QUAKES ADVANCE TO WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL WITH THRILLING 5-2 VICTORY OVER
LOS ANGELES

Trailing 4-0 On Aggregate Goals, Quakes Explode For Five Goals To Win Series 5-4

Earthquakes Host Kansas City In Western Conference Final Nov. 15 at 7:00 p.m.

SAN JOSE, CA (November 9, 2003) � The Jose Earthquakes exploded into the Major League Soccer Western Conference Final with a thrilling 5-2 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday night at Spartan Stadium on a Rodrigo Faria goal six minutes into overtime. Already entering the game trailing the home-and-home total goal series 2-0 following a two-goal loss in Los Angeles last Saturday, the Quakes found themselves facing a 4-0 aggregate goal deficit after the Galaxy scored twice in the first 13 minutes on Sunday.

The Earthquakes stormed back, scoring five straight goals, including the series-tying header in the final minute of regulation by Chris Roner before Faria provided the series-winer.

The Galaxy took a 1-0 lead and what seemed to be a commanding 3-0 aggregate goal lead in the series when CarlosnRuiz placed a header past San Jose goalkeeper Pat Onstad in the seventh minute. Ruiz got on the end of a Galaxy free kick from the left side, heading it down and to the left of a diving Onstad.

The Quakes fell into a deeper hole in the 13th minute when Alejandro Moreno broke free down the right sideline and sent a pass into the middle of the field to an on-rushing Peter Vagenas. Vagenas dribbled past the Quakes defense and into the box, where his shot beat Onstad to the right for a 2-0 lead and a 4-0 total goal lead in the series.

The Quakes got on the board in the 21st minute when Jeff Agoos buried a free kick from 20 yards in front of the Los Angeles goal. Following a Tyrone Marshall foul on Landon Donovan, Ronnie Ekelund tapped the ball forward to Agoos, who curled the ball around the Galaxy wall and into the upper left corner of the goal to cut the L.A. lead to 2-1.

Just two minutes later the Earthquakes nearly evened the match when Manny Lagos ran onto a ball that was popped over the Los Angeles defense by Donovan. Lagos got to the ball at the six-yard box and slid to make contact with it, but Kevin Hartman was able to make an incredible save, knocking the ball free with his foot.

The Quakes tied the game and drew to 4-2 on aggregate goals in the series in the 35th minute on a goal by Donovan. Donovan deflected a Galaxy free kick at midfield and Mulrooney picked up the loose ball and sent it over the defense. Jamil Walker was able to get to the ball first and slipped a pass forward to a sprinting Donovan before being taken down by Hartman, the last Galaxy defender. Donovan was able to reach the ball and send a shot into the open net to tie the game, 2-2.

The Quakes seized a 3-2 lead in the game and drew within 4-3 in the series on a powerful header by Walker in the 50th minute. Vagenas fouled Mulrooney at the right corner of the Galaxy penalty box, setting up a free kick. Mulrooney took a quick free kick, launching the ball into the middle of the L.A. six-yard box, where Walker elevated over the defense and headed the ball down and to the left of Hartman.

Onstad made two amazing saves in the 58th minute following a cross into the Quakes penalty box off a free kick by Hong Myung-Bo. Ruiz headed the ball toward the net, but Onstad dove to his left to block the ball. The rebound went to the Galaxy�s Danny Califf right in front of the net, but while Onstad was still on the ground he was able to knock the shot away.

Needing just one goal to even the total goal series, the Earthquakes continued to press forward and attack Los Angeles. San Jose was rewarded in the final minute of regulation when substitute Chris Roner, who had just entered the game a minute before, rose above the Galaxy defense in the six yard box and headed a perfect Richard Mulrooney cross from the right side down and into the goal. The goal put the Quakes ahead 4-2 in the game and evened the series on total goals, forcing overtime and sending the raucous crowd at Spartan Stadium into a frenzy.

The Quakes began the 30-minute golden goal overtime period effectively playing down a man, as captain Jeff Agoos could barely run as he suffered from back spasms.

Faria provided the series-winning goal just six minutes into the overtime period when substitute Ian Russell passed off to Donovan at midfield. Donovan carried the ball into the Galaxy end of the field before sending a perfect pass to an onrushing Faria on the right side of the L.A. penalty area. Faria controlled the ball, and buried a shot on the ground to the far post past a diving Hartman.

The Earthquakes now host the Kansas City Wizards in the Western Conference Final on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7:00 p.m. PT at Spartan Stadium.

