SAN JOSE, Calif. – In their first match of the MLS is Back Tournament, the San Jose Earthquakes earned a point in a scoreless draw against the reigning MLS Cup champions Seattle Sounders FC on Friday evening at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla. The match, which counts towards the regular-season standings, was the Quakes’ first since March 7.
Earthquakes goalkeeper Daniel Vega made six saves to earn his first shutout of the season. San Jose finished with 16 shots, nine corner kicks and more than 62% possession.
The Quakes were supported by fans back in San Jose with two viewing parties at Earthquakes Stadium and more than 70 vehicles in attendance. B-roll and photos of the viewing parties are available here.
San Jose now prepares for their second group stage match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC next Wednesday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m. PT, presented by CEFCU. The match will be broadcast live on TUDN, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
MATCH NOTES:
The Earthquakes now have an 0-1-2 record in the 2020 MLS season and an 0-0-1 record in the MLS is Back Tournament.
The Earthquakes now hold a 10-11-7 all-time record against Seattle Sounders FC.
Daniel Vega recorded his first clean sheet of the season and eighth of his MLS career. He made six saves in the shutout, tied for the second most in a single game during his MLS career.
Sixteen-year-old Cade Cowell made his second MLS appearance, entering as a substitute in the 85th minute.
MLS Regular Season
San Jose Earthquakes 0 – 0 Seattle Sounders FC
July 10, 2020 – ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla.
Man of the Match: Daniel Vega
Scoring Summary: None.
Misconduct Summary: SJ – Tommy Thompson (caution) 19; SEA – Xavier Arreaga (caution) 24.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel Vega; Nick Lima, Oswaldo Alanis (Florian Jungwirth 64), Guram Kashia, Tommy Thompson (Shea Salinas 64); Jackson Yueill, Magnus Eriksson, Judson (Chris Wondolowski 75); Cristian Espinoza (Carlos Fierro 75), Vako (Cade Cowell 85), Andy Rios.
Substitutes not used: Tanner Beason, Eric Calvillo, Luis Felipe, Siad Haji, JT Marcinkowski, Paul Marie, Jack Skahan.
SHOTS: 16, SHOTS ON GOAL: 8; SAVES: 6; FOULS: 10; CORNER KICKS: 9, OFFSIDES: 1.
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC:
Stefan Frei; Xavier Arreaga, Nouhou (Miguel Ibarra 77), Kelvin Leerdam (Shane O’Neill 90+5), Yeirmar Andrade; Gustav Svensson, Cristian Roldan, Jordy Delem (Joevin Jones 56), Nicolas Lodeiro; Raul Ruidiaz, Jordan Morris (Shandon Hopeau 77).
Substitutes not used: Josh Atencio, Handwalla Bwana, Stefan Cleveland, Justin Dhillon, Ethan Dobbelaere, Danny Leyva, Trey Muse, Alex Roldan.
SHOTS: 12, SHOTS ON GOAL: 6; SAVES: 8; FOULS: 10; CORNER KICKS: 4, OFFSIDES: 2.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH MATIAS ALMEYDA
On Oswaldo Alanis’ injury update:
“The information we got from our training staff was that he was cramping on both legs, which is something normal in a tournament like this. That’s something you can tell the players were going through. It’s something normal.”
On tactical approach and style shown tonight:
“First, there were some changes. We tried to keep the same style. We were facing no less of an opponent than the reigning MLS Cup champions. The challenge from San Jose was a pretty big one, keeping in mind we were just able to practice with the team once we arrived here in Orlando. I’m thankful for what the players gave, their interpretation from what we asked of them. I saw a team with soul, with chances. I’m really happy with the game the players played against the opponent which is the reigning champions.”
On having an advantage into the next game after playing today:
“After today’s game, we will need two or three days to recover, but we’re not here to give excuses. We have a group where the ones who didn’t play today will surely end up participating. It’ll be a hard game as they all are. I also want to show solidarity to the people of Dallas and Nashville. So we will try to study the upcoming opponent and have a really good game.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES GOALKEEPER DANIEL VEGA
On the team’s overall performance tonight:
“I think we had a great game, not just on the defensive side but overall in general. I think the whole team had a great game. Defensively and offensively, since I arrived at this club under Matias [Almeyda], that was the idea. Everyone attacks and everyone defends. Despite the draw, it leaves us with a good taste in our mouth with the way we played. There wasn’t a player that stood out more than the others. Everyone as a team had a great game.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER JACKSON YUEILL
On the physicality of the games in the MLS is Back Tournament:
“It’s a normal game. Everyone comes to compete and to play hard. You only have three games, so each game is very important to win. If you lose, it lessens your chances of making it through. I think everyone is going to come with 100% attitude. With the weather and how it is, you have to be focused the whole 90 minutes, and you have to give it your all each play because it’s a tournament and one mistake can make you out of the tournament.”
