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» 09.28.03 - DE ROSARIO, DONOVAN COMBINE FOR FIVE GOALS TO LEAD EARTHQUAKES OVER BURN, 5-2: SAN JOSE, CA (September 27, 2003) — Dwayne De Rosario and Landon Donovan combined for five goals to give the San Jose Earthquakes a 5-2 win over the Dallas Burn at Spartan Stadium Saturday night. De Rosario registered a hat trick and notched an assist to give him seven points in the match, breaking the club record for points in a game. Donovan continued his MVP form with two goals and an assist and now has five goals in his past two matches to move into a tie for third place in scoring in Major League Soccer.

The Earthquakes started the scoring early, with De Rosario netting the fastest goal in Major League Soccer history when he beat Dallas goalkeeper Jeff Cassar just 11 seconds into the game. De Rosario’s goal shattered the previous league record set by the Revolution’s Giovanni Savarese in 1999 by 11 seconds. Following a miscommunication by the Burn on the opening kick-off, Earthquakes defender Todd Dunivant sailed a long throw-in over the Dallas defense to an on-rushing De Rosario, who put the ball into the goal to give the Quakes the earliest 1-0 lead ever.

The lead would be short-lived, however, as the Burn stormed back to tie the game in the eighth minute on a goal by Ezra Hendrickson. Brad Davis sent a corner kick into the middle of the Quakes six-yard box, where Hendrickson elevated over the defense and placed a header past San Jose goalkeeper Pat Onstad.

San Jose responded immediately just three minutes later on another goal by De Rosario. Landon Donovan stripped the ball from a Dallas defender and broke in on the Dallas net. As Cassar and Hendrickson closed in on Donovan, he sent a perfect pass into the middle of the Burn penalty area where De Rosario slotted it home from 10 yards away to give San Jose a 2-1 lead.

The scoring continued in the 14th minute when the Burn tied the match on a goal from Ali Curtis. Standing at the top of the Quakes 18-yard box, Dallas forward Toni Nhleko headed a long pass into the middle of the box where Curtis ran onto the ball and sent a slow, rolling shot to the right corner past a diving Onstad.

The Earthquakes took a 3-2 lead in the 24th minute on Donovan’s 11th goal of the season. Donovan finished a nice combination of passes from De Rosario and Richard Mulrooney near midfield, as Mulrooney gave the streaking Donovan a nice ball that he was able to run onto at the top of the 18-yard box. With only the goalkeeper to beat, Donovan maneuvered around Cassar and launched a shot that curled around him and into the left corner of the net.

Donovan and the Quakes extended their lead in the 35th minute when Ronnie Ekelund found Brian Mullan wide on the right side of the field in transition. With Mullan leading the break, the midfielder sent a long, curling cross from 25-yards out that Donovan met at the middle of the Burn six-yard box. Donovan promptly headed the ball down and to the left of Cassar for his 12th goal in 2003 to give San Jose a 4-2 lead that the club would take into the half.

The Earthquakes added to their lead in the 48th minute when De Rosario found the back of the net for his third goal of the night, giving him the second-ever hat trick in San Jose history. De Rosario’s seven points on three goals and one assist established a new Earthquakes single game point record.

The Canadian international received the ball at the top of the Dallas 18-yard box on the right sideline from Roner. De Rosario turned and blasted a curling shot to the far post past Cassar to give the Quakes a 5-2 lead.

The Earthquakes next play the MetroStars on Sunday, October 5 at 1:00 p.m. PT at Spartan Stadium. The first 10,000 fans will receive a Landon Donovan T-Shirt, presented by Orchard Supply Hardware.

Notes:

  • Dwayne De Rosario scored the fastest goal in MLS history when he scored 11 seconds into the game, breaking the record of 22 seconds held by Giovanni Savarese in 1999.
  • Dwayne De Rosario scored his first hat-trick and the second hat-trick in Earthquakes history.
  • Dwayne De Rosario broke the Earthquakes record for points in a game with seven points on three goals and one assist.
  • The Earthquakes' and Burn's combined four goals in the first 14 minutes of the game set an MLS record for the most goals from the start of a game. The teams combined five goals in 24 minutes also set an MLS record for the fastest five goals from the start of the game. Finally, the teams combined six goals in the first 35 minutes set a record for the fastest six goals combined from the start of a game.
  • Richard Mulrooney notched an assist for the third consecutive match.