Notes:

• The Earthquakes came back from a 4-0 aggregate goal deficit to win the home-and-home series 5-4 after losing 2-0 to the Galaxy at The Home Depot Center on Nov. 1.
   

• The Earthquakes improved to 4-1 in the MLS Cup Playoffs at Spartan Stadium. The Quakes have outscored opponents 13-4 in those games.
   

• Jamil Walker earned his first career MLS start, scoring a goal and registering an assist in the process.
   

• Earthquakes forward Rodrigo Faria scored his first goal in an Earthquakes uniform tonight, scoring in series-winning goal in the 96th minute.

Quotes:

Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop, on game: "That was probably the most amazing game that I have ever been involved with and the best MLS game I have ever seen. To come back from 4-0 down is just mind boggling."

Earthquakes forward Rodrigo Faria, on game: "Since I got here I have been wanting to score and I have had opportunities, but I have been struggling. I have kept working hard, because I felt that something special was coming, and tonight it did."

Faria, on goal: "It was something special. I just can�t describe the feeling. I came on just wanting to get the game-tying goal, and thank God that Chris [Roner] got that one. In overtime it looked like we were in trouble when Jeff [Agoos] went down, but as soon as I saw Ian [Russell] give the ball to Landon I made a run into the middle. I knew they were tired, and when I got the ball I just saw the far post open and knew I could get it past Kevin [Hartman]."

Landon Donovan, on crowd: "The crowd was phenomenal tonight. It was louder than I have ever heard, even louder than the World Cup games. I have never been a part of a game that exciting. I almost wish that I had bought a ticket for it and could watch it from the stands."

Jamil Walker, on goal: "The cross was right there for me. I just was able to get there and put my head on it. It was a perfect cross, and once we got the goals, we felt that we had the momentum."

 

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES ANNOUNCE 2003 TEAM AWARDS

Landon Donovan, Jeff Agoos, Pat Onstad, Craig Waibel and
Brian Mullan All Honored

SAN JOSE, CA (November 5, 2003) � The San Jose Earthquakes announced the 2003 team awards today at their playoff media luncheon at Spartan Stadium.  Landon Donovan earned the 2003 Earthquakes Honda Most Valuable Player and was the team�s Budweiser Scoring Champion.  Captain Jeff Agoos earned his second ADT Defensive Player of the Year with San Jose, while Craig Waibel was named the U.S. Soccer Foundation Humanitarian of the Year.  In two locally sponsored awards, goalkeeper Pat Onstad received the California Customs award and Brian Mullan was the Geneva McAlavey Community Outreach award winner. Mullan also was recognized as the Los Gatos Brewing Company Earthquakes Player of the Month for October.  Jamil Walker scored the Earthquakes Goal of the Month in the final game of October with a game-tying strike against the Los Angeles Galaxy.

In his third MLS season, Donovan has become one of the premier players in MLS and an important key to the Quakes success. Donovan was the Earthquakes leading scorer in 2003 with 12 goals and six assists, giving him 30 points, making him the Budweiser Scoring Champion.   Despite playing in only 22 games due to national team commitments, Donovan finished sixth in MLS in scoring and tied for the league-lead in game winning goals with five.  He also ended the season third in points per game in MLS, and was named the MLS April and September Player of the Month. The 21-year old led the Quakes to the regular season Western Conference championship with an electric second half of the season, registering a league-high 20 points since the early August Pepsi MLS All-Star Game, in which he registered an assist.  He also recorded the first hat trick in San Jose history on Sept. 20 against the Kansas City Wizards.
 

LATE JAMIL WALKER GOAL GIVES EARTHQUAKES 1-1 TIE IN REGULAR SEASON FINALE AGAINST GALAXY

Earthquakes to Face Los Angeles Galaxy In MLS Cup Playoffs on November 1

SAN JOSE, CA (October 25, 2003) - The San Jose Earthquakes ended the 2003 regular season with a 1-1 tie against the Los Angeles Galaxy Saturday night at Spartan Stadium. The Quakes (14-7-9) finished as the regular season Western Conference champions and with the highest point total (51) in club history. The Earthquakes will now play the Galaxy in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, starting the home-and-home aggregate goal series on Saturday, Nov. 1 at The Home Depot Center in Los Angeles at 7:00 p.m. PT. That game will be broadcast on Talk 910 AM KNEW. The Quakes host their playoff game on Sunday, Nov. 9 at Spartan Stadium at 6:00 p.m. PT.

Facing the Galaxy for the second of what will be four straight matches, the Earthquakes rallied to tie the match on a goal by Jamil Walker in the 80th minute after Alejandro Moreno gave Los Angles the lead early in the second half.

