The San Jose Earthquakes earned a 1-1 draw against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday evening at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, marking their second consecutive road draw. Midfielder Chofis recorded his third goal of the season, while forward Cade Cowell tallied his fourth assist. Cowell became the first player in MLS to tally at least four goals and four assists in 2021.
San Jose will now prepare to play a pair of matches this week. The Earthquakes will first travel to face Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday, July 21, before hosting Houston Dynamo FC on Saturday, July 24, presented by Coca-Cola.
Wednesday’s kickoff from Children’s Mercy Park is set for 5:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports California, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF. Saturday’s match from PayPal Park is slated for 7:00 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on NBC Sports Bay Area Plus, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
EARTHQUAKES NOTES
LAST GAME VS. COLORADO RAPIDS (7/17)
Que Golazo!
Midfielder Chofis scored his third goal of the season and of his MLS career. All three of his goals were scored in the first 15 minutes of matches.
Young Leader
Forward Cade Cowell tallied his fourth assist of the season and fifth of his MLS career. He leads the Quakes in both goals (4) and assists (4). He also became the first player in MLS to tally at least four goals and four assists this season.
Captaining the Team
Midfielder Shea Salinas wore the captain's armband for the first time in 2021.
First Start
Forward Benji Kikanovic made his first MLS start, playing 45 minutes.
NEXT GAME VS. SPORTING KANSAS CITY (7/21)
Top of the Standings
Sporting Kansas City holds an 8-3-1 overall record (26 pts.) in 2021 and occupies second place in the Western Conference standings, only three points behind leaders Seattle Sounders FC.
Back In Action
Sporting KC will play their first regular season match since July 4, in which they defeated the LA Galaxy 2-0 at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Dangerous Opponent
Sporting Kansas City is on a three-match win streak. SKC’s winning streak includes a road victory against the LA Galaxy (2-0), and two wins at home against LAFC (2-1) and the Colorado Rapids (3-1).
Hostile Territory
Kansas City are yet to be beaten at home this season, yielding a record of 5-0-2 in seven regular season matches played at Children’s Mercy Park.
Second Meeting
Wednesday’s match marks the second and last regular season meeting between both clubs this year. The Quakes fell to Sporting KC 3-1 on May 22 at PayPal Park.
NEXT GAME VS. HOUSTON DYNAMO FC (7/24)
Second Meeting
The Earthquakes will face Houston Dynamo FC in the second meeting between the two clubs in 2021. San Jose fell 2-1 in their season opener against Houston on April 16 at BBVA Stadium.
The Difference
Houston currently sits in ninth in the Western Conference standings (3-4-6) with 15 points, only three more than San Jose.
Strong at Home
The Quakes hold a 3-1-1 home record in their last five games against Houston at PayPal Park.
Recent Struggles
Houston Dynamo FC are winless in their last six matches (0-2-4), most recently falling 2-0 versus Seattle Sounders FC on July 7.
Back in Home Territory
Saturday’s match will see the Quakes play at PayPal Park for the first time since May 29.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
Earthquakes, Hapa’s Brewing Company to Unveil Wondo Pilsner on July 27
San Jose Earthquakes captain and Major League Soccer’s all-time leading scorer Chris Wondolowski will be honored with a namesake beer by Hapa’s Brewing Company. The pilsner, known as Wondo Pils, will be launched during an event at Hapa’s brewery and taproom in San Jose on Tuesday, July 27 from 5-8 p.m. To learn more, click here.
QUAKES ON LOAN
Gilbert Fuentes, Casey Walls at Austin Bold FC
Austin Bold FC extended their unbeaten run to four-straight wins after defeating Real Monarchs SLC on Sunday night. Quakes loanees Gilbert Fuentes and Casey Walls did not feature in the match.
Thomas Williamson at Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC defeated Loudon United FC 1-0 on Saturday and earned their third straight win at home. Williamson made his 10th appearance for the Riverhounds, entering the match as a substitute in the 76th minute. Pittsburg currently occupies second (7-4-3) in the Atlantic Division and are tied for second in points (24) in the USL Championship.
Eric Calvillo at Orange County SC
Calvillo made his sixth start for Orange County SC in the 2-0 home defeat against Rio Grande Valley FC. Calvillo has tallied one goal in seven appearances for Orange County in 2021. Orange County currently occupies second (6-4-3, 21 pts.) in the Pacific Division of the USL Championship.
