» 04.29.03 - Arena Names 18-Man Roster for May 8 Mexico Battle: CHICAGO (Tuesday, April 29, 2003) — U.S. Men’s National Team manager Bruce Arena announced an 18-man squad to face archrival and fellow World Cup finalists Mexico on Thursday, May 8 at Reliant Field in Houston. Kickoff for the match, which is being staged in conjunction with Major League Soccer and Houston Texans Entertainment, is set for 7 p.m. CT and will be broadcast live on ESPN2, Telemundo and the Radio Unica network. Fans can also follow live online via ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker, presented by Philips Electronics.

Nine players from the team that advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup will lineup in Houston, including six players that were on the field for the historic 2-0 victory against Mexico in the Round of 16 last June. Leading the World Cup alumni is the strike partnership of Brian McBride and Landon Donovan, the duo netting both goals as the U.S. advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the first time in 72 years.

MetroStars defender Eddie Pope and Colorado Rapids midfielder Pablo Mastroeni were also in the first team that day, while D.C. United forward Earnie Stewart and U.S. all-time capwinner Cobi Jones entered as second-half substitutes. MetroStars forward Clint Mathis, who captained the U.S. side for the first three matches in 2003, returns to the U.S. side after being sidelined with a hernia injury. Chicago Fire midfielder DaMarcus Beasley and Columbus Crew defender Frankie Hejduk round out the list of World Cup veterans on the roster.

”The match against Mexico is another important element in our preparation for the upcoming tournaments this summer,” said Arena. “A match against one of our biggest rivals in front of a huge crowd is a great learning experience for our younger players, and provides another important step as we continue to build our team in advance of World Cup qualifying next year. We expect it to be a great challenge.”

The youth movement is quickly gaining seasoning, with seven players on Arena’s squad having appeared in all four U.S. matches in 2003. Chicago Fire defender Carlos Bocanegra, the 2002 MLS Defender of the Year, has scored the first two goals of his international career and amassed six points this year to lead the U.S. scoring charts. D.C. United midfielder Bobby Convey, who at 19 years old has already represented the United States at World Championships as a member of the Under-20 and Under-17 men’s national teams, looks for his fifth appearance this year.

The Mexico match also marks the return of Chris Armas to the USA camp. The Chicago Fire midfielder was sidelined for nearly a year after suffering a torn ACL a month prior to the 2002 World Cup. Armas, 30, was a perennial starter for the U.S. and is one of the top defensive midfielders in team history.

After the most successful year in U.S. Soccer history, the team has amassed a 3-1-0 record in 2003, collecting shutout victories against Canada and Venezuela. The match at newly christened Reliant Field marks the second appearance for the U.S. Men’s National Team in Houston. Tickets for the biggest soccer game in Houston history, which is being presented by Budweiser, are still available in the $27-$45 range and can be purchased at all Ticketmaster ticket centers throughout Texas (including Fiesta, Foley’s and Wherehouse Music), by phone at 713-629-3700 and on-line at ussoccer.com. Groups of 30 or more can order tickets by calling toll free at 877-635-2002. Tickets are also available at the Reliant Stadium ticket office. (Click here for complete ticket information).

The United States is continuing preparation for participation in two major tournaments this summer. In June the U.S. will square off against Brazil, Cameroon and Turkey in the FIFA Confederations Cup from June 18-29 in France, and the USA will defend its Confederation championship in the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup to be held from July 12-27 in Boston, Miami and Mexico City.

Roster: Chris Armas (Chicago Fire), DaMarcus Beasley (Chicago Fire), Carlos Bocanegra (Chicago Fire), Adin Brown (N.E. Revolution), Danny Califf (L.A. Galaxy), Bobby Convey (D.C. United), Landon Donovan (S.J. Earthquakes), Nick Garcia (K.C. Wizards), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Tim Howard (MetroStars), Cobi Jones (L.A. Galaxy), Chris Klein (K.C. Wizards), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Clint Mathis (MetroStars), Brian McBride (Columbus Crew), Richard Mulrooney (S.J. Earthquakes), Eddie Pope (MetroStars), Earnie Stewart (D.C. United).

From USSoccer.com.

» 04.27.03 - Quakes remain unbeaten in 2003 with 1-0 W over Los Angeles Galaxy at Spartan Stadium: SAN JOSE, CA (April 26, 2003) — The San Jose Earthquakes remained unbeaten in 2003 (2-0-1) following a 1-0 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy Saturday night at Spartan Stadium. Earthquakes forward Landon Donovan's penalty kick in the 53rd minute was all the Quakes would need as Pat Onstad recorded his first MLS shutout in the win.

The Earthquakes threatened early in the match when Donovan was fouled by Galaxy defender Hong Myung-Bo just outside the Los Angeles 18-yard box. Richard Mulrooney took the ensuing free kick and curled a shot around the Galaxy wall that forced goalkeeper Kevin Hartman to dive to his right and punch the ball out of bounds for a corner kick. Todd Dunivant sent the corner kick into the Galaxy six-yard box, where Brian Ching jumped and headed the ball past Hartman, but off the left post.

