s most successful clubs … The two teams have played each other twice in U.S. Open Cup Play, during Chicago’s inaugural season in 1998 and on May 24, 2011 … The first Open Cup match saw a quarterfinal tie that went into penalty kicks after goals from Lubos Kubik for Chicago and Jeff Baicher for San Jose saw the score knotted at one-all after regulation and overtime … The Fire prevailed in the PK shootout, 4-3, on their way to winning the title … In May of 2011, a 2-2 tie with goals from Ellis McLoughlin and Justin Morrow for San Jose and Orr Barouch and Yamith Cuesta for Chicago led to another round of PKs. Chicago prevailed 5-4 in the PK shootout … Chicago failed to win an MLS game against San Jose in 2011 for the first time in franchise history … Fire defender Cory Gibbs robbed San Jose of a road win on May 28, 2011, after Ramiro Corrales and Chris Wondolowski scored for the Quakes … Corrales and Wondolowski each scored again in the return fixture at Buck Shaw Stadium on September 10 to give San Jose a 2-0 win, their first home against the Fire since a 2-0 win on Sep. 21, 2005 at Spartan Stadium … On July 28, 2012, San Jose and Chicago played to a 1-1 draw. Quakes forward Steven Lenhart scored the equalizer eight minutes into stoppage time … On July 3, 2013, Chicago capped off a thrilling 3-2 win over San Jose. An Alan Gordon goal and an own-goal equalizer couldn’t sustain a late Chicago furry after 84th minute goal from Fire forward Chris Rolfe. On July 23, 2014, the San Jose Earthquakes routed the Chicago Fire 5-1 at Buck Shaw Stadium with their largest offensive output since 2012 … The Quakes defeated the Fire 2-1 in the inaugural match at Avaya Stadium on March 22, 2015, with the venue’s first-ever goal coming just five minutes into the match from rookie Fatai Alashe … On July 1, 2016, Quakes fell to the Chicago Fire 1-0 at Toyota Park from a second-half game winner from Chicago Fire midfielder John Goossens.
Earthquakes – Chicago Fire Connections
Forward Quincy Amarikwa played for the Fire from 2013-15 before being traded to the Earthquakes midseason … Quakes midfielder Shea Salinas, Fire midfielder Arturo Alvarez and goalkeeper Richard Sanchez are all from Texas … Fire midfielder Arturo Alvarez spent two separate stints with the Quakes from 2003-04 and 2008-10 … Chicago Fire forward Luis Solignac and Quakes midfielder Andres Imperiale were born in Argentina … Fire defender Christian Dean, Quakes defender Nick Lima and Quakes goalkeeper David Bingham all played at University of California … Fire defender Johan Kappelhof, forward Michael de Leeuw and Quakes forward Danny Hoesen have played together for Eredivisie club FC Groningen from 2014-16 … Fire midfielder John Goossens, defender Johan Kappelhof, forward Michael de Leeuw, along with Quakes forward Danny Hoesen and midfielder Vako have all played in the Dutch Eredivisie … Quakes midfielders Florian Jungwirth and Marc Pelosi, along with Chicago Fire midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger were all born in Germany … Chicago Fire midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, Quakes midfielder Jahmir Hyka, Quakes defender/midfielder Florian Jungwirth and Quakes defender Francois Affolter have all played in the Bundesliga …. Quakes midfielder Tommy Thompson, Fire midfielders Drew Conner, Joey Calistri, Djordje Mihailovic and Collin Fernandez (loaned out) are all homegrown players for their respective clubs.
Earthquakes vs. Portland Timbers All-Time
MLS Regular Season: 3-8-7
Home: 3-1-4 (12 GF, 8 GA)
Away: 0-7-3 (7 GF, 18 GA)
All-Time Scoring: San Jose – 19, Portland – 26
Last Game vs. Portland Timbers
Earthquakes 0 – 2 Portland Timbers; June 2, 2017; Providence Park, Portland, OR.
The Earthquakes fell 2-0 to the Portland Timbers away at Providence Park. Quakes were shorthanded to 10 men as Quakes midfielder Darwin Ceren picked up two yellow cards and was ejected in the first half. The Timbers capitalized as midfielder Diego Valeri tallied twice in the second half to secure three points. Quakes goalkeeper David Bingham made a season-high six saves during the match.
