SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Tigres UANL 1-0 on Sunday night at PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif. The match marked the end of the Quakes first-ever participation in the Leagues Cup tournament.
The Quakes conceded a goal in the 19th minute from Tigres midfielder Fernando Gorriarán, assisted by Luis Quiñones. San Jose battled for the equalizer, outshooting their opponents 17 to 11. Ultimately Tigres’ lone goal would be enough for the Earthquakes to fall to the reigning Liga MX Clausura champions.
The Earthquakes resume MLS regular season play when they face the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday, Aug. 20. Kickoff from BC Place is slated for 7:30 p.m. PT and will be streamed globally on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app, as well as on local radio via 810 AM The Spread (English) and 1370 KZSF (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Earthquakes played their first-ever home Leagues Cup match and did not advance in the tournament.
San Jose faced Liga MX side Tigres UANL for the first time in team history in the final group stage match of
Group West 1.
The Earthquakes faced their first Liga MX team since defeating Cruz Azul 2-0 in an international exhibition held at PayPal Park on Oct. 7, 2021.
Forward Ayo Akinola made his debut for the San Jose Earthquakes after being acquired from Toronto FC on loan on 25, 2023.
MATCH INFORMATION
2023 Leagues Cup
San Jose Earthquakes 0 – 1 Tigres UANL
Sunday, July 30, 2023 – PayPal Park, San Jose, Calif.
Attendance: 17,449
Scoring Summary:
TIG (1-0) – Fernando Gorriarán (Luis Quiñones) 19’
Misconduct Summary:
SJ – Carlos Akapo (caution) 41’
TIG – Diego Reyes (caution) 44’
SJ – Jeremy Ebobisse (caution) 76’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Miguel Trauco (Paul Marie 65’), Tanner Beason, Rodrigues, Carlos Akapo; Carlos Gruezo (Niko Tsakiris 65’), Jackson Yueill (C), Jamiro Monteiro (Tommy Thompson 71’), Cristian Espinoza, Jeremy Ebobisse (Benji Kikanović 84’), Cade Cowell (Ayo Akinola, 71’).
Substitutes not used: JT Marcinkowski (GK), Michael Baldisimo, Ousseni Bouda, Cam Cilley, Jonathan Mensah, Daniel Munie.
SHOTS: 17; SHOTS ON GOAL: 4; FOULS: 9; CORNER KICKS: 10; SAVES: 2
TIGRES UANL: Nahuel Guzman (GK); Jesus Angulo (Vladimir Loroña ‘65), Samir De Souza, Diego Reyes (Juan Vigon 46’), Jesus Aquino; Rafael De Souza, Guido Pizarro (C), Diego Lainez (Francisco Cordova 65’) Fernando Gorriaran (Eduardo Tercero 70’), Luis Quiñones (Jonathan Herrera 70’); Andre-Pierre Gignac.
Substitutes not used: Arturo Delgado (GK), Carlos Rodriguez (GK), Raymundo Fulgencio, Jesus Garza, Nicolas Ibáñez, Nicolas Lopez, Eugenio Pizzuto.
SHOTS: 11; SHOTS ON GOAL: 4; FOULS: 8; CORNER KICKS: 7; SAVES: 4
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH LUCHI GONZALEZ
On tonight’s loss and exit from the 2023 Leagues Cup tournament
“I am sad for the guys because I thought our players left everything on the field. I’m really proud of them. I thought we showed some high-level concepts, ideas, play, combinations, and pressing against one of the best teams in Central, North, and South America. It’s disappointing not to get the result here at home in front of our fans, they had amazing energy. It just made it a great environment, a great event. If we keep showing that attitude, personality, that confidence to play, things will bounce our way in our league.”
On the team’s offensive performance tonight:
“At the end of a game we needed to push, we needed goals. We did get on the ball, we got wide overloads, balls in the box. I thought it was an interesting dynamic. Unfortunately, we didn’t score but I thought it was dangerous. We want to focus on our collective not just our individual and I’m proud of our collective effort tonight.”
On how recent acquisition Ayo Akinola is fitting into the squad:
“Ayo is still needing integration; he’s only trained maybe three times with the group. He’s adapting to San Jose now, that is going to take time so these next few weeks will be really good for him…I think he already showed he’s got some physical qualities in terms of hold up, turning defenders. He’s got power and speed. He’s versatile and he’s young and has a lot of room to still improve. I think he is going be a good addition to our depth in what we need to compete the rest of the season.”