Following a brief flurry in the San Jose end by L.A., the Quakes kept the pressure on with Donovan and midfielder Brian Mullan combining on a give and go at the top of the Galaxy penalty area. After receiving the ball, Donovan gave it back to Mullan in the middle of the box. However, his left-footed shot was handled by Hartman.

A Galaxy corner kick in the 34th minute provided some dangerous moments, as Galaxy midfielder Simon Elliott ended up with the ball near the top of the penalty box. His shot was quickly deflected by Craig Waibel, however, and the Quakes headed upfield.

Following a quick re-start off a free kick by Manny Lagos in the 36th minute, Ramiro Corrales found a streaking Donovan to the left of the Galaxy defense. The game remained scoreless when his centering cross was out of Ching's reach in front of the net.

The Quakes continued to test Hartman and the Galaxy defense in the 39th minute when Mullan sent a rocket of a shot on goal from 22-yards out after Ching headed a corner kick to him. Hartman was able to make a reflex save and punch the ball over the goal.

The Galaxy had a prime opportunity to take the lead in the 47th minute when Carlos Ruiz took a pass from Elliott in the middle of the Quakes penalty box. Ruiz maneuvered around San Jose defender Todd Dunivant, but his shot was off to the right of the Quakes goal.

San Jose broke the stalemate in the 53rd minute on a penalty kick from Donovan. Donovan's expertly placed a penalty kick to the right of a diving Hartman for his first goal of the season to give San Jose a 1-0 lead. Ching drew the penalty when he moved into the Los Angeles penalty box off a pass from Donovan. Galaxy midfielder Sasha Victorine, who earned a yellow card moments before, brought down Ching to set up the penalty kick.

Following the San Jose goal, Los Angeles started to put pressure on San Jose. Mulrooney stepped in front of a dangerous Galaxy shot in the 64th minute after a corner kick, and Onstad came off his line to make several nice saves soon after to preserve the lead.

The Quakes came close to adding another goal in the 71st minute on a header by Craig Waibel. Waibel redirected a corner kick toward the L.A. goal, forcing Hartman to make a diving one-handed save.

Onstad made a fine save of his own in the 76th minute when he stepped in front of a Carlos Ruiz shot from 18-yards out. Ruiz moved past Waibel and blasted a high shot, but Onstad was perfectly positioned to catch the ball and snuff out the opportunity.

The Earthquakes face the New England Revolution next Saturday, May 3 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. at 1:00 p.m. PT. The game will be broadcast live on television on ESPN2 and on the radio on Talk 910 KNEW.

Notes:

Landon Donovan scored his first goal of the season, giving him four points on the season. Donovan has scored a point in all three Quakes games in 2002.

Earthquakes goalkeeper Pat Onstad recorded his first MLS shutout and first MLS win at Spartan Stadium.

The Earthquakes broke a three-game losing streak to the Galaxy.

Ten of the last 11 games between the Earthquakes and the Galaxy have been decided by one goal or penalty kicks.

The Quakes 2-0-1 start is the best in club history.

Quotes:

Frank Yallop, on game: "I thought this was a fantastic effort from our team. I think that is the best we have played in awhile. The way we moved the ball and kept our shape was great. I thought we played and defended well."

Yallop, on game: "This was a great team performance. You can go right down the line, the back four was great. To keep those guys under wraps was a solid effort. We defended very well and came through with a goal. That takes 100 percent commitment from everyone."

Yallop, on game: "That is the way we like to play. We worked on passing all week and we were able to hold our shape and control the ball today."

Pat Onstad, on shutout: "This has been the longest week of my life, so to come through and play that way and get the win is very satisfying to me. The guys played great in front of me and really didn't give them too many openings."

Brian Ching, on play leading to penalty kick: "Richard got the ball to Landon and he made a great flick to me. I was trying to turn and shoot, but he (Sasha Victorine) had to foul me to prevent the shot."

Troy Dayak, on playing LA: "It has been an even series the past few years. Ruiz has been the difference in the most recent matches, but tonight we didn't give him much and he was ineffective. He is a good player and I am glad that I got to be a part of shutting him down, since I missed playing against him last year due to injury." From SJEarthquakes.com.

» 04.25.03 - Earthquakes To Play MPSL's Chico Rooks In Exhibition Match June 11 At Rooks Stadium: San Jose (Tuesday, April 8, 2003) - The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that they will face the Chico Rooks of the newly formed Men's Premier Soccer League in an exhibition match on Wednesday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m. PT at the new Rooks Stadium on the campus of Chico State University.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to expose MLS and Earthquakes soccer to the community of Chico," Earthquakes General Manager Johnny Moore said. "It is our goal to grow the sport throughout the state and the country in every way we can, and playing in a community that has a such a strong passion for the game is one way of doing that. We have been very impressed with the Rooks organization and we are really looking forward to developing a deeper relationship with the Rooks and the Chico soccer community."

The Earthquakes, who kick off their eighth MLS season this Saturday, April 12 against the Colorado Rapids in Denver at 6:00 p.m. PT, feature U.S. World Cup veterans Landon Donovan and defender Jeff Agoos. The Quakes-Rapids match on Saturday will be televised by Fox Sports Net on tape delay at 8:00 p.m. PT.