    Quotes:
    Frank Yallop, on game: "That first half was one of the best displays of attacking soccer that I have seen in a while from both teams. Our play was so clean, crisp and precise. The guys were just committed to going forward and scoring goals."

    Yallop, on forward combination: "It was a great performance from our front two. I am really happy for those guys. Dwayne has worked so hard to get back to full fitness and he is playing great right now. Landon's been world class the last two weeks. Last month I said that John Spencer was the MVP of the league, but Landon is right with him now. When he plays his best, there is no one better."

    Landon Donovan, on game: "When our team plays like that, we are very dangerous. Our confidence is sky-high right now and when you have confidence in each other, it makes everyone work harder for each other. That is what you saw tonight."

    Donovan, on playing with De Rosario: "Dwayne is one of the best forwards in the league right now. He is making my job a lot easier because he is drawing attention away from me and scoring goals and just playing great overall. I think that we are starting to become one of the best combinations in the league."

    Dwayne De Rosario, on hat trick: "It's definitely a great feeling. It felt good to just open up the floodgates. Landon [Donovan] got it going last week against Kansas City, and I'm just trying to keep up with him."

    Ronnie Ekelund, on game: "It was a crazy game. I have played in a lot of soccer games, but I don't know if I have played in a game that had as crazy a first 45 minutes as that. I am just glad that we came out on top." From SJEarthquakes.com.

    » 09.21.03 - DONOVAN NETS FIRST HAT TRICK IN TEAM HISTORY TO LEAD EARTHQUAKES TO 4-1 VICTORY OVER WIZARDS: KANSAS CITY, MO (September 20, 2003) — Landon Donovan exploded for three goals against the Kansas City Wizards to lead the San Jose Earthquakes to a 4-1 victory at Arrowhead Stadium. Donovan became the first San Jose player to record a hat trick as the Quakes earned their club-record seventh road victory of the year. Eddie Robinson also scored for the Quakes, who extended their lead in the Western Conference to eight points.

    Donovan gave the Quakes the lead in the 26th minute after a quick counterattack. Todd Dunivant stripped the ball from Preki and the Quakes moved the ball up field. Ramiro Corrales then found Donovan with a long pass on the right side of the field. Donovan dribbled past Diego Gutierrez into the center of the field and fired a low left-footed shot past Wizards goalkeeper Tony Meola for a 1-0 lead.

    Dunivant preserved that lead two minutes later with a block of a Chris Klein shot. The play started with a free kick that the Quakes cleared out to the right wing. Klein was there to collect the ball and he fired a low shot that Dunivant blocked out of danger.

    Pat Onstad came up with a strong save in the 32nd minute to deny a chance by Preki. Preki received the ball at the top of the 18-yard box and sidestepped a San Jose defender before firing low to the near post. Onstad dove to his right and made the save to keep the Quakes ahead.

    Dwayne De Rosario had a chance just before the half to give the Quakes a two-goal edge after a flick-on by Donovan sent him in alone. Troy Dayak started the play with a long ball to Donovan, who then pushed the ball ahead to De Rosario. De Rosario dribbled in on Meola, but Meola came out to strip the ball from the Canadian international.

    Eddie Robinson scored nine minutes into the second half on a feed from Richard Mulrooney to put the Quakes up 2-0. Dunivant found Mulrooney at the edge of the penalty box on a corner kick and Mulrooney served a perfectly weighted ball to Robinson, who only had to power it past Meola for the two-goal advantage.

    The Wizards cut the Quakes lead in half with a goal by Davy Arnaud off a rebound in the 59th minute. Klein received a pass on the right wing and moved past Dunivant before shooting low to the near post. Onstad made a diving stop, but the rebound fell to Arnaud, who slotted the ball into the net.

    Donovan restored the Quakes two-goal lead with an outstanding goal in the 70th minute. Donovan played a give-and-go with Chris Ronér and then dribbled past a Wizards defender 25 yards from goal. He then found De Rosario to his right and De Rosario slotted the ball across the goalmouth back to Donovan, who had continued his run. The U.S. National Team forward then touched the ball into the net for his second goal of the night and ninth of the season.

    Donovan finished off the Wizards with his third goal of the night in second half stoppage time. Ramiro Corrales led a counterattack up the left wing and then found Donovan, who blew past a defender to get in alone on Meola. He calmly slotted the ball to the far post to clinch the win and become the first San Jose player to register a hat trick.