History of the Quakes –Portland Timbers Rivalry
The Earthquakes and Timbers rivalry dates back to when the teams played in the North American Soccer League ... The squads faced off for the first time as members of the NASL in 1975 in San Jose and the Earthquakes were victorious 2-1 with Ilija Mitic scoring both goals for the Quakes ... The Timbers evened the series with a 2-1 home victory towards the end of the ’75 season ... In 1976 the teams only met once and Portland got the better of the Earthquakes in a 1-0 victory in San Jose ... The Earthquakes swept the 1977 season series with a 3-2 victory at home and 2-1 win in Portland ... The Timbers came back in 1978 and outscored the Earthquakes 8-2 in two wins on their way to the NASL National Conference Final, where they lost to the New York Cosmos ... The teams split the 1979 series with Portland winning 4-3 in San Jose and the Earthquakes winning 2-1 in Portland ...In 1980, the Earthquakes dropped both games to the Timbers, losing each match by just one goal ... The Timbers got the best of the Earthquakes in 1981 as well, sweeping the season series by finals of 3-0 and 2-1 ... 1982 was the last NASL series between the two teams ... The Earthquakes won the first game 1-0 in Portland and the Timbers were victorious 1-0 when they traveled to San Jose ... The two sides played again in a 2001 exhibition in Portland and the Timbers were victorious 2-1 ... The next meeting came in 2004 during the U.S. Open Cup and the Earthquakes won 3-0 ... In 2005, the sides met again in the U.S. Open Cup and the Earthquakes were victorious 2-0 ... The Earthquakes topped Portland in U.S. Open Cup Qualifying 1-0 on May 3, 2011 with Ike Opara scoring the game winner in the 120th minute ... The Earthquakes and Timbers battled to a pair of 1-1 draws in 2011 ... Portland got the better of San Jose 2-1 at JELD-WEN Field in the two team’s first meeting of 2012, snapping a three-game winning streak for the Earthquakes ... Chris Wondolowski came off the bench to score a pair of second-half goals and rally San Jose from a two-goal deficit in a 2-2 draw at Buck Shaw Stadium on Sept. 19 ... The Earthquakes and Timbers closed out the 2012 regular season with a 1-1 draw on Oct. 27. Chris Wondolowski tied Roy Lassiter’s single-season mark of 27goals with a penalty kick in the 24th minute ... Portland won the clubs’ first of three meetings in 2013 1-0 at JELD-WEN Field with Will Johnson curling home a free kick in the 78th minute ... San Jose rallied at Buck Shaw Stadium to draw even with Portland 1-1 thanks to a 92nd-minute goal from Adam Jahn on April 21, 2013 ... The Earthquakes picked up their first-ever win against the Timbers on July 27, 2013 with a 2-1 result at Buck Shaw Stadium ... San Jose secured a valuable road point in a thrilling 3-3 draw against the Timbers at Providence Park to open their 2014 series on Sept. 7 and then fell2-1 in the next installment at Buck Shaw Stadium on Oct. 4 ... In their third game against the Timbers in 2014, the Earthquakes suffered a 3-0 loss at Providence Park ... In their first meeting of the 2015 season, the Earthquakes lost late at Providence Park after giving up a 91st minute goal that led to a 1-0 win for the Timbers ... Their second match of 2015 ended with a 0-0 draw ... The Earthquakes defeated the Timbers 2-1 in their first meeting of 2016 at Avaya Stadium, with Quincy Amarikwa’s wonder strike from 40 yards proving to be the difference ... San Jose fell to Portland 3-1 in their second match of 2016 at Providence Park despite a late comeback attempt ... The 2016 series closed with a 1-0 Timbers victory in Portland thanks to a Liam Ridgewell header from a Diego Valeri free kick … San Jose opened the 2017 series with a 3-0 win at home thanks to an early strike from Jahmir Hyka and a brace from Chris Wondolowski …The Earthquakes fell 2-0 to Portland in their second meeting away at Providence Park. Quakes were shorthanded to 10 men as midfielder Darwin Ceren was ejected in the first half. Timbers midfielder Diego Valeri tallied twice in the second half to secure three points for the Timbers.
Earthquakes – Portland Timbers Connections
Portland head coach Caleb Porter was originally drafted by San Jose in the third round (No. 27 overall) of the 1998 MLS SuperDraft... Porter appeared in four matches with the Clash in 1999, his only season with the club ... Earthquakes defender Andres Imperiale, along with Timbers midfielders Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco were all born in Argentina ... Timbers defender Darren Mattocks and Alvas Powell as well as Earthquakes midfielder Simon Dawkins have all featured for the Jamaican National Team ... Earthquakes goalkeeper David Bingham and forward Chris Wondolowski, as well as Timbers midfielder/forward Darlington Nagbe, have represented the United States National Team ... Quakes forward Marco Ureña, as well as Timbers midfielder David Guzman and defender Roy Miller, were all born in San Jose, Costa Rica and have all played for their national team ... Portland goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh grew up in Santa Rosa, Calif., and played collegiately for Santa Clara University.
EARTHQUAKES IN THE COMMUNITY
Recycle Cup 2017 Winner Meet & Greet with City of San Jose
Who: Earthquakes defender Victor Bernardez
What: Bernardez will visit students of Monroe Middle School to celebrate winning the City of San Jose Recycle Cup Challenge
When: Thursday, Sept. 28 at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Monroe Middle School in San Jose
7UP Meet and Greet
Who: Earthquakes defender Victor Bernardez
What: Meet and Greet at Mi Rancho Market
When: Sunday, Oct. 1 from 1-2:30 p.m.