The Chico Rooks were formed in 1993 and play in the newly formed MPSL. The MPSL is an elite regional league comprised of teams in California, Nevada, Oregon, Arizona and Utah. The Rooks previously played in the United Soccer Leagues, where they posted an impressive 152-81-2 record and appeared in the post-season for ten consecutive years.

In addition to playing in Chico, the Earthquakes and Rooks are teaming up to host the first annual "Chico Day in San Jose" on Sunday, Aug. 24 for the Earthquakes 3:00 p.m. PT match against D.C. United at Spartan Stadium. The first 10,000 fans will receive a Troy Dayak Bobblehead Doll at the Quakes game on Aug. 24.

The first 1,000 people in attendance at the Quakes vs. Rooks exhibition match on June 11 will each receive one free ticket to the Earthquakes "Chico Day In San Jose" game on Aug. 24. Tickets for the Earthquakes vs. Chico Rooks game are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 16 years old. Tickets can be purchased from the Chico Rooks at Off The Wall Soccer Arena on 1090 East 20th Street or at North Valley Soccer Shop at 180 East 9th Avenue. For more information, call (530) 343-7665. From SJEarthquakes.com.

» 04.25.03 - Quakes Renew Rivalry With Galaxy: The San Jose Earthquakes rivalry with the Los Angeles Galaxy has reached epic proportions, with players and fans alike from both teams ratcheting up the intensity when the two teams meet. Of course, that is what happens when nine of the last ten games, dating back to the 2000 season, have been decided by one goal or penalty kicks. The Quakes (1-0-1) and the Galaxy meet for the first time in 2003 on Saturday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m. PT at Spartan Stadium.

As the Galaxy (0-0-3) proceeded to eliminate the Quakes from the last three U.S. Open Cups and San Jose put the Galaxy away in overtime to win the 2001 MLS Cup, the intensity of the rivalry has continued to escalate. And that was before the Galaxy closed out the 2002 season by clinching the best record in the record season with two close and controversial 1-0 victories over the Quakes.

The rivalry picks up even more steam this season as the Quakes will start three former members of the Galaxy on Saturday, as Brian Ching, Brian Mullan and Craig Waibel are all former members of Los Angeles.

“I know how intense it is,” Ching said of the rivalry. “I’m ready for it.”

Ching, who appeared in eight games for Los Angeles in 2001, remembers playing a half against San Jose while a member of the Galaxy.

“It is always good to play against your former team,” Ching said. “I don’t have any real special feelings though. I already played for them, and when I was with them I don’t think I was ready to be in the league the first time around. Now, I am ready.”

There is no question that the Galaxy defense will be ready for him. Coupled with Landon Donovan, Ching has been dangerous at the front of the Quakes attack so far. The Galaxy’s back three of Danny Califf, Hong Myung-Bo and Tyrone Marshall will present a stiff challenge, as well Los Angeles goalkeeper Kevin Hartman, whose strong play has kept the Galaxy in several matches this season.

The Galaxy have three draws so far in the middle of a season-opening eight game road trip as their new stadium, The Home Depot Center is completed. Once again, forward Carlos Ruiz, the 2002 MLS MVP, has led Los Angeles. Ruiz managed to score four goals in four matches against the Quakes last season.

“The only real way to stop him is to keep him off the field,” Earthquakes defender Craig Waibel said. “Really, we just need to make sure someone always stays in front of him. There is no way to totally stop him, by we just want to nullify his impact.”

Waibel is another former member of the Galaxy who is ready to renew his role in the California battle.

“It was always exciting to play your old team,” Waibel said. “I’m real excited to be on the other side of the rivalry. I don’t think that I have anything to prove to them. I know that when I was there I had the respect of my teammates and the staff there, but now the Earthquakes are my team and I always want my team to win.”

The Quakes will need another strong showing from a defensive four that has been solid in 2002. Waibel has combined well with Jeff Agoos and Troy Dayak in the middle and rookie Todd Dunivant on the left side. It will be the experienced duo of Agoos and Dayak that will be forced to deal with Ruiz the most on Saturday.

San Jose goalkeeper Pat Onstad will most likely face a barrage of shots from the Galaxy attack of Cobi Jones, Ezra Hendrickson and Sasha Victorine. Those three cause problems for teams by stretching the defense, freeing up room for Ruiz to roam in the middle.

“This is going to be a good game,” Mullan said. “You’ve got two very good teams going at it.”

Mullan, who joined the Quakes following a pre-season trade from the Galaxy, has fit in well in San Jose. Mullan scored the Earthquakes lone goal last week and supplied an assist on San Jose’s first goal of the season April 12. The Creighton University product spent two seasons in Los Angeles before coming to San Jose.

“I really want to win,” Mullan said. “Of course you always do when you play your old team. “I will be honest; I don’t really care what they think about me over there. I play for San Jose now and it has been great so far.”

The Earthquakes feel the same way, as Mullan has combined well in the midfield with Richard Mulrooney, Ramiro Corrales and Manny Lagos to create scoring opportunities and more than account for the absence of 2002 Pepsi Best XI member Ronnie Ekelund.

The Quakes are looking to break a three-game losing streak to the Galaxy, as Los Angeles has won all three matches by identical 1-0 scores.

“I’m really looking forward to this weekend,” Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop said. “I know they are going to come in here wanting to beat us, but we definitely want to beat them just as bad.” From Tremors (SJEarthquakes.com).