    The Earthquakes now return home for two matches beginning with a game against the Dallas Burn next Saturday, September 27 at 7:00 p.m. PT at Spartan Stadium. San Jose then faces the MetroStars on Sunday, October 5 at 1:00 p.m. PT on ESPN2. The first 10,000 fans at the MetroStars game will receive a Landon Donovan T-shirt, presented by Orchard Supply Hardware.

    Notes:
  • The Quakes earned their seventh road win of the season against the Wizards, breaking the previous season record of six. The old record was set in 1996 and equaled in 1997.
  • With his assist on Eddie Robinson's goal, Todd Dunivant broke the Earthquakes rookie scoring record with his seventh point. He has one goal and five assists to break the mark set by Wade Barrett in 1998.
  • By defeating the Wizards, the Earthquakes set the club record for points in a season with 46. The previous record of 45 was set in 2001 and equaled in 2002.

    Quotes:

    Frank Yallop, on game: “To come into a difficult place to play like Kansas City and get a good result is great for us. The guys really showed a lot of commitment tonight to go forward and they were very hungry to score goals and they did that. Landon (Donovan) was great all night and had a world class game."

    Yallop, on rebounding from last week's loss: “Last week in DC I didn't think we played particularly well, but tonight a lot of guys really stepped it up. We didn't get outrun or outfought, but we outran and outfought them and got a good result on the road."

    Forward Landon Donovan, on the significance of the win: “The whole season we've been playing pretty well but we've been in a little bit of a rut these last couple of games. We really came to play tonight though. It's all about attitude with this team. If we play hard and are disciplined and defend well we won't lose too many games but if we don't do those things we're not going to win too many games."

    Donovan, on registering the first hat trick in team history: “I knew we hadn't had one before and I'm glad I got the opportunity to get the first one for the club. When I had that last chance (in the 93rd minute) I said 'why not' and I went in and was able to finish that last goal. It is surprising that we had not had a hat trick before with guys like Eric Wynalda and Ronald Cerritos playing for the club."

    Defender Troy Dayak, on game: “The team played great. They guys were magical at times and tough when they needed to be. We need to play like that down the stretch and into the playoffs if we're going to do anything this year. We were dirty and mean when we needed to be and pretty and fancy when we needed to be."

    Midfielder Richard Mulrooney, on rebounding from last week's match: “Last week we had a poor performance and this week we knew we had to come out and go forward and get some goals and we were able to do that. They're (Kansas City) a dangerous team and they push everyone forward. If you break on them, you have to punish them and we were able to do that. It was a good performance by us and we need to carry this over to next week and get a win against Dallas." From SJEarthquakes.com.

    » 09.14.03 - Earthquakes Road Unbeaten Streak Ends At Seven Following 2-1 Loss At R.F.K. Stadium : WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 13, 2003) — The San Jose Earthquakes saw their MLS record seven-game road unbeaten streak come to an end Saturday night following a 2-1 loss to D.C. United at R.F.K. Stadium.

    The Earthquakes (12-5-7, 43 points) battled back from an early 1-0 deficit to tie the game on a Jamil Walker goal in the 80th minute. D.C. United (9-8-6, 33 points) responded immediately however, and won the game on a 35-yard blast from Ben Olsen in the 81st minute that skittered across the wet turf and beat Earthquakes goalkeeper Pat Onstad for the final 2-1 margin.

    San Jose is now tied with D.C. United (1999) and the Los Angeles Galaxy (1997-1998) for the longest road unbeaten streak in league history with seven games.

    D.C. United started the game on the offensive, testing the San Jose defense early in the match. Onstad made an incredible reflex save in the eighth minute when United’s Earnie Stewart crossed the ball from the right side to an open Ronald Cerritos about six yards in front of the goal. Cerritos headed the ball toward the net, but Onstad slid and was able to deflect the ball away from close range.

    Onstad was forced to make another tough save a minute later when Marco Etcheverry delivered a free kick from the right side of the field into the middle of the San Jose penalty area. D.C. defender Ryan Nelsen dove and headed the ball on goal, but Onstad hit the ground to make another save. While still on the ground, Onstad deflected the rebound away to keep the score 0-0.

