Shutout Streak
With San Jose’s 1-0 victory over the LA Galaxy on Friday, the Quakes have now recorded four consecutive shutout victories dating back to August 14. The Earthquakes tallied four consecutive shutouts for the first time since 2010 [5/1/10 – 5/22/10], four consecutive MLS wins for the first time since 2005 [8/27/05 – 9/21/05], and four consecutive shutout wins for the first time in club history.
Changing MLS Record Books
By earning shutout victories against the Colorado Rapids, Sporting Kansas City, D.C. United and Los Angeles Galaxy, the Quakes have become just the third team in MLS history to record four consecutive shutout wins [NE – 2005; COL – 2003]. San Jose could become the first team in league history to extend the streak to five games when they host Philadelphia this Saturday.
Double Digit Shutouts
The Quakes most recent victory marked the team’s 10th clean sheet of the year. It’s just the fourth time that San Jose has recorded 10 or more shutouts in a single season [2010 – 13; 2005 – 12; 2003 – 10].
Making a Case for Goalkeeper of the Year
David Bingham is making a serious case for himself for Goalkeeper of the Year. He posted his 10th shutout of the year on Friday against Los Angeles, placing him in a tie for third in the league. He is second in MLS in saves (90) and is fourth in save percentage (74.4). He is also currently riding a 374-minute shutout streak.
Kinnear Reaches 150 Wins
The Earthquakes victory over LA marked head coach Dominic Kinnear’s 150th win in Major League Soccer. He became just the third coach to reach the milestone, joining Sigi Schmid and Bruce Arena. Kinnear also recorded his 79th shutout victory, which ranks third all-time.
Team of the Week (Week 26) Selection
San Jose defender Clarence Goodson was named to the MLS Team of the Week for his dominant defensive performance against the LA Galaxy. Goodson has now earned Team of the Week honors five times this season (Week 6, Week 17, Week 18, Week 24, Week 26), most among all defenders in the league. Midfielder Shea Salinas was also listed as an honorable mention.
Salinas Scores Again
With his game-winning goal against the Galaxy on Friday, Salinas has now scored three goals this season, a new career high. He also scored in consecutive games for the first time since October of 2008, his rookie season. Salinas has tallied two goals and two assists over the last three matches.
Amarikwa Causing Havoc
Amarikwa has played great since joining the Quakes, recording four goals and three assists in nine games. Amarikwa has also helped the team in other ways, drawing a penalty against Sporting Kansas City and forcing an opposing defender to draw a red card in two of the last three matches. Amarikwa also set up the game-winning goal against LA, when his header was saved and redirected goal-ward by Salinas.
Stabilizing Force
Midfielder Anibal Godoy has been a stabilizing force for the Quakes in the middle of the pitch, leading the club to a spotless 4-0-0 record since his arrival. Godoy has not only been tasked with immediately trying to fit in with a new club, but also build a relationship with his partner in the center of the Earthquakes midfield. In four games with San Jose, Godoy has played alongside three different players – Matias Perez Garcia, Fatai Alashe and Marc Pelosi, due to various injuries and suspensions – and the club hasn’t missed a beat.
First Start at Avaya
Quakes midfielder Marc Pelosi made his first-career start at Avaya Stadium on Friday, playing 90 minutes in the victory.
Scoring Early
San Jose has taken an early lead in each of the last three games by finding the back of the net within the first 20 minutes. Head coach Dominic Kinnear has an all-time record of 127-11-43 (.820) when his team scores first, including a tidy 9-1-2 record this season.
Bernardez Hits Century Mark
Earthquakes defender Victor Bernardez made his 100th career appearance for the Quakes last Friday night and would reach 100 career starts should he be in the starting XI on Saturday.
Lockdown in the Back
The Earthquakes have had an impressive month of August defensively as they have posted five shutouts in their six August matches. Additionally, they have posted four consecutive shutouts and the team has not allowed a goal since the 76th minute of their Aug. 8 match against the Houston Dynamo, a 374-minute shutout streak.
Wonderful in White
The Earthquakes have performed tremendously well while donning their white and red alternate uniforms. In seven matches this season with the white kits the Quakes are 6-1-0 and have outscored opponents 17-5 in those matches. Individually, forward Chris Wondolowski has tallied seven goals in those seven contests.
Lock Down Defense at Home
San Jose’s defense has been stellar at Avaya Stadium this season, allowing a total of four goals in nine MLS matches. With their clean sheet against the LA Galaxy on Friday, the Quakes have now shut out their opponents in six of their last seven matches at their new venue [W 1-0 vs. VAN (4/11); W 2-0 vs. CLB (5/16); D 0-0 vs. DAL (6/7); D 0-0 vs. POR (8/2); W 1-0 vs. COL (8/14); W 1-0 vs. LA (8/28)].
