The Earthquakes U-16 Academy team made great use of its time away from conference play.
The Quakes played three solid games in Beaverton, Oregon, including a memorable 6-5 victory in a penalty kick shootout over Real Salt Lake after the teams battled to a 2-2 tie in the U-16/17 Generation adidas Cup 2014-15 West Region.
They also drew 0-0 with the Portland Timbers in a friendly on Saturday, and beat the Seattle Sounders 2-1 on Monday in Generation adidas Cup play. The Quakes impressively lead their six-team group with five points.
Big target forward Armon Ojuola had a big road trip with two goals and an assist, and Ivan Valencia, one of the academy program’s top prospects, had a goal and two assists. Goalkeeper Jose Elizondo was Mr. Clutch.
"Last year, we lost to Chivas of Guadalajara in PKs in the Super Group. so winning in PKs against RSL, one of our biggest rivals, is a notch in the belt," a pleased Quakes coach Steven Wondolowski said.
Against RealSaltLake, right back Abraham Rosales set up the first goal with a cross to Ojuola, who headed the ball back across to Ivan Valencia, who scored in the 23rd minute. Valencia also assisted Ojuola in the 29th minute, making it 2-0.
Real Salt Lake rallied to tie it 2-2, forcing the shootout. Elizondo, who stepped in for injured Jay Roundtree early in the game, was as the hero in the shootout with two saves. The victory was worth two points in the standings; RSL got one point.
Against Seattle, Elizondo saved another penalty kick. Ojuola scored in the 35th minute to give the Quakes a 1-0 lead. After the Sounders tied it, Theo Huxham scored the winner in second-half stoppage time.
Wondolowski was happy with the team’s consistent performance, showing its best in a showcase against MLS competition.
In action closer to home, the Earthquakes U-14s (6-0-0) blanked Marin FC 4-0 on Saturday at MarinAcademy. Oscar Govea scored twice in the first half before Ricardo Ortiz and Mario Rocha had a goal apiece.
The Earthquakes U-16s ( 3-1-1) are second in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference behind Vancouver Whitecaps FC. San Jose's next match is Saturday, Oct. 18 against San Juan Soccer Club at Mustang Soccer Complex.
The Earthquakes U-18 team (4-0-0), which did not play last week, is also second in the Northwest Division in the Western Conference. San Jose next faces San Juan Soccer Club at Mustang Soccer Complex on Saturday, Oct. 18.