    The Earthquakes would not be as fortunate moments later. United took advantage of an Earthquakes turnover and sent a long ball up the right side of the field to a streaking Cerritos. Cerritos launched a cross into the middle of the penalty box where Stewart was able to power a header past Onstad for a 1-0 lead.

    Following the United goal, San Jose began to settle down and control the ball in the D.C. end of the field. Todd Dunivant forced a save from D.C. United goalkeeper Nick Rimando in the 43rd minute and Craig Waibel sent a dangerous cross into the middle of the field just before halftime.

    Brian Mullan attempted to get the Earthquakes off to a good start in the second half when he pressured the D.C. defense and delivered a fine cross from the left side of the field that went wide of the goal. The Quakes continued to attack, as Ramiro Corrales fired a tough shot from 22-yards away in the 59th minute that was deflected over the crossbar.

    Onstad made another great save to keep the Quakes deficit at one in the 71st minute. D.C. midfielder Bobby Convey broke free of his defender on the left side of the field and entered the penalty box in a one-on-one situation with the Quakes goalkeeper. Onstad charged off his line to cut down the angle and deflected Convey’s shot away with his chest to end the threat.

    The Earthquakes tied the game in the 80th minute on Walker’s third goal of the season. Richard Mulrooney lofted a cross from the left side into the D.C. penalty box. Manny Lagos flicked the ball with his head to the far post, where an open Walker powered the ball into the goal to tie the game.

    D.C. United would waste no time in taking back the lead, as Olsen received the ball on the left side of the field and fired a long distance shot that bounced across the wet turf of R.F.K. Onstad slid out to stop the ball, but was unable to stop it from getting by him as United took the 2-1 win, their first victory over the Earthquakes this season.

    San Jose continues its road trip next week on Saturday, September 20 when they travel to face the Kansas City Wizards at 5:00 p.m. PT at Arrowhead Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Net and on KABL 960 AM.

    Notes:

  • The loss was the Earthquakes first loss on the road since a June 7 1-0 loss to Columbus. The Earthquakes road unbeaten streak came to an end at an MLS record seven games.
  • Earthquakes forward Dwayne De Rosario started his first game of the 2003 season today against D.C. United.
  • The Earthquakes record in their last eleven games against D.C. United is 7-2-2.

    Quotes:

    Frank Yallop, on game: "It was a funny game. Both teams had good chances. I thought there was some good play out there, and that both teams played well. I thought when we got back in it with Jamil’s goal, we would at least get a tie, but that goal at the end was tough. I think we all know that usually Pat [Onstad] saves that shot."
    Frank Yallop, on game: "We probably should have got something out of the game. We played well and threatened them. It is a team game and everyone on our team has to make plays in a game like this. D.C. came right after us like we knew they were going to do, and they got that early goal."
    Jamil Walker, on goal: "It was a great ball by Richard and then I saw Manny go up for it and I yelled to him. It just came right to me and I put it in. It was a great play by those guys."
    Jeff Agoos, on game: "We definitely wanted to come out of here with a some points, and we are probably a little unlucky not too. We had opportunities to score, but they did a good job of fighting back and then we just had made a couple of mistakes that cost us the game." From SJEarthquakes.com.

    » 09.10.03 - EARTHQUAKES VERSUS EL SALVADOR MATCH SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 POSTPONED: SAN JOSE, CA— The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the international exhibition match against El Salvador set for Tuesday, September 16 has been postponed. The match will be re-scheduled at a later date, probably early in the 2004 season.

    Fans who already have purchased tickets for this match will receive full refunds at the place of purchase. Fans with questions regarding refunds for this match should contact the Earthquakes Ticket Office at 408-985-GOAL.

    “We are disappointed that we will not be able to play this game,” Earthquakes General Manager Johnny Moore said. “Due to injuries on both teams as well as other factors, both parties felt that the best decision was to postpone the match. We do have a great international match between the Earthquakes and Chivas next month and we look forward to playing El Salvador at a later date.”

    The Earthquakes own the best record in Major League Soccer and are on top of the Western Conference with a 12-4-7 record and 43 points.

    San Jose continues the MLS season on Saturday, September 13 when they travel to Washington, D.C. to play D.C. United at R.F.K. Stadium at 4:30 p.m. PT. The game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Net and Talk 910 AM KNEW. From SJEarthquakes.com.