» 04.25.03 - QUAKES STILL FIT FOLLOWING TIE, LOOK TO REMAIN UNBEATEN IN 2003: SAN JOSE, CA (April 21, 2003) - For the first time in their eight-year history, the San Jose Earthquakes have started a season unbeaten following two games. The Quakes 1-0-1 record also puts them in first place in the Western Conference and gives the team optimism as the defending MLS Cup Champions Los Angeles Galaxy come to Spartan Stadium for the latest installment in MLS' best rivalry on April 26 at 7:00 p.m.

"I thought it was a great home opener," Earthquakes defender Craig Waibel said two days after San Jose tied the Kansas City Wizards 1-1 April 19 at Spartan. "I thought it was pretty good especially because for a lot of guys it was their first MLS game on that field, a shortened field. I thought we did well."

The Quakes controlled the tempo of play for most of the game, forcing Kansas City goalkeeper Tony Meola to show the 17,032 fans at Spartan Stadium exactly why he is known as one of the best goalkeepers in MLS.

"Maybe we need to work on our finishing a little bit," Quakes defender Craig Waibel said. "But we put some tough shots on goal and they stopped them. Maybe we could have finished it a little better, but I also think we need to work on our defending and just tightening some things up in the back and limiting some of the shots that we gave them last week."

The Quakes defense again held strong against an explosive opponent, as the Wizards attack featured Josh Wolff, Preki and Chris Klein. Wolff managed to come in alone on San Jose goalkeeper Pat Onstad during a breakaway, but Jeff Agoos cleared his slow shot off the line.

Agoos, Waibel, Troy Dayak and rookie Todd Dunivant were tough in the back, limiting the Wizards opportunities on goal.

"I thought that our defense played well," Waibel said. "Overall, for our first game on that field and with so many injured guys and new players, we worked together well."

Onstad, fresh off his first MLS win April 12 in Colorado, came close to supplying the Quakes with their first shutout of the season before misplaying a second half corner kick and inadvertently knocking the ball into his own net to give the Wizards a 1-0 lead.

"I have nothing to say about it really, I am absolutely gutted," Onstad said following the game. "But the guys really battled back for me - I owe them two points."

Brian Mullan pushed the Quakes all the way back with his clinical finish off a Landon Donovan pass in the 81st minute to tie the game at ones and supply the final margin. Agoos headed the ball up field where Donovan won the ball and placed a perfect through ball between two Kansas City defenders for the on-rushing Mullan. Mullan was able to put the ball to the side of the sliding Meola, the only time the Wizards goalkeeper would be beaten all game.

"I think we did a good job of coming back and getting that goal after we let in kind of a fluke goal," Dunivant said. "We didn't get down, and we battled back. Meola was making a lot of tough saves, and I think we did a good job of keeping the pressure on."

The Quakes nearly pulled out the win in overtime when Arturo Alvarez, who became the youngest player in Earthquakes history when he replaced Manny Lagos in the second half, dished off to a speeding Mullan inside the penalty box. His solid shot from about 12 yards out was just barely tipped away by a diving Meola, and the game ended as soon as the ball went out of bounds.

"We always want to get the win in that situation," Dunivant said. "Especially at home. But I think everyone was pretty happy to get the tie, especially because we got down in a hole. We felt like we could have won, and we probably should have. We want to win every game at home in front of our fans."

The Quakes will get another opportunity to do just that on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. PT against the Galaxy.

Notes:

Earthquakes goalkeeper Jon Conway, who is recuperating from a broken right ankle suffered in February during preseason training, worked out at practice for the first time since his surgery. Conway, who has been a regular face on the sidelines at every Quakes training session during his recovery, was able to do some limited drills. Conway will continue limited training this week. From SJEarthquakes.com.

» 04.20.03 - EARTHQUAKES AND KANSAS CITY WIZARDS PLAY TO 1-1 TIE IN SAN JOSE'S HOME OPENER AT SPARTAN STADIUM: SAN JOSE, CA (April 19, 2003) — The San Jose Earthquakes used a late goal by midfielder Brian Mullan to tie the Kansas City Wizards 1-1 Saturday night in the Quakes home opener at Spartan Stadium. The Earthquakes remain unbeaten in 2003 with a 1-0-1 record.

The Wizards took the first lead of the game in the 74th minute following a Preki corner kick. Earthquakes goalkeeper Pat Onstad jumped out of his goal to punch the ball out of danger, but the ball popped straight in the air. As the ball came down and as Onstad attempted to gain control, he inadvertently knocked the ball into the net to give the Wizards a 1-0 lead.

San Jose responded quickly, however, as the Quakes kept pressure on the Kansas City goal. The Earthquakes tied the game in the 81st minute on Mullan's first goal as a member of the Earthquakes. A streaking Mullan took a pass on the right side of the Wizards penalty box from forward Landon Donovan, who was breaking down the middle of the field toward the Kansas City net. Mullan placed a perfect ball past a diving Tony Meola to knot the game at 1-1.

The Earthquakes started the match controlling possession, and that possession paid off as Brian Ching and Donovan combined on a give-and-go in just the fourth minute in an early attempt to take the lead. Ching found a streaking Donovan with a through ball on the left side, but Donovan's low shot from inside the penalty box was stopped by Meola.

