*SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes defeated the Philadelphia Union 2-1 on Saturday night at PayPal Park. Jeremy Ebobisse and Miguel Trauco found the back of the net as the Quakes extended their home unbeaten streak to eight (6-0-2). They are also unbeaten in their last four matches (2-0-2).
The Quakes opened the scoring early with an eighth minute strike from forward Jeremy Ebobisse. Cade Cowell, receiving a long ball over the defense, dribbled into space and found Ebobisse at the top of the box. He one-timed a low shot into the corner for a 1-0 lead. Philadelphia traded blows by scoring off corner kick in the 17th minute to finish the first half level.
San Jose battled back in the second half to find the game-winner in the 57th minute from defender Miguel Trauco. Carlos Gruezo collected the ball near the top of the box and found Trauco, who fired his long-range shot into the top-right corner.
The Earthquakes will next host the Portland Timbers on Saturday, June 17. Kickoff from PayPal Park is set 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 now hold a 7-5-5 record (26 pts.) during the 2023 MLS regular season and currently sit tied for third in the 14-team Western Conference.
San Jose currently holds a 5-5-4 all-time record against the Philadelphia Union, including a 3-2-2 record at home. Tonight’s win snapped Philadelphia’s nine-game regular season undefeated streak.
The Quakes earned their first win against the Union since Sept. 8, 2013.
The Earthquakes extended their home unbeaten streak to eight (6-0-2), becoming one of four MLS clubs undefeated at home this season. It is also the club’s first win against an Eastern Conference team this season.
Forward Jeremy Ebobisse scored his seventh goal of the season and 51st of his MLS career. He is now tied with Brian Ching for sixth most goals in club history (25).
Defender Miguel Trauco scored his second goal of the season and of his MLS career. His goal marked his first game-winning goal of his MLS career.
Forward Cade Cowell tallied an assist on Ebobisse’s goal, marking his third assist of the season and 15th of his MLS career. Tonight was his first appearance since returning from the FIFA U20 World Cup.
Midfielder Carlos Gruezo tallied an assist on Trauco’s goal, marking his third assist of the season and tenth of his MLS career.
Goalkeeper Daniel has gone undefeated in his last four games in goal (2-0-2), making 22 saves and earning two clean sheets.
MATCH INFORMATION
2023 MLS Regular Season
San Jose Earthquakes 2 - 1 Philadelphia Union
Saturday, June 10, 2023 – PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif.
Attendance: 15,512
Man of the Match: Miguel Trauco
Scoring Summary:
SJ – Jeremy Ebobisse (Cade Cowell) 8’
PHI – Damion Lowe (Kai Wagner) 17’
SJ – Miguel Trauco (Carlos Gruezo) 57’
Misconduct Summary:
None.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel; Miguel Trauco, Tanner Beason, Rodrigues, Carlos Akapo (Paul Marie 81’); Jamiro Monteiro (Jonathan Mensah 86’), Carlos Gruezo, Jackson Yueill (C) (Judson 82’); Cade Cowell (Benji Kikanović 73’), Jeremy Ebobisse, Cristian Espinoza.
\Substitutes not used: Michael Baldisimo, Ousseni Bouda, JT Marcinkowski (GK), Tommy Thompson, Niko Tsakiris. \
SHOTS: 10; SHOTS ON GOAL: 2; FOULS: 13; CORNER KICKS: 1; SAVES: 6
PHILADELPHIA UNION: Andre Blake (C); Jack Elliott, Jakob Glesnes, Damion Lowe (Jack McGlynn 24’), Nathan Harriel, Kai Wagner; Daniel Gazdag, Jesus Bueno (Quinn Sullivan 76’), Leon Flach (Chris Donocan 87’); Mikael Uhre (Joaquin Torres 76’), Julian Carranza.
Substitutes not used: Joe Bendik, Brandon Craig, Andres Perea, Jeremy Rafanello, Matt Real.
SHOTS: 19; SHOTS ON GOAL: 7; FOULS: 21; CORNER KICKS: 6; SAVES: 0
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH LUCHI GONZALEZ
On tonight’s win against the Philadelphia Union:
“At the end of the day we put away our chances and that’s what is most important. I thought we were efficient in the chances we had, and we showed high quality in our finishes. Both of the goals were excellent. Defensively I’m really proud of the guys in the run of the play. I mean we conceded on a corner, but in the run of play defended well, covered each other and handled Philadelphia’s attack and found a way to win. These are not easy games; you have to grind through them and find a way. I’m proud that we put away our chances.”
On the team performing well in stoppage time:
“Recently I think we’ve just talked about it, reflected on it, and taken it very personal and focused on it as a team. How can we make it our strength? How can we make it San Jose’s time in stoppage time where we’re focused and excited? We’ve worked hard to put ourselves in that position and we’re excited to get the job done. We ourselves have intentionally tried to turn that script, turn that mentality, and approach it so we show more courage in it. It’s all a process. Every game is going to be a little bit different. We have to be ready to adapt. I am proud of our guys.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES DEFENDER MIGUEL TRAUCO
On scoring tonight’s goal and earning the win:
“Being able to score this goal, which was aesthetically pleasing, is special and it was helpful for us to earn the three points. That makes me really happy as well as the team’s full effort on the field. It’s a pleasure playing with this team because everyone played well and thanks to God I was able to score the goal, which makes me happy.”
On his thought process prior to scoring his goal:
“Those decisions come in the spirit of the moment. I try to take a shot whenever I have a ball in front of me and in front of the net. I had good control of the ball and I didn’t think about it twice. I had the confidence in shooting it towards goal and it turned out to be a beautiful goal. But most importantly is that it helped us earn the three points. That’s what makes me the happiest.”