    » 09.10.03 - EARTHQUAKES TO FACE CHIVAS DE GUADALAJARA ON OCTOBER 14 AT SPARTAN STADIUM IN COPA EL MEXICANO: SAN JOSE, CA (September 9, 2003) — The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the team will host legendary Mexican club Chivas de Guadalajara at Spartan Stadium in the Copa El Mexicano on Tuesday, October 14 at 8:00 p.m. PT.

    “We are excited to bring another international match to Spartan Stadium,” said Earthquakes General Manager Johnny Moore. “Chivas has consistently been one of the top teams in Mexico. This match will provide another good measuring stick for our players and will give our fans the chance to see a great international game.”

    The Earthquakes own the best record in Major League Soccer and are on top of the Western Conference with a 12-4-7 record and 43 points. After making a run to the second round of the playoffs last season in Mexico, Chivas is currently last in Group 4, but only two points from second place. The team beat Queretaro 2-1 on goals by Miguel Sabah and Alberto Medina this past weekend.

    Tickets for the October 14 game will go on sale Wednesday, September 10 at 10:00 a.m. PT. Ticket prices for the Earthquakes vs. Chivas game are $45, $30 and $25. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Earthquakes Ticket Office at 3550 Stevens Creek Blvd., by logging on to www.sjearthquakes.com, or by calling Ticketmaster at 408-998-TIXS, 415-421-TIXS, 510-625-TIXS, 925-685-TIXS, or by visiting any Ticketmaster outlet, including Tower Records, Rite Aid, and Ritmo Latino. Discounted tickets for groups of 20 or more are available by calling 408-985-GOAL.

    Based in Guadalajara, Chivas is one of Mexico's most popular clubs and commands a large following of supporters that spans the CONCACAF region. Founded in 1906, Chivas has always held true to its tradition of fielding only all-Mexican lineups as the team has captured 10 Mexican and seven CONCACAF Champions Cup trophies in its storied history. The team is led by a host of Mexican National Team stars, including Omar Bravo, Oswaldo Sanchez, Ramon Morales and recently signed Juan Francisco Palencia. The team played the MLS All-Stars on August 2 in the 2003 Pepsi MLS All-Star Game, dropping a 3-1 decision with Jair Garcia scoring the Mexican club’s lone goal. Chivas last played at Spartan Stadium on March 6, 2002 in a 1-1 tie against La Piedad.

    San Jose and Chivas have faced each other on one previous occasion, battling to a 1-1 tie at Civic Stadium in Portland, Oregon on May 5, 1998. Ronald Cerritos scored for San Jose on an assist from Eddie Lewis, while Mariano Varela found the back of the net for Chivas. In its history, San Jose has compiled a 2-4-3 record against Mexican club teams, including splitting a pair of games with Pachuca CF in the 2002 CONCACAF Champions Cup.

    The Earthquakes play the first of two straight road games Saturday, September 13 against D.C. United at 4:30 p.m. at RFK Stadium. The match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Net and Talk 910 AM KNEW. From SJEarthquakes.com.

    » 09.08.03 - EARTHQUAKES TAKE COMEBACK WIN OVER NEW ENGLAND: SAN JOSE, CA (September 8, 2003) - Down by a goal against the New England Revolution on Sunday afternoon, the Earthquakes showed why they’re the best team in Major League Soccer. Never breaking under the pressure, San Jose was able to respond with two of their own goals, both scored within 10 minutes of each other. The Earthquakes were then able to hold off the Revolution long enough to preserve their 12th win of the season. San Jose’s 43 points this season are two points shy of tying a club record set in 2001 and matched in 2002.

    “Despite being down by one goal and New England coming in with a lot of confidence after their 5-1 win over Chicago [last week], we came back and I think that showed a lot of class and determination from our guys,” San Jose forward Dwayne De Rosario said.

    De Rosario, who suffered a lateral collateral ligament tear during the preseason, netted his first MLS goal of the season on Sunday after being sidelined for the first 18 games of the season. De Rosario’s equalizer came in direct reply to the goal scored by New England’s Pat Noonan just a minute earlier. The play started when Jeff Agoos found Brian Mullan on the right side of the field. Mullan beat his defender and sent a low cross to De Rosario in front of the net. De Rosario then struck the ball to the upper net.

    “It was a great ball by [Brian] Mullan,” De Rosario said. “It snuck through the defense and came right to my foot. Basically, I just had to finish it. I just took the shot and it went in.”