The Wizards threatened a minute later after a dangerous cross from Preki found Diego Gutierrez on the left side. Gutierez popped the ball up however, allowing Onstad to easily gather it in. The Quakes continued their pressure throughout the first fifteen minutes of the game, controlling the tempo and peppering the Wizards net. Meola was called upon to make several dramatic saves including a rocket of a shot by Donovan and then another by Mullan in the 13th minute.

San Jose's ability to control the ball paid dividends in the 25th minute when Manny Lagos emerged from the midfield with the ball 30-yards in front of the Kansas City goal. He laid the ball off to the left to an overlapping Donovan, who sent a low cross in front of the Wizards net that missed a diving Ching by inches. Ching had another hard drive saved by Meola in the 41st minute when he ran onto a long ball that Jeff Agoos sailed over the Wizards defense, setting up a breakaway.

The Quakes opened the second half in the same fashion that they ended the first half. One minute into the half, Mullan and Donovan combined to get Mullan free in front of Meola's net. Mullan played the ball out wide to Donovan on the right wing and Donovan slipped a low cross in behind the defense to Mullan, who one-timed a shot just wide.

Donovan nearly broke through moments later, but he was fouled by Nick Garcia on his way to the net. Agoos blasted the ensuing free kick off the defensive wall ending the threat.

Agoos came right back to save a goal for the Quakes in the 51st minute. Preki played a through for Josh Wolff putting Wolff in one-on-one with Quakes goalkeeper Pat Onstad. Wolff dribbled by Onstad and shot, but Agoos recovered to clear the ball off the line and out of danger.

The Earthquakes had their best chance of the second half in the 69th minute when Richard Mulrooney rushed down the left side of the field all alone and sent a hard ball through the middle to an open Mullan. Mullan's one-time blast on the goal was punched away by Meola.

The Quakes had one last chance to win the game in the final minute of play when rookie Arturo Alvarez made a pass to his left for an on-rushing Mullan. Mullan's shot was barely knocked out of bounds by a sliding Meola seconds before the referee's final whistle.

The Earthquakes face the defending MLS Cup Champion Los Angeles Galaxy next Saturday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m. PT at Spartan Stadium. The first 10,000 fans will receive an Earthquakes Schedule Magnet, presented by Wells Fargo.

Notes:

Arturo Alvarez became the youngest Earthquakes player in team history at 17 years, 293 days when he made his MLS debut in the 85th minute.

Midfielder Brian Mullan scored his first MLS goal as a member of the Earthquakes in the 81st minute.

Landon Donovan registered an assist in his second straight game, giving him two on the season.

Saturday marked the first time that the Earthquakes and the WUSA's San Jose CyberRays participated in a doubleheader, as the CyberRays played the Washington Freedom in the first game of the evening with the Freedom earning a 2-0 win. The Quakes and Wizards squared off in the nightcap.

Quotes:

Frank Yallop, on game: "I thought it was a good game, we got after them a little bit. It was good entertainment and good football. We just would have liked to come away with a win."

Yallop, on Quakes effort: "In the end we could have snuck one out, but Meola made a great save. I thought it was a great effort by our team. It is a brand new team and a lot of guys are contributing."

Brian Mullan, on goal: "[Diego] Gutierrez was playing back a little bit in the second half, so I was able to attack more. I decided to make an inside run and Landon [Donovann] gave me a great pass behind the defense. He put it on a tee for me and all I had to do was slide it in from there."

Arturo Alvarez, on becoming the youngest player in Earthquakes history: "It felt great. It was a difficult situation to come in under. I was a little nervous, but the crowd got right behind me." From SjEarthquakes.com.

» 04.20.03 - Earthquakes to Play A-League's Seattle Sounders: San Jose (Friday, April 17, 2003) - The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the team will play the Seattle Sounders of the A-League for the third straight season. The exhibition match is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28 at 7:00 p.m. PT at Seahawks Stadium in Seattle.

Last season, the Earthquakes defeated the Sounders in the Round-of-16 of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup 4-3 in overtime after a back and forth game. Current Earthquakes forward Brian Ching scored for the Sounders in the game, while Quakes midfielder Ronnie Ekelund notched two goals in the match for San Jose.

San Jose has played the Sounders three other times in its history. The teams first squared off in 1997 with the Sounders taking a 1-0 victory in a shoot-out at Memorial Stadium in Seattle. In the 1999 rematch, San Jose defeated Seattle 1-0 in a shoot-out. Richard Mulrooney scored the winning shoot-out goal to clinch the victory for San Jose. Current Quakes midfielder Ian Russell was a key member of that Sounders squad.

In 2001, the teams met in an exhibition in Spokane, WA and battled to a 0-0 tie before the Sounders won 4-3 on penalty kicks. Current Quakes defender Craig Waibel appeared for the Sounders in that match.

The Earthquakes open their Major League Soccer home schedule at Spartan Stadium on Saturday, April 19 in a doubleheader spectacular featuring the Quakes against the Kansas City Wizards and the WUSA's San Jose CyberRays versus the Washington Freedom. The CyberRays and the Freedom will play the first match at 4:30 p.m. PT, and the Quakes and Wizards will battle in the nightcap at 7:00 p.m. PT. From SJEarthquakes.com.

