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San Jose Earthquakes

Earthquakes Weekly Update

June 9, 2014 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes News Release


THIS WEEK

The Earthquakes begin their two-week World Cup break from MLS play this week, but their quest for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title starts on Wednesday, June 11 against Sacramento Republic FC. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. PT at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco and will be streamed live at sjearthquakes.com.

Last Game

Toronto FC 1, Earthquakes 0; June 7, 2014; BMO Field in Toronto, Ont.

The San Jose Earthquakes lost for the first time in six games at BMO Field, dropping a 1-0 decision to Toronto FC. Jermaine Defoe scored his seventh goal of the year for Toronto FC in the 27th minute, finishing a penalty kick to the right of Quakes goalkeeper Jon Busch. Defoe got Busch to move left and he buried it inside the opposite post for a 1-0 advantage. The Quakes almost had an equalizer through a Steven Lenhart header with 15 minutes to play. Shea Salinas whipped in a cross on a set piece and found Lenhart in the center of the box, but his header was saved by Toronto goalkeeper Joe Bendik. With the game winding down, Quakes rookie midfielder JJ Koval had the team's best chance of the day with a volley from 10 yards out that just missed the left post. After some sustained pressure from San Jose, the ball was knocked into Koval. He right-footed it but missed the target.

Earthquakes in June

The Earthquakes are 33-22-16 all-time in MLS play in the month of June.

SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC FC INFO

Sacramento Republic FC Scouting Report

Sacramento Republic FC is currently fourth in the USL PRO standings with 20 points after drawing 1-1 with Arizona United SC at Hughes Stadium in Sacramento over the weekend. They have posted a 6-3-2 record in 11 USL games and punched their ticket to Wednesday's U.S. Open Cup match after a 6-0 win over PDL side Fresno Fuego FC on May 28. Republic FC's attack is led by Thomas Stewart, Dakota Collins and Justin Braun, with Stewart scoring five goals and Collins and Braun both tallying three for the season. Republic FC midfielder Rodrigo Lopez has notched a team-high six assists along with three goals. Sacramento hasn't lost in their last seven matches, highlighted by a six game winning streak in the month of May.

Preseason Game vs. Sacramento Republic FC

Earthquakes 2, Republic FC 0; March 5, 2014; Warrior Stadium at CSU Stanislaus in Turlock, Calif.

Late goals from JJ Koval and Billy Schuler led the San Jose Earthquakes to a 2-0 win against Sacramento Republic FC in a preseason match. The Earthquakes dominated the run of play throughout the match and finally broke through with goals in the final five minutes of the match. Koval broke the deadlock in the 86th minute with a header in front of an open net. Walter Martinez found Alan Gordon at the far post where the bulky target man was able to head the ball back across the box. The pass found Koval in stride for the finish. San Jose nearly doubled their lead two minutes later after Billy Schuler beat the keeper one-on-one, but the goal was whistled back for a foul. The Earthquakes continued to pepper the goal late, this time with Sam Garza leading the charge. Gordon held his defender off and directed a pass off his body to spring Garza in the area. The third-year winger beat the last defender and then tried to slide a pass across the goal face, but it was cleared by a Republic FC defender for a corner. Garza got his assist moments later on a corner from the other side of the field. His pass found the feet of Schuler, who tucked his shot past Gleeson to make it 2-0.

Earthquakes-Sacramento Republic FC Connections

Quakes forward Mike Fucito, goalkeeper Billy Knutsen and forward Adam Jahn have all been loaned to Sacramento Republic during the 2014 MLS season ... Quakes forward Mike Fucito and Republic FC goalkeeper Jake Gleeson both played for the Portland Timbers in 2012 ... Quakes forward Alan Gordon and Republic FC forward Chad Bartlome both played at Oregon State ... Quakes defender Joe Sofia and Republic FC forward Dakota Collins were teammates at UCLA in 2010 ... Quakes forward Mike Fucito and Republic FC forward Justin Braun were teammates with the Montreal Impact in 2012 ... Braun and Quakes midfielder Atiba Harris were teammates with Chivas USA from 2008-09 ... Quakes assistant coach Nick Dasovic replaced Republic FC head coach Preki as interim head coach of Toronto FC in 2010 ... Quakes forward Chris Wondolowski (2001-04) and Republic FC midfielder Octavio Guzman both played at Chico State (2010-13) ... Wondolowski (Chico State), Guzman (Chico State) and Republic defender Mickey Daly (Cal State LA) all played in the California Collegiate Athletic Association in Division II ... Republic FC defender Emrah Klimenta played for the Bay Area Ambassadors of the NPSL.

