#quakes corner

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By Melissa McKenzie

After 90 minutes of play, the San Jose Earthquakes fell to the ground, sprawled out like a crime scene, as the final score read 3-1 (3-2 aggregate). They had lost the Western Conference semi-final match to their rivals, the Los Angeles Galaxy.

There were no Wondo winners, Gordon goals or last second Lenhart lasers to end this match. Goonies may never say die, but the clock determined the Quakes’ fate.

After going down 1-0 on a Robbie Keane goal (21st minute), the Quakes weren’t sweating. The aggregate score was even and all they needed was one to win. When Keane scored a second (34th minute), there was some cause for alarm; but again, San Jose had been in this position before and being down one goal on the aggregate with a lifetime to play wasn’t a big deal. When the Galaxy scored a third goal in the first half (Mike Magee in the 39th), it became clear that LA wasn’t going to go quietly and the Quakes would have to play the best second half of the season in order to overcome the deficit.

But, it never happened.

Alan Gordon scored on a late-game (82nd minute) volley off Justin Morrow to bring San Jose to within one on the aggregate and it became “Goonies time.”

The Quakes pressed toward goal, playing frantically, as if they knew their season was rapidly coming to a close - and then, a golden opportunity.

In stoppage time, Ike Opara, with a clear look at goal, shot the ball. As it sailed toward the goal, fans were breathlessly watching and anxiously waiting to celebrate. After all, this is where the Quakes have excelled this season. As the ball drifted over the crossbar, many of the Quakes dropped to their knees as they realized there probably wouldn’t be another opportunity. It was do or die and the Quakes didn’t do what was needed of them.

When the final whistle blew, the reality finally set it. San Jose's Cinderella season was over. They scored the most goals in team history, captured the coveted Supporters’ Shield, and Chris Wondolowski snatched up his second Golden Boot in three years, but none of that mattered. They wanted to win it all.

Sure, the Quakes weren’t playing in top form. Gordon was nursing an injured ankle. Victor Bernardez left in the 12th minute of the match with a sprained right knee. Steven Lenhart admitted after the match that despite playing most of the game, he had tore his meniscus two weeks prior and the injury required surgery. But, the Quakes weren’t making excuses. They were saddened by their loss, but eager for what the future brings.

President Dave Kaval may have said it best when he took to his Twitter account (@QuakesPrez) after the match. “To be continued...This is only the end of the first movie. Get ready for an epic trilogy #GooniesNeverSayDie.”

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By Melissa McKenzie

In the first leg of the home and home Western Conference semifinal match, the San Jose Earthquakes beat the Los Angeles Galaxy 1-0 in dramatic fashion. But come to think of it, late-game drama has been a bit of a staple for a team that has won or tied 10 games with last second goals this season.

But this time, it wasn’t Chris Wondolowski, Alan Gordon, Simon Dawkins or Steven Lenhart - all who have scored in the waning minutes of games to give the Quakes a victory or draw even with their opponent - who won it for the Quakes. It was defender Victor Bernardez, the hard-working, quiet Quake who is up for MLS Defender of the Year.

Bernardez took a free kick in the 94th minute. With five minutes of added stoppage time, it became a last chance opportunity for the “Goonies never say die” team. Bernardez stutter stepped, sprinted toward the still ball and released it toward a wall of Galaxy players. The Galaxy’s Omar Gonzalez jumped and created just enough space for Bernardez’s shot to deflect off him and through the hole he created by coming off the ground. Within seconds, Gonzalez’s jump became LA’s fatal flaw. The deflected ball rolled under the left arm of a diving Josh Saunders and into the net.

The Quakes had done it again - another late-game winner for a team which, if nothing else, genuinely enjoys playing together.

San Jose will take a 1-0 goal lead back to Buck Shaw Stadium for the second leg of the Western Conference semifinal round, which will be played November 7 after press time.

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By Melissa McKenzie

It's a Wondo-ful world.

The San Jose Earthquakes' Chris Wondolowski secured his place in history on October 27 when the striker netted his 27th goal the season against the Portland Timbers.

It wasn't enough that Wondo had already demolished the competition to claim his second Golden Boot in three years - he was after Roy Lassiter's single-season record.

Pressure was mounting for the Danville native to score twice in Portland, but the Timbers weren't going to make it easy. If it wasn't for a fatal misstep by the Timbers' Donovan Ricketts, Wondo may not have met the mark.