» 04.14.03 - EARTHQUAKES OPEN 2003 MLS SEASON WITH 2-1 WIN AGAINST THE COLORADO RAPIDS AT INVESCO FIELD: DENVER, CO (April 12, 2003) — The San Jose Earthquakes won their season opener on the road for the third consecutive year, as they defeated the Colorado Rapids 2-1 at Invesco Field at Mile High. The win was the Quakes first in Colorado since June 2, 2001 and their first-ever at Invesco Field. Todd Dunivant became the first San Jose rookie to score in his first career Major League Soccer game, while Brian Ching scored in his first game in a Quakes uniform, helping the Quakes take a 2-0 halftime lead. Despite giving up an early second half goal, the Quakes shut down the Rapids the rest of the second half to earn the victory. Pat Onstad earned his first win in MLS, while U.S. National Team forward Landon Donovan notched assists on both goals.

The Quakes got the season started with a bang, as Ching scored just 53 seconds into the match. Donovan started the play by receiving a pass in midfield and playing it out wide to Brian Mullan. Mullan then sent a cross behind the Rapids defense to Ching, who controlled the pass and shot past Rapids goalkeeper Scott Garlick to the near post. The goal was Ching’s first in a San Jose uniform and second in his MLS career.

Five minutes after the goal, Troy Dayak made the first big defense play of the match as he cleared a dangerous ball out of the goalmouth. Rapids midfielder Mark Chung spun a cross in with his left foot that was headed on past Quakes goalkeeper Pat Onstad. Dayak swept in behind Onstad and cleared the ball out for a corner to save a goal.

Donovan and the Quakes continued to apply pressure on the Rapids goal moments later, as Ching headed a ball through for Donovan on the left wing. Donovan eluded one defender and attempted to hit Ching with a return pass, but Rapids defender Robin Fraser recovered to break up the play.

The Quakes stretched their lead to two goals in the 22nd minute, as Dunivant became the first rookie to score in his MLS debut in San Jose history. Manny Lagos helped spring Dunivant with a pass to Donovan on the left wing. Donovan flicked the ball on to Dunivant, who had overlapped Lagos. Dunivant broke into the left side of the Rapids penalty box, before slotting a shot through Garlick’s legs, putting the Quakes up 2-0.

Through the first 45 minutes the Quakes held the Rapids to only two shots and no shots on goal, as Frank Yallop’s squad took a 2-0 lead into the locker room.

The Rapids cut the deficit to one less than a minute into the second half, as Zizi Roberts scored off a rebound. Casey Schmidt broke free behind the Quakes defense after a deflection and put a shot on goal that Quakes goalkeeper Pat Onstad saved. The rebound deflected directly to Roberts, who finished into the empty net to make the score 2-1.

In the 49th minute, Onstad made a diving save to keep the Quakes in the lead. Rapids midfielder Chris Henderson got on the end of a cross and blasted a volley to the near post. Onstad dove to his left and parried the shot wide for a corner kick.

The Earthquakes return home next weekend for their home opener on Saturday, April 19 to take on the Kansas City Wizards as part of a doubleheader at Spartan Stadium. The WUSA’s San Jose CyberRays and Brandi Chastain play the Washington Freedom and Mia Hamm at 4:30 p.m., followed by the Earthquakes-Wizards match at 7:00 p.m. PT. The first 10,000 fans will receive an Earthquakes/CyberRays Seat Cushion, presented by Orchard Supply Hardware.

Notes:

With their win Saturday night against the Rapids, the Earthquakes are now 5-3 all-time on opening day.

The Quakes now lead the all-time series with the Rapids 15-13-1.

Pat Onstad, Craig Waibel, Brian Mullan, Todd Dunivant, and Brian Ching all made their San Jose debuts against the Rapids on Saturday night.

With his two assists, Landon Donovan now has three goals and six assists in nine games against the Rapids in his career.

With his goal against Colorado, Quakes defender Todd Dunivant became the first rookie to score for San Jose since July 23, 1999, when Richard Mulrooney scored against Chicago.

Quotes:

Frank Yallop, on game: "It was a great performance, especially considering the conditions that we played under. I thought that Jeff Agoos, Troy Dayak, Ramiro Corrales, and Richard Mulrooney played outstanding games and shut them down very well in the middle of the field."

Yallop, on early goals: "We did not want to give up anything early and we wanted to try and get an early goal. We ended up scoring two quick goals, so that was great. We used the ball very well on both goals and Brian (Ching) and Todd (Dunivant) finished well."

Yallop, on seeing the game out: "We gave up an early goal in the second half, but after that I thought that we closed them down and they did not have many chances."

Todd Dunivant, on scoring goal in hometown: "It was great. I had a whole section of friends and family here, so it was special to score and get a good result here."

Dunivant, on goal: "Landon laid off a great ball for me so I could continue my run in stride. I was just trying to keep it low and on frame, and it worked out well for me."

Jeff Agoos, on road win: "Last year, we had a little bit of a track record of giving up late goals and losing on the road, so it was great to get a win today. We came out and we wanted to put a stamp on the game from the start, and I think that we were able to do that. We also wanted to show that teams are not going to be able to walk all over us on the road." SJEarthquakes.com.

