The Quakes won 13 games during the 2017 MLS regular season, including 10 at the friendly confines of Avaya Stadium, and another three as part of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. While every win – and even some of the draws – are exciting, not all are created equally.
Below are my top five Quakes matches during the 2017 season.
5. May 20, 2017 – FC Dallas 0, Earthquakes 1
Fresh off a late equalizer at home against Orlando City SC, the Quakes rode the momentum into Toyota Stadium for an early-season matchup against the Lone Star club. FC Dallas was a trendy preseason pick for both the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup after their stunning season in 2016, and carried an undefeated 5-0-3 record into the match. San Jose not only shutout Dallas’ powerful offense, but took home all three points courtesy of a late #Hykachu wonder goal on a glorious pass by Marco Ureña.
4. March 11, 2017 – Earthquakes 3, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
The second game of the season didn’t start well for San Jose, as they surrendered two goals to the Canadian side in the first 17 minutes. However, Chris Wondolowski forced a red card by keeper David Ousted and later pulled a goal back for the home team before the stroke of halftime. The Earthquakes capitalized on the man advantage in the second half and got goals by Nick Lima, his first as a professional, and Anibal Godoy to seal the comeback victory. Godoy’s long-range effort was one of the best goals you’ll see this season.
3. Aug. 27, 2017 – LA Galaxy 0, Earthquakes 3
The Earthquakes have notoriously struggled at StubHub Center, home of the rival LA Galaxy, but put their demons behind them in a big way. Vako scored a brilliant left-footed goal just before halftime and both Marco Ureña and Chris Wondolowski scored late in the match to give San Jose a decisive 3-0 victory. The support that day from the traveling fans wasn’t bad either.
2. July 1, 2017 – Earthquakes 2, LA Galaxy 1
The Cali Clasico at Stanford Stadium. Need I say more? Galaxy defender Jelle Van Damme put LA up in the 11th minute, adding to his lore as one of the most disliked players by Quakes fans. San Jose struggled to equalize until goalkeeper David Bingham’s long punt hit Wondolowski in stride and his epic turn-and-fire strike found the back of the net. Shea Salinas then sent the crowd of 50,000+ into a frenzy when he delivered his shot into the roof of the net three minutes into stoppage time.
1. Oct. 22, 2017 – Earthquakes 3, Minnesota United FC 2
I highly recommend watching the highlight video above as words won’t do it justice. The most important Quakes’ regular season match in years gave San Jose a ‘win and you’re in’ scenario. The Earthquakes held two different leads – 1-0 and 2-1 – with Minnesota United FC finding an equalizer both times, the second of which came in the 81st minute. San Jose was stunned, now faced with less than 15 minutes to avoid seeing their season come to an abrupt end. But Ureña, a late substitute, scored in stoppage time on his first touch of the match and Avaya Stadium erupted like never before. Champagne showers ensued moments later as San Jose punched their ticket to the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time in five years.
HONORABLE MENTION
May 6, 2017 – Earthquakes 3, Portland Timbers 0
A goal by Jahmir Hyka and another two by Chris Wondolowski gave San Jose a 3-0 drubbing of their rival to the north, marking the first-ever three-goal margin of victory at Avaya Stadium.
July 10, 2017 – Earthquakes 3, LA Galaxy 2 (U.S. Open Cup)
The Quakes erased an early goal by the Galaxy with three unanswered – two by Chris Wondolowski and one by Danny Hoesen. A late goal for LA changed the score, but not the result as San Jose advanced to the Open Cup Semis for the first time since 2004.
Sept. 30, 2017 – Earthquakes 2, Portland Timbers 1
Coming off a home defeat to Chicago, San Jose needed a win over the Timbers to stay alive in the playoff chase. Goals by Vako and Danny Hoesen had the Quakes up 2-0 just after halftime and the club held on despite a late goal by Portland.
Oct. 15, 2017 – Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1, Earthquakes 1
The lone draw to make the list, the Earthquakes used a tremendous game by goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell and a late goal by Vako to earn a 1-1 draw in Vancouver. The draw, coupled with losses by FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake, gave San Jose the ability to control their own destiny heading into Decision Day.