    “He is getting more confident now,” midfielder Richard Mulrooney said about De Rosario. “He adds a new dimension to the game. With all of the talent we have on this team, to add Dwayne makes us that much harder to beat. To have him back is huge.”

    The Earthquakes took the lead early in the second half off of Landon Donovan’s seventh goal of the season. The play started when Ramiro Corrales crossed the ball to Donovan in front of the goal. Donovan attempted a header, but the ball was blocked by New England goalkeeper Adin Brown. San Jose midfielder Ronnie Ekelund picked up the rebound and gave it to Donovan. Donovan pulled the trigger from 10 yards out, netting his fourth game-winning goal of the season.

    “Ramiro crossed the ball in and I tried to get some power behind the header,” Donovan said. “[Adin Brown’s] deflection went right to Ronnie and he gave me a nice pass and all I had to do was finish.”

    And that’s when the game started getting ugly. A frustrated New England team began tackling more aggressively, resulting in rising tempers on both sides. The confrontations began when Donovan and Revolution defender Rusty Pierce both went up for a header. On a questionable play, Donovan took a hard elbow to the head before falling to the ground.

    “I don't want to speculate, but it didn’t feel incidental,” Donovan told reporters after the game.

    “I was going for the header,” Pierce said in his defense. “I was watching the ball, not the player. You'll see that if you watch the video. I wasn't going for him.”

    In the 83rd minute, Mullan and Pierce got tangled up. In New England’s half of the field, Mullan went after the ball before turning his body in front of Pierce. Pierce then flipped over Mullan, but hung on to the midfielders neck, bringing him down to the ground with him. Mullan received a yellow card on the play, while Pierce suffered his second yellow card of the game, resulting in a red card ejection and one-game suspension to be served against the MetroStars next week.

    “For me, I’m just coming back from an injury so it was little dangerous,” De Rosario said about the aggressive play. “When tempers start flaring, guys start going into tackles and doing clumsy things. Mullan took the worst of it [from Pierce]. I just didn’t want to get in the mix of that. I’m glad we kept our composure throughout the game.”

    After the dust had cleared, San Jose was the team left standing, leaving the game with the win and three points, strengthening their nine-point lead over the Western Conference. Though they had already clinched the league’s first playoff spot, the game was important for the Quakes as they fight for homefield advantage in the postseason.

    After losing in the first round of the 2002 playoffs following a 1-4 record in their last five regular season matches, the Earthquakes also understand the importance of momentum going into the postseason.

    “I think that it was important for us to come back and get a win today after losing to Colorado last week,” head coach Frank Yallop said. “We won two out of three at home, which is good, and now we have two games on the road. We need to keep having good performances as we head towards the playoffs.” From SJEarthquakes.com.

    » 09.05.03 - EARTHQUAKES EXPLODE FOR FOUR SECOND HALF GOALS IN THRILLING 4-3 COMEBACK WIN OVER VANCOUVER: VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA (September 1, 2003) — The San Jose Earthquakes rallied in thrilling fashion from a three-goal deficit to defeat the A-League’s Whitecaps F.C. 4-3 in an exhibition match Monday night at Swangard Stadium in Vancouver.

    After falling behind 3-0 in the 48th minute, the Earthquakes exploded in the second half for four unanswered goals, including the final two by midfielder Manny Lagos to take the win. Lagos netted the game-winner in the 81st minute on a perfect blast from nearly 25-yards away that soared over the Whitecaps goalkeeper and into the net. Ronnie Ekelund earned the game-winning assist after setting Lagos up in the center of the field.

    The game did not start off well for the Quakes, as Vancouver took control in the opening minutes and scored just five minutes into the match when Jeff Clarke capitalized off an errant back pass from San Jose’s Johanes Maliza. Clarke intercepted the pass intended for Jon Conway and then maneuvered around the diving goalkeeper before putting it into the open net for a 1-0 lead.

    Conway was solid in goal all night for San Jose, as he came up with a huge diving save on Whitecaps forward Nick Thompson in the 36th and 44tth minute. Conway could not stop Thompson in the 45th minute, however, as Vancouver took a 2-0 lead into halftime after the forward powered in a rebound shot after Conway dove to deflect the initial cross into the penalty box away from danger.

