SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes will face Liga MX’s Cruz Azul at Avaya Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 5:15 p.m. in an international friendly. It marks the first time that the Quakes will face Cruz Azul in any competition, and the match will be televised on Univision Deportes in the United States, and on ESPN Deportes in Mexico and Latin America as part of the MoneyGram SocioMX Tour 2018.
Founded in 1927, Cruz Azul have won the Liga MX’s Primera Division eight times and claimed six CONCACAF Champions League titles. Cruz Azul were also the first CONCACAF team to reach the final of the Copa Libertadores, playing Boca Juniors in the 2001 championship. Cruz Azul currently sit atop of the Liga MX table for the 2018 Apertura season with an undefeated 5-0-2 record, accumulating 17 points and a positive nine goal differential.
The match will see the return of midfielder Rafael Baca to San Jose. Baca played for the Quakes from 2011 through 2013, and during his three seasons with the club, he made 70 starts in 79 appearances, scoring two goals and providing nine assists. He departed the Quakes in December 2013 for Cruz Azul.
“Cruz Azul are a storied club with an impressive winning history, and we are happy to welcome them to Avaya Stadium for the first time,” said Earthquakes Chief Operating Officer Jared Shawlee. “This match marks the second time this year we have faced a top Liga MX side at our home and we are looking forward to a great atmosphere.”
The match will serve as Bonus Game C for Quakes Season Pass Holders and is included in their ticketing package. Season Pass Holders can purchase additional tickets now as part of an exclusive presale by calling their fan relations specialist. Season Pass Holders that are not able to attend this match can also exchange their tickets for one of the remaining 2018 matches. Fans interested in becoming a Quakes Season Pass Holder and taking advantage of presales like this one and other perks can sign up here for more information.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, Aug. 29 at 10 a.m. and are available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Individual ticket prices start at $25, with special rates available for groups of 10 or more. Group tickets can be purchased by calling the Earthquakes Front Office at 408-556-7700.
The Quakes have an 11-10-8 record in international exhibitions, including an 8-2-4 record in the past 14. Most recently, the Quakes fell to Club Leon 1-0 in March of this year, with Landon Donovan scoring the game’s lone goal.
