SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes defeated the reigning Liga MX champions Cruz Azul 2-0 in an international friendly on Thursday night at PayPal Park. Paul Marie and Cristian Espinoza both scored second-half goals for San Jose.
Towards the end of a lively first half, both teams dropped to 10 men when Quakes defender Nathan and Cruz Azul forward Jonathan Rodriguez were shown straight red cards.
San Jose took a 1-0 lead in the 57th minute after Marie sent a curling shot from distance around the goalkeeper. The Quakes then doubled their advantage in the 72nd minute. Forward Jeremy Ebobisse played a long cross-field pass to Espinoza, who dribbled around his defender before blasting a low left-footed shot past the keeper.
After a bye week, the Earthquakes return to MLS action on Saturday, Oct. 16 when they take on LAFC at Banc of California Stadium. The match kicks off at 12:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on TUDN, Twitter, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
GAME NOTES:
San Jose now holds a 12-11-11 all-time record in international exhibitions, and a record of 2-8-4 against teams from Mexico.
The Earthquakes now hold a 1-0-1 record against Cruz Azul and a 2-8-4 record against teams from Mexico. Tonight’s win marks the first time the Quakes have defeated a Liga MX team since Sept. 6, 2012 (W 1-0 vs. San Luis FC).
Defender Paul Marie and midfielder Cristian Espinoza each scored one goal. Forward Jeremy Ebobisse tallied the assist on Espinoza’s goal.
MATCH INFORMATION
International Friendly
San Jose Earthquakes 2 – 0 Cruz Azul
Oct. 7, 2021 – PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif.
Attendance: 12,029
Scoring Summary:
SJ (1-0) – Paul Marie (Andy Rios) 57’
SJ (2-0) – Cristian Espinoza (Jeremy Ebobisse) 72’
Misconduct Summary:
CAZ – Joaquin Martinez (caution) 25’
CAZ – Walter Montoya (caution) 37’
CAZ – Jonathan Rodriguez (ejection) 39’
SJ – Nathan (ejection) 39’
SJ – Chris Wondolowski (caution) 39’
SJ – Tommy Thompson (caution) 56’
CAZ – Ignacio Rivero (caution) 61’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel Vega, Tommy Thompson (Cade Cowell 67), Tanner Beason, Nathan, Paul Marie (Oswaldo Alanis 83); Carlos Fierro (Cristian Espinoza 67), Jackson Yueill, Jack Skahan (Judson 83), Shea Salinas (Luciano Abecasis 67); Andy Rios (Eric Remedi 67), Chris Wondolowski (Jeremy Ebobisse 67).
Unused substitutes: Jacob Akanyirige, Benji Kikanovic, JT Marcinkowski.
SHOTS: 7; SHOTS ON GOAL: 4; SAVES: 5; FOULS: 16; CORNER KICKS: 3; OFFSIDES: 1.
CRUZ AZUL: Jesus Corona (Sebastian Jurado 29, Andres Gudiño 62); Pablo Aguilar, Adrian Aldrete, Joaquin Martinez (Josue Reyes 28, Alexis Gutierrez 72); Ignacio Rivero, Rafael Baca, Guillermo Fernandez (Luis Mendoza 72), Walter Montoya (Lucas Passerini 62), Romulo Otero (Santiago Jimenez 46), Roberto Alvarado; Jonathan Rodriguez.
Unused substitutes: Cristian Jimenez.
SHOTS: 8; SHOTS ON GOAL: 5; SAVES: 2; FOULS: 14; CORNER KICKS: 5; OFFSIDES: 0.