» 04.06.03 - MLS Preview: San Jose: (from the April 14, 2003 issue of Soccer America Magazine) When asked what sort of team the Quakes will have this year, captain Jeff Agoos scratched the side of his close-cropped head.

''I wish I could tell you,'' says the man who has won four MLS titles, including the 2001 edition with San Jose. ''We've got a couple of new forwards, we've got a new goalkeeper. I don't think we'll really understand what the team's about until a quarter or a third of the way into the season. We're going to figure it out as we go.''

The arrival of frontmen Brian Ching and Brian Mullan and Canadian keeper Pat Onstad may not be as visible as the chopping off of Agoos' distinctive pony-tail, which isn't the only change to a resilient back line that conceded fewer goals than any other MLS team during the past two seasons combined.

Keeper Joe Cannon and left back Wade Barrett bolted for Europe within days of each other in January, and Jimmy Conrad was traded to Kansas City. Craig Waibel, a Quake in 2001, came back from Los Angeles via waivers, and Coach Frank Yallop drafted Todd Dunivant out of Stanford as cover at left back. Third-year defender Eddie Robinson played 19 games last year.

What defined the Quakes in their championship season was a cohesion borne of stalwart midfielders Richard Mulrooney and Ronnie Ekelund, the pairing of Dayak and Agoos in central defense, and the explosiveness of Landon Donovan. And teamwork.

''We proved that in 2001,'' says Dayak, whom Yallop used at right back in preseason. ''I don't think we had the best collection of talent but we were definitely the best team. That's why we were successful then, and how we'll be successful again this year.''

The departure of Ariel Graziani, who led the team with 14 goals last year, to clear salary-cap space places a heavier load on Donovan. Yallop has already made clear he wants his young star to finish near the top in points as well as endorsements.

''Landon has to drop all that stuff on the outside and play some good football for us because that's the only reason he's here,'' says Yallop. ''He's not here to do commercials and photo shoots, he's here to play soccer for San Jose and score 20 goals in a season and help us get back to where we want to be.''

Also expected to take up the scoring slack are Manny Lagos, who hit eight goals in 2001 but only three last year, and Dwayne DeRosario, who missed most of the 2003 preseason with a broken ankle.

Mullan, a forward most of his two seasons with the Galaxy, has been moved to the right side of midfield and can whip in a good cross. Onstad, 35, is a former Canadian international but has never played in MLS.

''It's a totally different team than the past two years,'' says Agoos. ''There are a lot of new faces and we're very young. We still have a good core of guys. We can compete and have a good shot at getting back to the final.''

AT A GLANCE

Pivotal: Jeff Agoos. If Agoos doesn't have a monster year, the Quakes will struggle. They desperately need him to anchor a revamped defense and be the leader who has won four MLS championships.
Worth Your Money: Landon Donovan. Showtime on grass. Sharp finisher and master of the no-look pass.
Make or Break: Eddie Robinson. The defender has shown great promise but he's also been prone to the big mistake.
Best Youngster: Arturo Alvarez. Teenager is quick, daring and potent with both feet.
Underrated: Troy Dayak. Rugged, savvy defender is one of the league's best.
Overrated: Manny Lagos. Needs another good season.

Roster
Avg. Age: 25.6 (7th youngest in MLS). Capped players: 8 (6th in MLS).
Goalkeepers - 1 Jon Conway, 18 Pat Onstad (Canada/GC), 30 Josh Saunders.
Defenders - 12 Jeff Agoos (USA), 19 Troy Dayak (USA), 17 Todd Dunivant, 2 Eddie Robinson, 16 Craig Waibel.
Midfielders - 5 Ramiro Corrales (USA), 6 Ronnie Ekelund (SI), 11 Manny Lagos (USA), 8 Richard Mulrooney (USA), 4 Chris Roner, 7 Ian Russell.
Forwards - 26 Arturo Alvarez (P40), 25 Brian Ching, 14 Dwayne DeRosario (Canada/SI), 10 Landon Donovan (USA), 15 Roger Levesque, 9 Brian Mullan, 22 Jamil Walker.
Head coach: Frank Yallop (MLS record: 27-18-9, 2 seasons).

%95 Countries for which players have been capped (through March 25) are in parentheses.
by Soccer America Senior Editor Ridge Mahoney SoccerAmerica.com.

» 04.06.03 - Quakes to Televise Eight Road Games Locally and Air all 15 Road Games on KNEW: SAN JOSE, CA (April 3, 2003) — The San Jose Earthquakes announced today the team's broadcast partners and schedules for both television and radio for the 2003 Major League Soccer season. The Quakes will broadcast eight road matches on local television, with six games on Fox Sports Net and two on Action 36 Cable 6 (KICU), and have three road matches airing on ESPN2. With two matches also available on the MLS Shootout Package, 13 of the Quakes 15 road matches will be available on television.

For the first time since 1998, the Earthquakes will also air matches on English radio, with Talk 910 - KNEW broadcasting all 15 Quakes road matches.