It was Ricketts who, in the 24th minute, pulled Steven Lenhart down in the box. A penalty kick was called and it gave Wondo his chance to tie Lassiter's 1996 record.

With pressure at an all-time high, Wondo stepped up to the line and pounded the ball to Rickets' right. As the ball sailed past Rickets' reach, the celebration began. Wondo had reached the top.

Portland answered in the 67th minute when Bright Dike collected his own rebound and pushed the ball past Quakes' keeper Jon Busch.

Wondo had a few scoring chances throughout the match, but was unable to convert and the Quakes ended the season with a 1-1 tie.

The Quakes will have home field advantage throughout the playoffs but start their run for the MLS Cup at an away match on November 4. The team will play the winner of Thursday's match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Vancouver Whitecaps. They will play the same opponent at home on November 7 in a sold out match.

Aftershocks: After Wondo's record-tying goal, players (past and current) took to Twitter to send their congratulations. Read the some of the Tweets at www.sjearthquakes.com/news/2012/10/quakes-heap-praise-wondos-27-goals

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By Melissa McKenzie

It didn’t take long for the celebration to begin. Post-game champagne showers flooded the San Jose Earthquakes locker room after the team battled to a 2-2 draw against the Los Angeles Galaxy on October 21.

The Quakes didn’t need to win on Sunday. In fact, they didn’t even need to tie. All they needed to do was play because Sporting KC gave them a gift on October 20. When KC and the New York Red Bulls played to a 0-0 tie, San Jose was able to claim the much-coveted Supporters’ Shield (the award given to the team with the most points at the end of the season). It is the first time San Jose has been the best in the MLS since returning to the league in 2008.

Marvin Chavez was the hero of the match. Less than two minutes after Robbie Keane’s goal gave LA a 1-0 lead, Chavez scored on a free kick to put the Quakes on even ground. Chavez, again, stepped up to the plate when he assisted Chris Wondolowski’s goal in the 73rd minute (four minutes after Edson Buddle gave LA the 2-1 lead).

Wondo’s header was his 26th goal this season and his eighth in the last six matches. The superstar striker is now one away from the MLS single season goals record set by Roy Lassiter in 1996. Wondo will have one last chance to tie or break the record when the Quakes play the Portland Timbers on October 27 in Portland. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m.

Aftershocks: The Earthquakes broke ground on their new stadium on October 21. The team, with the help of their fans, set a Guinness World Record of most people participating in a groundbreaking with 6,256.

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By Melissa McKenzie

While the San Jose Earthquakes were off this week and preparing for the October 21 California Classico match against the Los Angeles Galaxy, Alan Gordon, Marvin Chavez and Victor Bernardez played for their national teams in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on October 12.

Gordon, who got the call up to the United States Men’s National Team, entered as a substitute in the 73rd minute. It was Gordon’s assist to Eddie Johnson that helped give the U.S. a 2-1 victory over Antigua and Barbuda.

Bernardez and Chavez represented Honduras against Panama. Bernardez played the entire 90 minutes and Chavez was substituted into the match in the 81st minute. Honduras and Panama battled to a 0-0 draw.

In addition to preparing for Los Angeles, the Quakes are getting ready to break ground on the team’s new stadium off Coleman Avenue in San Jose. There is still time to RSVP to the ceremony, which will be held at the new stadium site on the morning of October 21. The Quakes have ordered six thousand blue shovels and will attempt to break a Guinness World Record. Those interested in participating must arrive to 1125 Coleman Avenue in San Jose by 11:30 a.m. The ceremony starts at noon and runs until 1:30 p.m. For additional information or to RSVP for the event, visit www.sjearthquakes.com/newstadium/groundbreaking.

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By Melissa McKenzie

It’s been a record-breaking year for Chris Wondolowski.

The San Jose Earthquakes’ super striker broke the team record for goals scored when he notched his fourth career hat trick in a 4-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids.

Wondo, who is a lock for this year’s Golden Boot award, scored his 23rd goal in the 11th minute. He doubled his tally for the night in the 51st minute when his shot deflected off Rapids’ defender Drew Moor and into the net.

In the 84th minute, Wondo passed Ronald Cerritos for the team’s all-time scoring record and racked up his 25th goal of the season when he scored just inside the penalty box.

Marvin Chavez picked up San Jose’s first goal of the night by scoring on a ball that deflected off Wondo in the second minute of the match.