    The Whitecaps began the second half on the offensive and made the score 3-0 in the 48th minute when John Sulentic received a cross from the right side in the Quakes penalty box and placed a shot past Conway.

    Trailing 3-0, the Earthquakes began to come alive, controlling possession and attacking the Vancouver goal. The Quakes scored their first goal in the 55th minute when Eddie Robinson headed in a perfect Landon Donovan corner kick from the left side. Robinson out-jumped two defenders to send the ball home from about eight-yards in front of the net.

    Donovan had a fine opportunity to score in the 64th minute when his shot from the top of the 18-yard line beat Whitecaps goalkeeper Alex Marques but trickled across the goalmouth and out of bounds.

    Ten minutes later, the Earthquakes would close the gap to 3-2 on Dwayne De Rosario’s first goal of 2003. As he pressured the Whitecaps defense, De Rosario took advantage of a poor touch from a Vancouver defender and then headed in alone on Marques before solidly slamming it over him.

    The Earthquakes continued to search for the equalizer, and finally were rewarded in the 77th minute with Lagos’ first goal of the game. Following a Vancouver foul near midfield, San Jose defender Todd Dunivant received the ball on the left wing and sent a looping cross in front of the goal to an open Lagos. Lagos was able to lift his leg and volley the ball into the net to make the score 3-3.

    Donovan nearly put the Earthquakes ahead in the 79th minute when his solid shot from the right side off a solid De Rosario pass was barely pushed out of danger by Marques.

    Two minutes later, however, second half substitute Ekelund won a loose ball in the middle of the field and touched it forward to Lagos, who would make the improbable comeback complete when he sent the ball into the net for the game-winner. San Jose returns to MLS action on Sunday, September 7 when they host the New England Revolution in the second half of a doubleheader at 12:30 p.m. PT at Spartan Stadium. The United States Women’s National Team will play Mexico in the first game of the doubleheader, which kicks off at 10:00 a.m. PT.

    Notes:
  • The Earthquakes became the first team in Major League Soccer to clinch a playoff spot on August 30 when the Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the Dallas Burn 2-1.
  • The Earthquakes now own a 3-0 series lead over Vancouver. The Quakes last played Vancouver in 2001 and won 3-1.
  • Earthquakes forward Dwayne De Rosario scored his first goal of 2003. De Rosario has played in only four MLS games since recovering from a torn right LCL suffered in April.

    Quotes:

    Frank Yallop, on game: “We played a shocking first half, and we had a bad start to the second half too, but then we had a wonderful finish to the game. I think that being down at the half like that [2-0] was somewhat of a wake-up call and something we haven’t really experienced a lot this season.”

    Frank Yallop, on game: “Anytime you are able to come back and win after being down 3-0 is obviously very nice. Getting behind like that isn’t always a bad thing, especially when it is an exhibition. Games like this show us what we are capable of doing. You never know, we might have been trailing 3-0 in a playoff game, and now we have that experience to know that we will be able to come back.”

    Frank Yallop, on trip to Vancouver: “It was a good trip for us. Everyone was great here and the team had a good time. We got a great result for us, so I think it is fair to say that we are all going to be going home happy.” From SJEarthquakes.com.

    » 09.01.03 - EARTHQUAKES CLINCH SPOT IN MLS CUP PLAYOFFS, DESPITE 2-1 LOSS TO RAPIDS AT SPARTAN STADIUM: SAN JOSE, CA (August 30, 2003) — The San Jose Earthquakes saw their six-game unbeaten streak come to an end Saturday night at Spartan Stadium following a 2-1 loss to the Colorado Rapids, but the Quakes managed to secure a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs thanks to the Los Angeles Galaxy’s 2-1 win over the Dallas Burn. The Earthquakes become the first team in the league to clinch a playoff spot in 2003.

    The Earthquakes began the game dominating possession, controlling the ball in the Rapids end of the field throughout the first 15 minutes of play. San Jose had a fine opportunity to score in the third minute when Ramiro Corrales sent a shot from 22-yards away over the goal, and then six minutes later Chris Ronér headed Ian Russell’s cross over the crossbar.