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

Quakes in the U.S. Open Cup

The Earthquakes will participate in the U.S. Open Cup for the 10th time in team history in 2014 and they currently hold a 12-10 all-time record in U.S. Open Cup play. The Quakes best finish in the tournament came in 2004 when they advanced to the semifinals before losing to the Kansas City Wizards 1-0. Ronald Cerritos is the club's all-time leader in goals in Open Cup competition with four. The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, recognized as U.S. Soccer's National Club Championship, is an annual competition open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. The tournament has crowned a champion for 100 consecutive years dating back to 1914. In 1999, the competition was renamed to honor American soccer pioneer Lamar Hunt.

World Cup Viewing Parties in San Jose

The San Jose Earthquakes will host a 2014 FIFA World Cup Final viewing party at Gordon Biersch Bottling & Keg in San Jose on Sunday, July 13. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Earthquakes Community Fund. Tickets are $30 and include access to the brewery as well as all you can eat and drink (Note: Food selection will include bratwurst sandwiches, garlic fries and vegetarian sandwiches; drinks will include Marzen, Pilsner, Blonde Bock, Dunkles, Coca Cola, Diet Coca Cola, Sprite and water). Fans can purchase tickets in advance of the event by visiting sjearthquakes.com. Gordon Biersch Bottling & Keg is located at 357 E Taylor St. in San Jose, Calif. In addition to the club's official championship viewing party, the City of San Jose and the San Jose Downtown Association will host 10 free outdoor viewing parties. Their events will center around two downtown locations: Plaza de Cesar Chavez and St. James Park. For more information, visit www.sjearthquakes.com.

Earthquakes Youth Development Structure Growing

The San Jose Earthquakes announced a significant growth in their youth development programs with the creation of boys club teams from the Under-9 level through Under-16. The new Quakes program will add a full development pathway to their current U.S. Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) teams at the Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18 level. They have added seven age groups for the 2014-15 season that will be designated as the Earthquakes Pre-Academy. Additionally, the Quakes will now have a recreational program, Earthquakes Elite Player Development, for ages 4-11 for both boys and girls. The Earthquakes Player Development system will now consist of five levels "" Earthquakes professional team (Major League Soccer), Earthquakes Under-23 team (Premier Development League), Earthquakes Academy teams (U14, U16, U18 "" USSDA), Earthquakes Pre-Academy teams (U9-U16), Earthquakes Elite Player Development teams - recreational teams for ages 4-11. All Earthquakes Pre-Academy and Elite Player Development programs will train in San Jose. For more information about the Quakes program and tryout dates and locations, visit www.sjearthquakes.com/academy.

Thompson Debuts

Earthquakes midfielder Tommy Thompson entered the game against Toronto FC on Saturday in the 89th minute. By doing so, he became the first Homegrown player in Quakes history to make an appearance in an official MLS match.

Defense Still Strong

The Earthquakes are currently fourth in MLS in goals against average at 1.08. Over their past six games, the Quakes have allowed only four goals and no opponent has scored more than one goal against them in that stretch. San Jose is also tied for first with the fewest goals allowed on the road (7).

Late Game Lockdown

The Earthquakes lead MLS with the fewest goals allowed in the second half this season. They have allowed just three goals after halftime this year. Additionally, San Jose has allowed only two goals in the final 15 minutes of games, also tied for the league lead. The Quakes are a perfect 3-0-0 when leading at halftime.

Busch Among League Leaders

Earthquakes goalkeeper Jon Busch is having another stellar season for San Jose. He currently leads the league in saves percentage at 76.6 percent, one percent better than Real Salt Lake's Nick Rimando. He is also second in saves with 49 and third in goals against average (1.08).

World Cup: Wondolowski Subs in vs. Nigeria

Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski made an appearance for the United States in their final game before the 2014 World Cup over the weekend. He came on as a sub in the 87th minute in the team's 2-1 win over Nigeria on Saturday to earn his 21st career cap. He picked up his 20th career cap with the United States in their 2-0 win against Azerbaijan at Candlestick Park on May 27. The Danville native is part of Jurgen Klinsmann's 23-man roster that will represent the United States in Brazil.

World Cup: Bernardez Helps Honduras Tie England

Earthquakes defender Victor Bernardez started again and played 90 minutes for Honduras on Saturday, helping Los Catrachos shut down England in a 0-0 draw. He made a pair of appearances for Honduras last week, starting and playing 45 minutes in a 2-0 loss against Turkey at RFK Stadium and playing the second half in a 4-2 loss against Israel at BBVA Compass Stadium. Bernardez picked up an assist in the match against Israel, springing Roger Espinoza for a cross that found Carlo Costly's head and the back of the net. Bernardez has made Los Catrachos' World Cup roster for the second time in his career.