Jason Hernandez received a straight red card in second-half stoppage time that lead to a penalty kick for Colorado. Andre Akpan converted the PK.

Wondo, with his 25 goals, is now two away from tying the MLS records for goals in a season set by Roy Lassiter in 1996. Wondo needs to score twice in the final two matches this season in order to tie, and three goals to claim ownership of the record.

The Quakes are off this weekend, but return home October 21 for a California Classico match against the Los Angeles Galaxy. Tickets to the game are sold out but Comcast Sports Network is scheduled to broadcast the match. Kickoff is at 4 p.m.

Aftershocks: Wondo was named the MLS Player of the Month for September by members of the North American Soccer Reporters on October 4. It is the third time this season Wondo has been a recipient of the award.

The Quakes signed defender Justin Morrow to a new contract on October 4. Morrow has played 90 minutes in 30 of San Jose’s 31 matches this year.

For the fifth consecutive year, the Quakes will participate in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night walk. The walk, scheduled for October 20, will take place at Discovery Meadow at 7 p.m.

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By Melissa McKenzie

With a 16-game home unbeaten streak on the line, the San Jose Earthquakes battled a playoff-hungry FC Dallas team to a 3-3 draw on September 29.

While FC Dallas sat just outside the playoff picture, the Quakes, who have already claimed a post-season spot, were playing to extend their lead over Sporting Kansas City in the Supporters’ Shield standings.

Despite the 3-3 tie, this was another match for a come-from-behind-team that never says die. Alan Gordon scored in the 24th minute, but Dallas answered with a pair of Blas Perez goals (37th and 72nd) – forcing the Quakes into a familiar position.

Steven Lenhart came up big, scoring in the 82nd minute to put the Quakes back into the match, but Dallas answered six minutes later. And, with two minutes left in the match, the Quakes, again, found themselves scrapping for a final goal – and then it came.

In the 95th minute, well into second half stoppage time, Lenhart headed the ball off an assist from Gordon and Justin Morrow to extend the Quakes’ home unbeaten streak to 17. There’s no telling what this team is capable of. The team constantly pulls out nearly impossible late-game heroics to tie or claim victory and with only three matches left before the playoffs begin, it’ll be exciting to see just how this years team ends the season.

The Quakes play at Colorado on October 6, before returning home October 21 for the California Classico. Both games will be broadcast on Comcast Sports Network.

Aftershocks: Soccer Silicon Valley Community Foundation is holding its fifth annual fundraising dinner on October 12 at 6 p.m. at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View. Former Quakes star Jimmy Conrad will be a speaker. Visit www.ssvcf.org/annual dinner.html for more information.

RSVP to be part of history by helping the Quakes break a Guinness World Record. RSVP for the October 21 new stadium groundbreaking event at www.sjearthquakes.com/newstadium/groundbreaking.

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By Melissa McKenzie

After rallying in a comeback effort to tie the Portland Timbers 2-2 at home on September 19, the San Jose Earthquakes were on the road for a 2-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders on September 22.

Simon Dawkins rocketed a shot past Sounders’ keeper Michael Gspurning less than two minutes into the match, making it clear the Quakes were looking to increase their lead in the Supporters’ Shield standings.

The Sounders answered 12 minutes later when Steve Zakuani, playing against the Quakes for the first time since suffering tibia and fibula fracture in April of 2011, bulleted the ball past San Jose’s Jon Busch for the equalizer.

What the Sounders didn’t count on was the Wondo factor. Chris Wondolowski emerged from slight slump by coming off the bench to score two goals in last Wednesday’s match against Portland. Wondo, who is rapidly losing time to catch Roy Lassiter’s single season record of 27 goals, picked up goal number 22 in the 30th minute off pass from Victor Bernardez.

Seattle had few chances for an equalizing goal in the second half.

The Quakes are now leading the Western Conference by 11 points and with only four regular season games remaining, the team has all but locked up the top spot in the standings.

San Jose plays FC Dallas on September 29 in a 7:30 p.m. home match. The final two home matches (September 29 and October 21) are sold out.

Aftershocks: There’s still time to register for the October 21 new stadium groundbreaking and Guinness World Record attempt. Registration and additional information can be found at www.sjearthquakes.com/newstadium/groundbreaking.

The race is on! With 22 goals for the season, Chris Wondolowski is leading the MLS Golden Boot standings, and if Wondo can score five goals in the remaining four games, he can tie Roy Lassiter’s 1996 record 27 goals in a season.