    The Rapids were able to take the lead in the 21st minute when Mark Chung scored on Colorado’s first shot of the game. Rapids forward Chris Carierri controlled a loose ball on the right side of the field near the centerline, and passed the ball to Chung at the corner of the Quakes penalty area. Chung moved into the box and dished a pass to John Spencer in the middle of the area. Spencer immediately sent the ball back to a streaking Chung, who volleyed a shot over diving Earthquakes goalkeeper Pat Onstad into the upper right corner for a 1-0 lead.

    Despite trailing 1-0, the Earthquakes continued to put pressure on the Colorado net as the first half came to an end. After two fine passes from Richard Mulrooney and Landon Donovan, Corrales unleashed a vicious shot from the top of the Colorado penalty area that grazed the crossbar in the 45th minute. Moments later, Donovan provided the Quakes their best opportunity of the first half when his swerving shot from the right side of the penalty area beat Rapids goalkeeper Scott Garlick but bounced off the far post.

    Thirteen minutes into the second half the Earthquakes had a golden opportunity to tie the match after some strong work by Russell on the left side. Russell powered through the defense and got the ball through to Mulrooney after a deflection in front of the goal. Mulrooney fired a shot that was blocked by Robin Fraser, but the rebound came down to the left of Garlick. Brian Mullan got to the ball first but Garlick saved his sliding shot.

    The Quakes pressure finally paid off when they tied the score in the 59th minute on Mullan’s sixth goal of the season. Russell swung a ball into the penalty box from the right flank to the back post. Eddie Robinson rose above his defender and headed the ball back to Mullan in front of the goal. Mullan eluded his defender and then slotted the ball past Garlick to tie the game 1-1.

    Dwayne De Rosario had a chance to put San Jose into the lead two minutes later after a long ball by Robinson put him in behind the Rapids defense. De Rosario controlled the ball and shot low to the left corner, but Garlick was there to make the save.

    Colorado regained the lead in the 67th minute on a Spencer goal from close range. Carrieri received a pass on the right wing from Kyle Beckerman and then slid a cross to Spencer 10 yards from the goal, which he buried past a diving Onstad.

    Onstad made a strong play in the 80th minute to keep the deficit at one. Chris Henderson got open behind the Quakes defense and was alone with Onstad, but Onstad came off his line and punched the ball off Henderson’s foot.

    The Earthquakes travel to Vancouver to play the A-League’s Whitecaps F.C. in an exhibition game on Monday, September 1 at 7:00 p.m. PT. San Jose returns to MLS action on Sunday, September 7 when they host the New England Revolution in the second half of a doubleheader at 12:30 p.m. PT at Spartan Stadium. The United States Women’s National Team will play Mexico in the first game of the doubleheader, which kicks off at 10:00 a.m. PT.

    Notes:
  • For the second time in 2003, the Rapids ended an Earthquakes six-game unbeaten streak with a win at Spartan Stadium. San Jose saw their second six-game unbeaten streak of the season end on July 12 in a 2-0 loss to Colorado. The Quakes saw their third six-game unbeaten streak of 2003 end tonight.
  • The Earthquakes became the first team in Major League Soccer to clinch a playoff spot when the Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the Dallas Burn 2-1.
  • Earthquakes goalkeeper Pat Onstad suffered just his second loss of the season.

    Quotes:

    Frank Yallop, on game: “We are disappointed with the result. We don’t want to lose any games. I thought we played a good first half, but we couldn’t find the net. I thought we got caught off guard by their goal.

    Frank Yallop, on goal-scoring opportunities: “I thought our guys up front struggled tonight. We had good build-up, but we weren’t very sharp in front of the net. We were just missing that last pass. Brian Mullan worked hard, and he deserved his goal. He finished it well.”

    Richard Mulrooney, on game: “You have to give them credit. A lot of teams come in here and just try to defend, and the Rapids were able to do what D.C. couldn’t do last week and that was get a couple goals in. We put a lot of pressure on them, but we just weren’t able to get the goals that we needed. It’s frustrating.”

    Pat Onstad, on game: “I think over the course of a season you always have a couple of games that you seem to win even when you don’t play your best. Tonight, I felt like we played well and we controlled the game more, but we weren’t able to get the win. It is a tough kind of game to lose.”

    Pat Onstad, on Colorado’s game-winning goal: “It was a good build-up on their part. They played it down the sideline and then I saw it get laid off into the middle and [John Spencer] caught me a little bit. I tried to go down for it, when maybe I should have tried to kick it away. Sometimes, those kind of things happen.” From SJEarthquakes.com.







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