Where: Mi Rancho Market in Redwood City
Help the Quakes Donate to Earthquake & Hurricane Relief Efforts
The San Jose Earthquakes and the Quakes Foundation are accepting donations on Gesture (https://e.gesture.com/events/5Df/) for disaster relief in the wake of recent earthquakes and hurricanes in North, South & Central America, most recently in Mexico. At the Quakes vs. Chicago Fire match Avaya Stadium on Wednesday, Sept. 27, proceeds from the Quakes’ 50/50 Raffle will be distributed to disaster relief efforts. The Quakes will match all funds raised by fans and supporters.
Jason Kofnovec, Honorary Captain
In partnership with the Austen Everett Foundation, the Quakes will host 8-year-old Jason Kofnovec as the honorary captain during this Saturday’s match against Portland. Jason was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia last July, and has two years left of treatment. Jason will sign a one-day contract with the team and participate in all game day activities.
Wine and Dine Success
The Quakes Foundation raised $80,000 at the annual Wine and Dine event on Sunday, Sept. 17. The event featured a buffet dinner, silent and live auctions and a raffle. Guests enjoyed wine tasting while experiencing beautiful views of the valley and mingling with Earthquakes players, coaches and front office staff. All proceeds raised go to the Quakes Foundation, which works to facilitate unity through sport and support programs that produce positive change for children and families in the community with an emphasis in health and fitness.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
Home Cooking
Only one Western Conference side has fewer home losses than San Jose’s one (SKC - 0). The Quakes are also in the midst of a seven-game unbeaten run at home.
First Since the First
Wednesday night marks the first showdown between San Jose and the Chicago Fire at Avaya Stadium since the venue’s first-ever regular season match in 2015.
Rebound
The Earthquakes have gone 3-0-1 in their last four games following a loss.
Opportunity
The Chicago Fire are 1-5-1 in their last seven road matches dating back to July 5.
Recent Advantage
The Earthquakes have won three of the last six meetings between the two sides dating back to Sept. 10, 2011 (3-2-1).
Record Breaker
If Quakes forward Chris Wondolowski scores in this week’s matchups against Chicago and Portland, he will tie Jaime Moreno for third most goals in Major League Soccer history (133).
Game Winning
Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski is one game-winning goal away from tying Jeff Cunningham for second most in Major League Soccer history (40).
Target Man
Chris Wondolowski has scored 10 goals in 14 appearances against the Timbers, more than any other player in league history.
#AvayaCastle
San Jose closes out the season with three of their last four games at Avaya Stadium. The Quakes are 8-0-2 in their last 10 home matches, including both MLS and U.S. Open Cup contests.
RENO 1868 FC UPDATE
The Quakes’ USL affiliate Reno 1868 FC secured a playoff spot with a 3-0 victory over OKC Energy FC on Wednesday, Sept. 20. On-loan from the Quakes, midfielder Lindo Mfeka led the way with his first hat trick as a soccer player, including youth levels, to earn Reno 1868 FC the USL record for most goals in a single regular season with 63. On Saturday, Sept. 23, Reno defeated Portland Timbers 2 with a score of 6-1, extending the record to 69.
1868 FC will host the Real Monarchs SLC on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 6:45 p.m. PT, in a battle for first place in the Western conference.
QUAKES ACADEMY UPDATE
The Quakes Boys’ Academy had a busy weekend. On Saturday, the U-12 squads faced the San Francisco Elite Academy, winning 10-0 and 8-0. The U-13s and U-14s faced the San Joaquin Valley Soccer Academy with the U-13s winning 12-0 and the U-14s winning 3-0. The U-15s, U-17s and U-19s played FC Golden State on Saturday. The U-15s fell 2-0, as did the U-17s and U-19s who both lost 4-2. On Sunday, the U-15s, U-17s and U-19s took on the LA Galaxy. The U-15s fell 2-0, U-17s came from behind with 10 men to tie 1-1 and U-19s tied 0-0. Next Saturday, Sept. 30, all boys’ academy teams will face the Santa Cruz Breakers Academy.
The Quakes Girls’ Academy will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 7 against La Roca Futbol Club.
NEWS ARTICLES
Quakes shut out by D.C United
By Emily Olsen, The Mercury News
http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/09/23/quakes-shut-out-by-d-c-united/
24 Under 24 is back! Stay tuned to MLSsoccer.com for full coverage
By Benjamin Baer, mlssoccer.com
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/09/24/24-under-24-back-stay-tuned-mlssoccer-com-full-coverage
Andrew Tarbell nominated for MLS Save of the Week
Staff, mlssoccer.com
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/09/24/vote-goal-week-week-29
Playoff probabilities for every MLS team after Week 29
Ian Quillen, mlssoccer.com
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/09/25/playoff-probabilities-every-mls-team-after-week-29
