SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3-1 on Saturday night at Avaya Stadium to extend their home unbeaten streak to 11 matches (9-0-2). San Jose set single-game MLS records for shots (43) and shots on goal (19), while forcing an MLS-record 16 saves by Vancouver goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.
After conceding a goal in the sixth minute, San Jose equalized one minute later through Brazilian midfielder Judson - his first career MLS goal. The Quakes then found the winner and an insurance goal from Chris Wondolowski and Andres Rios, respectively. Wondolowski's goal marked the 155th of his career and his 44th career game-winner, both new league records. Rios' goal was the first of his MLS career.
With the win, San Jose is in sixth place in the Western Conference with 41 points, just two points out of second place.
The Earthquakes remain at home to face Orlando City SC on Saturday, Aug. 31 at Avaya Stadium (7:15 p.m. PT; NBC Sports California/KNBR 1050/1370 KZSF).
MATCH NOTES:
San Jose now holds a 12-10-5 record this season and sits in sixth place in the Western Conference, just two points out of second place.
The Earthquakes are now 12-6-5 since the start of April.
San Jose is now 6-8-9 all-time against Vancouver in regular season play, including a 4-1-6 record at home.
The Earthquakes set single-game MLS records for shots in a half (25), shots in a game (43) and shots on goal in a game (19).
The Quakes snapped a four-match winless streak with the victory and extended their unbeaten streak at home to 11 matches (9-0-2).
The Earthquakes have completed a season sweep over Vancouver for the first time in club history. It also marked the first time San Jose defeated Vancouver in two straight meetings.
Midfielder Judson scored his first career MLS goal.
Forward Chris Wondolowski scored his team-leading 11th goal of the season and 155th of his career, extending his MLS record. It also marked his 44th game-winning goal, extending his MLS record. Wondolowski also tallied an assist on Judson's goal, his second of the season and 41st of his MLS career.
Forward Andy Rios scored his first career MLS goal.
Midfielder Cristian Espinoza tallied an assist on Judson's goal, marking his team-leading 11th of the season.
Defender Florian Jungwirth tallied an assist on Wondolowski's goal, marking his second assist of the season and ninth of his MLS career.
Midfielder Magnus Eriksson tallied assists on the goals by Wondolowski and Rios. It marked his first MLS game with two assists. He now has seven assists this season and 10 for his MLS career.
MLS Regular Season
San Jose Earthquakes 3 - 1 Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Aug. 24, 2019 - Avaya Stadium in San Jose, Calif.
Attendance: 17,458
Scoring Summary: VAN - Jacob Nerwinski (Theo Bair) 6; SJ - Judson (Chris Wondolowski, Cristian Espinoza) 7; SJ - Chris Wondolowski (Florian Jungwirth, Magnus Eriksson) 34; SJ - Andy Rios (Magnus Eriksson) 73.
Misconduct Summary: SJ - Florian Jungwirth (caution) 41; SJ - Marcos Lopez (caution) 72.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel Vega; Marcos Lopez, Guram Kashia, Florian Jungwirth, Tommy Thompson; Judson, Jackson Yueill; Vako (Andy Rios 70), Magnus Eriksson, Cristian Espinoza (Shea Salinas 81); Chris Wondolowski (Carlos Fierro 81).
SHOTS: 43, SHOTS ON GOAL: 19; SAVES: 2; FOULS: 10; CORNER KICKS: 16,OFFSIDES: 1.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC: Maxime Crepeau; Ali Adnan, Derek Conerlius, Jakob Nerwinski, Doneil Henry; Russell Teibert, Hwang In-Beom, Andy Rose (Lass 77); Fredy Montero (Michaell Chirinos 77), Theo Bair (Tosaint Ricketts 60); Yordy Reyna.
SHOTS: 5, SHOTS ON GOAL: 2; SAVES: 16; FOULS: 9; CORNER KICKS: 1,OFFSIDES: 1.
denotes MLS record
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES ASSISTANT COACH OMAR ZARIF
On the race for the playoffs:
"I apologize for being unable to respond to the question you just asked. I want to share that it is very bizarre not to have [head coach] Matias [Almeyda] present here. It's very strange for us, it's very strange for the club, for the players not having Matias participating in the match. We are very sorry, we apologize on behalf the staff. It would be good to speak with the players; they were the true protagonists. The players will respond to all your questions."
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES FORWARD CHRIS WONDOLOWSKI
On earning a positive result after Wednesday's defeat:
"We knew we had to hit the reset button. No need to panic, but at the same time, iron out details. LAFC is a good team. We made a couple of mental and physical mistakes and got punished. I think this was more of the KC [Sporting Kansas City], Colorado [Rapids] one where we needed to iron out a couple of details to really hone in and make ourselves better. It was good to get three points again."
On scoring a game-winning goal:
"It felt great. I love it. Love this group. It's great to just get back on the board and get back into winning ways and just to be a part of it is fun, but to get a goal as well is real nice."
On breaking the record for most shots in a single match:
"We needed to be a little more clinical. I think that's kind of been our bug even in those games prior. We've been creating chances and we have to finish them. We have to be deadly out there, just have that killer instinct and be able to put teams away maybe a little bit earlier. But when you're not creating chances, that's when you really have to worry and start changing things. So, I think right now, we're on the right path. Hopefully it kind of snowballs, hopefully it keeps getting better and we end up going on a hot streak at the right time."
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER SHEA SALINAS:
On playing the match without Matias Almeyda:
"I think it was a big example of our character. We have a bunch of leaders on this team. Every single guy steps out there and make sacrifices for their teammates, and it showed tonight, and it was an amazing performance."
On the result giving the team momentum:
"I think it's an important result just because we're playing at home and we wanted three points, we believed we can get three points. I don't know about momentum. We were still confident in the team we were able to be and we were able to show that tonight."
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES FORWARD ANDY RIOS
On the game:
"I'm very happy, happy with the goal, happy with the win. When we are playing here at home, we know the fans are coming to see us win."
On Andres Rios' debut:
"I feel happy because the group has received me well. The coaching staff also makes me feel comfortable. I try to show my gratitude when I get minutes on the field."
On his celebration:
"Right after I celebrated the goal, I dedicated it to my family, I told everyone including the substitutes to join me because we are a team, a group and that's what we want to see grow and form because that will make us strong."
