Earthquakes Edged by Houston Dynamo FC, 2-1

March 30, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes News Release

HOUSTON, Texas – The San Jose Earthquakes fell 2-1 to Houston Dynamo FC on Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium in front of 16,184 fans, as two goals by the hosts in the last 10 minutes of regulation would be the difference.

San Jose opened the scoring in the second minute when a Bruno Wilson headed home a Cristian Espinoza corner kick. However, that early lead went into peril in minute 34, as a scuffle away from the ball between Preston Judd and Houston’ defender Erik Sviatchenko led to the Quakes forward being shown a red card, leaving the visitors with 10 men.

William Yarbrough, making his second straight start at goalkeeper for the Quakes for the injured Daniel, answered the call in the second half making multiple saves at point-blank range. But the hosts would finally break through with nine minutes left in regulation when Sebastian Ferreira netted. Houston would score the game-winner in the 85th minute when an unmarked Franco Escobar blasted a ball off a Yarbrough save into the back of the net. San Jose finished the game with nine men after Jackson Yueill received two bookings in succession.

The Quakes’ Texas road trip continues next Saturday against Austin FC on Saturday, April 6. Kickoff from Q2 Stadium 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 AM 810 The Spread (English) and AM 1370 La Kaliente (Spanish).

GAME NOTES

San Jose is 2-13-1 all-time at Houston and has not won there since 2015.

The Quakes’ goal was the first Houston conceded in 212 minutes dating back to their March 2 game vs. the New York Red Bulls.

Jackson Yueill tied Joe Cannon for third most games started in Quakes history (171).

Cristian Espinoza notched his second assist of the season, raising his career all-time club leading total to 60. In nine games against Houston, he now has two goals and four assists.

Bruno Wilson scored his first goal as an Earthquake after tallying his first assist in last week’s win over Seattle.

Wilson’s goal occurred at 0:59, which was the second fastest one in the league all season to Duncan McGuire’s 11-second effort for Orlando City SC against Minnesota United FC on March 9.

In relation to club history, Wilson’s goal was the sixth fastest behind Dwayne De Rosario (0:11; Sept. 27, 2003), Ronald Cerritos (0:48; May 23, 1998), Brian Ching (0:53; Apr. 12, 2003), Eduardo “Chofis” Lopez (0:55; May 1, 2021), and Ronald…