March 10, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – San Jose Earthquakes News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2-0 on Saturday night at PayPal Park.
After a scoreless first half, San Jose began to turn up the heat in attack with two close attempts from forward Amahl Pellegrino. However, in the 74th minute, the visitors struck first blood when midfielder Alessandro Schöpf found the back of the net. Vancouver added an insurance goal in the 86th minute from Ali Ahmed to close the match.
The Quakes will now prepare for a road contest against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, March 16. Kickoff from Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, is set for 5:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, as well as on local radio via 810 The Spread AM (English) and 1370 KZSF AM (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
San Jose and Vancouver are celebrating their 50th anniversary in existence, as the first game in club history for both sides was a 2-1 Earthquakes win on May 5, 1974. As a tribute to that match in the North American Soccer League (NASL), both clubs wore special kits to honor their heritage tonight.
The Earthquakes now hold a 11-11-12 overall record against Whitecaps FC in MLS play and snapped a five-game undefeated streak in the series dating back to October of 2021 (3-0-2). At home, San Jose is 7-2-8 against Vancouver.
Defenders Bruno Wilson and Vitor Costa made their first MLS starts in tonight’s game, their first starts for the Quakes since joining the club last month.
The Quakes controlled possession (59.5%) and out-shot the Whitecaps (9-8) but could not avoid the clean sheet after sweeping the regular-season series over Vancouver last season and outscoring Vancouver 11-3 in their six previous contests overall in San Jose.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH LUCHI GONZALEZ
On a frustrating start to the 2024 season:
“We are definitely frustrated. We are in a hole. We’re in a hole and the way to get out is to dig ourselves out. The group has the ability to beat anybody home or away. But we’re not getting there. … I have a lot of faith in our talent, as well as our potential talent. One of these goals can change the momentum of winning games and earning points.”
On the mindset to fight for better results:
“We’ve got to create that competitive environment, and everyone’s got to be fighting. Like I said earlier, your best way is to commit, is double down on competing, and grab a spot. Even if it’s your best…
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