"We are excited to offer our fans the opportunity to follow every road match either on radio or on television," said Earthquakes General Manager Johnny Moore. "We are looking forward to working with Fox Sports Net and Action 36 Cable 6 and strengthening our relationship with them. We are also proud to have the Quakes back on the airwaves with a very comprehensive radio broadcast package."

Fox Sports Net will broadcast the season-opening match against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, April 12 on tape-delay at 8:00 p.m. (PT), while also broadcasting five more games. Action 36 Cable 6 will televise the final two road matches of the year on Saturday, October 11 at the Colorado Rapids and Saturday, October 18 at the Los Angeles Galaxy. Along with three road matches, ESPN2 will also televise three Quakes home games, giving the Earthquakes a total of 16 television appearances, including the Shootout package, in 2003.

"Coming off another successful season, along with acquiring a number of solid players during this off-season, we can't wait for the 2003 Earthquakes campaign to begin," said Ted Griggs, Fox Sports Net Bay Area's Vice President of Programming and Operations. "Johnny Moore, Frank Yallop and their executive team have done a great job in making the Earthquakes one of the most exciting teams in the MLS. We're thrilled to be able to bring these games to the fans."

"We're excited about continuing our relationship with a strong organization like the Earthquakes," said Action 36 Cable 6's Creative Services Director Jeff Holub. "We believe that this will be another successful season with the Earthquakes."

KNEW, the Earthquakes new radio partner, is the Bay Area's new talk station that includes "Armstrong & Getty" in the morning, along with a number of other talk programs. Along with the 15 live radio broadcasts, KNEW will also air a two-minute Earthquakes segment every Friday at 6:20 a.m. during the season on the morning show.

"The Bay Area's hot new talk station, Talk 910 KNEW, is proud to broadcast the away games of the San Jose Earthquakes during the 2003 season," said KNEW station manager Chris Edwards. "As part of the Earthquake's family, we will also broadcast the weekly segment each Friday morning during the Armstrong & Getty Show. With our powerful new 20,000 watt signal, fans all over Northern California will be able to follow the team."

The Earthquakes also announced the return of John Shrader and John Doyle to the broadcast booth for the third consecutive season. The duo will handle broadcasting duties on both the Quakes radio and television broadcasts.

Shrader, the voice of the Earthquakes since 1996, has worked in television and radio in the Bay Area for the past 20 years, the last 12 with KNBR 680 in San Francisco. Shrader covers the San Francisco 49ers, provides sports updates, and serves as a talk show host for KNBR.

Doyle will be back for his third season as the color analyst for the Quakes after successfully making the transition from the field to the announcer's booth in 2001. Doyle finished his career with the Earthquakes as the all-time club leader in games played (132) and minutes (11,385) in 2000. During his career, he played seven seasons with the U.S. National Team, including the 1990 World Cup.

The Earthquakes will have one game on Fox Sports World on June 7 against the Columbus Crew, a match which also airs on Fox Sports Net Bay Area. Fox Sports International (FSI) reached a four-year agreement with Major League Soccer to nationally televise at least 25 regular-season games and at least eight playoff games per season on Fox Sports World and Fox Sports en Español, commencing April 12. The agreement will also extend the broadcasts to Fox affiliated networks in Latin America and the Middle East. From SJEarthquakes.com.

» 04.06.03 - Donovan named spokesperson for Chiquita: LOS ANGELES (April 1, 2003) – Two of the biggest names in American Soccer, Landon Donovan and Shannon MacMillan of the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams respectively, have signed endorsement deals with Chiquita Fresh North America as the company’s spokespersons for their recent sponsorship of U.S. Soccer, it was announced today by Richard L. Motzkin, Principal and Founder of SportsNet, LLC.

The multi-year deal for the soccer forward tandem to endorse Chiquita bananas and the company’s other fresh fruit demonstrates Donovan and MacMillan’s dedication to supporting a healthy and active lifestyle for children and adults.

"Landon and Shannon are the perfect athletes to represent Chiquita, because they typify the healthy, active lifestyle that Chiquita promotes," said David Lund, Director of Marketing, Chiquita Fresh North America. "Both Landon and Shannon are remarkably talented athletes and people, and they serve as role models to thousands of kids across the country who love soccer. Chiquita is excited to have the opportunity to work closely with Landon and Shannon to promote healthy eating and fitness to children and adults across the country."

Donovan, the youngest player to score a goal at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and the recently named 2002 Honda Soccer Player of the Year, along with MacMillan, U.S. Soccer’s 2002 Chevy Female Athlete of the Year and leading scorer with the Women’s National Team last season, will kick off this new relationship by promoting Chiquita through a nationwide, summer, in-store program called the Chiquita U.S. Soccer Sweepstakes. Donovan and MacMillan will be featured on point-of-sale displays in supermarkets across the country from July 5-31st, in which the grand-prize winner will receive an all inclusive trip for four to a National Team match in the Caribbean, plus a personal meeting with either Donovan or MacMillan.

In addition, 100 official U.S. Soccer balls autographed by one of the two National Teamers or 1,000 limited-edition Chiquita soccer balls will be available as prizes. Along with the upcoming U.S. Soccer promotion, Donovan and MacMillan will be used in other advertising and marketing efforts by Chiquita.

Chiquita Fresh North America is a division of Cincinnati-based Chiquita Brands International Inc. From USSoccerplayers.com.