#MilestoEpicenter Campaign Kicks Off

The San Jose Earthquakes launched their "Miles to the Epicenter of Soccer" campaign, presented by Alaska Airlines. The campaign gives fans the chance to measure their distance from anywhere in the world to the site of the Earthquakes New Stadium at 1145 Coleman Ave in San Jose with the opportunity to win prizes by sharing their photos. To enter for a chance to win the grand prize, fans can either pick up a "Miles to the Epicenter" sign at the Quakes Front Office or download and print a paper one from the team's official website at sjearthquakes.com. Using the sign, fans can then write their distance from the Quakes New Stadium on the sign and take a photo of themselves with the sign. To enter the contest, fans have the option of emailing the photo to milestoepicenter@sjearthquakes.com or uploading the photo through the club website, sjearthquakes.com. All of the photos will then be displayed at sjearthquakes.com and the team's official Facebook page, facebook.com/sanjoseearthquakes. Fans can then share their submission with the hashtag #milestoepicenter and vote for their favorite photo. The photo that receives the most votes will win a VIP trip for 4 to an Earthquakes away match, including airfare on Alaska Airlines and hotel. The contest with Alaska Airlines runs through the Quakes game on Aug. 2 at Levi's® Stadium. In addition to being able to pick up the signs at the office, 5,000 fans will receive the "Miles to the Epicenter" signs, courtesy of Alaska Airlines, at the Quakes match against D.C. United on July 11 at Buck Shaw Stadium.

Earthquakes, Wells Fargo Announce 4v4 Tournament Dates

For a fourth consecutive year, the Earthquakes and Wells Fargo have teamed up to host a series of youth and adult soccer tournaments in the Bay Area. This summer, the two organizations will host events in Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa. Building on successful tournaments in 2011, 2012 and 2013, the first of two Earthquakes 4v4 Presented by Wells Fargo tournaments is set for Saturday, July 19 at UC Santa Cruz at the East Field in Santa Cruz. The final tournament of the summer will take place on Saturday, Aug. 9 at the Trione Fields in Santa Rosa. Divisions for each event include: boys and girls U-8 through U-19, men's and women's rec, adult coed and men's open. Prizes will be awarded to first- and second-place teams in all divisions. All participants receive an Earthquakes ticket voucher, event t-shirt, and sponsor gifts. Each event will also feature a fan zone with booths and activities, as well as an autograph session with two Earthquakes players. Participation fees are $175 for youth and adult rec divisions for early bird registration and $200 for regular registration. Early bird registration for the Santa Cruz event lasts from 5/1-6/1 while regular registration lasts from 6/2-7/11. For the Santa Rosa event, early bird registration lasts from 5/1-7/1 while regular registration lasts from 7/2-8/1. For more information or to register, visit www.sjearthquakes.com/4v4.

Earthquakes to Host Atletico Madrid at Candlestick Park on July 27

The Earthquakes will host La Liga Champions Atletico Madrid on Sunday, July 27 at Candlestick Park with kickoff at 4 p.m. PT. Tickets for the match are now on sale at sjearthquakes.com. Suites and group tickets are available through the Earthquakes front office in person or by calling 408-556-7700. The club will also have designated supporter areas in sections 42 and 44.

Nesting Dolls Giveaway at Stanford Stadium, Presented by Wells Fargo

The Earthquakes and Wells Fargo have teamed up for a creative giveaway for the club's June 28 match against the LA Galaxy at Stanford Stadium. Ten-thousand fans will receive a nesting doll featuring Chris Wondolowski, Clarence Goodson and Victor Bernardez in an Earthquakes jersey and with their native country's flag on the back. Wells Fargo is also the presenting sponsor for the match.

World Cup-Themed Celebration Planned for Stanford Stadium

Patrick Roberge Productions is back to produce their third-straight halftime show for the California Clasico at Stanford Stadium. The creators of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics will put together another patriotic show. This year's edition will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 1994 FIFA World Cup match between the United States and Brazil at Stanford Stadium. Once again, the match will feature the biggest fireworks show in the Bay Area with a 15-minute synchronized performance courtesy of Pyro Spectaculars by Souza, Inc. following the final whistle.

Busch, Earthquakes Community Fund Team Up for Saves for SEALs Program

For the third consecutive season, the Earthquakes and goalkeeper Jon Busch have teamed up for the Saves for SEALs program. Busch has pledged to donate $50 for every save during the 2014 season to the Navy SEAL Foundation and the San Jose Earthquakes Community Fund has pledged to match that donation. Fans can also support Busch's efforts by purchasing the Saves For SEALs ticket package for the California Clasico on June 28 at Stanford Stadium. This package includes four tickets in Section 125 (directly behind the north goal), four custom-camouflage Saves For SEALs T-shirts (designed by Busch) and a post-game meet-and-greet with Busch on the field following the fireworks. The package is $200 with 80-percent of the proceeds benefitting the Navy SEAL Foundation.

Tickets on Sale for Levi's® Stadium Match

The Santa Clara Stadium Authority and the San Jose Earthquakes have partnered to present the first event at Levi's® Stadium. The Earthquakes will host to Seattle Sounders FC in one of Major League Soccer's most heated rivalries on Aug. 2, 2014. Tickets are now on sale at www.ticketmaster.com.

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