With both teams starting the game looking to attack, San Jose�s Brian Mullan, playing as a defender for just the second time of his MLS career, was forced to save a goal in the 32nd minute when he raced to the opposite side of the Quakes penalty box and jumped in front of a hard shot by Arturo Torres.

The Quakes had an excellent chance to get on the board in the 37th minute when Ronnie Ekelund took a free kick at the left corner of the Galaxy penalty area. Ekelund blasted a shot through the Los Angeles wall, allowing Quakes midfielder Manny Lagos to reach the ball in the middle of the box. Lagos slipped as he struck the ball, however, and L.A. goalkeeper Kevin Hartman saved his shot.

Earthquakes goalkeeper Pat Onstad was forced to make a nice diving save of his own in the 45th minute when Carlos Ruiz received a long pass at the top of the Quakes 18-yard box and dished off to Torres on the left side. As Torres closed in on the ball, Onstad dove out and gathered up the ball to preserve the 0-0 tie.

The Galaxy broke the deadlock in the 56th minute on a goal by Moreno. Cobi Jones looped a cross from the right side over the Earthquakes defense, where Moreno was able to leap over his defender and head the ball past a diving Onstad for a 1-0 lead.

De Rosario nearly scored for the Quakes in the 59th minute when he gathered a pass from Manny Lagos about eight-yards in front of the Los Angeles net. De Rosario fought off two defenders and was able to get off a shot, but the ball rolled wide of the far post.

The Earthquakes tied the score at 1-1 in the 80th minute on second-half substitute Walker�s fourth goal of the season. The Quakes sent a long ball up-field to De Rosario at the top of the Galaxy 18-yard box. De Rosario flicked a header to Rodrigo Faria in the middle of the penalty area, who then touched a header down to an on-rushing Walker on the left side of the box. Walker fired a low, powerful shot that slipped under a diving Hartman to end the longest scoreless streak in club history at 402 minutes. With the goal, Walker tied Todd Dunivant for the all-time Earthquakes rookie scoring record with eight points.

The Quakes had two good opportunities to win the game early in overtime. Faria took a pass at the top of the Galaxy 18-yard box from Richard Mulrooney and blasted a shot that Hartman controlled. One minute later, Mulrooney placed a free kick from the right corner directly in front of the Galaxy net. An open Walker attempted to control the ball, but it ricocheted off his knee and Hartman was able to make the save to keep the game tied.

The Earthquakes and the Galaxy face off in the MLS Cup Playoffs on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 7:00 p.m. PT in Los Angeles at The Home Depot Center.

Notes:

• Richard Mulrooney became the Earthquakes all-time leader in games played appearing in his 133rd game, overtaking former defender John Doyle for the lead.
   

• Earthquakes forward Jamil Walker tied Todd Dunivant for the all-time rookie scoring record with his fourth goal and eighth point of the season.
   

• Jamil Walker�s goal in the 80th minute ended the Quakes club record 402-minute scoreless streak.
   

• Rodrigo Faria earned his first point as a member of the Earthquakes with his assist on Walker�s goal.

Quotes:
Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop, on game: "I was pleased with the effort tonight. We came on strong late in the game and got something out of the match. I didn�t think that we moved the ball that well in the first half, so I told the team at halftime to just get the ball forward and make something happen. I think that is how we scored our goal."

Yallop, looking ahead to the playoffs: "I think that next week we will be ready to rock and roll. The playoffs are everything in this league. We have to perform in next week�s game and get something out of the match down there. I think both games are going to be close."

Earthquakes forward Jamil Walker, on goal: "The ball was played back to me. It was a great ball by Dwayne [De Rosario] and Rodrigo [Faria]. Rodrigo flicked it to me and I just tried to make solid contact and hit it low and on target. At first I thought that it wasn�t going to get by him, but luckily it went in."

Walker, on game: "This was an important game for us. It was good to score a goal, but it was also important because we know that they haven�t won a game on the road all season and we didn�t want to give them that confidence heading into the playoffs."

Earthquakes defender Chris Roner, on game and playoffs: "Tonight was a good game and tough game, but we know that it is going to get a little faster, and a lot more intense now that it is the playoffs. We have been looking forward to this for awhile and we are excited and ready."

Earthquakes goalkeeper Pat Onstad, on game: "I think tonight was definitely a moral victory. It was great to get that goal late and to come back on them. We didn�t want to lose our last game of the year, especially at home. But now we know that it is a whole new season and what we have done in the regular season means nothing."

 

EARTHQUAKES FORWARD LANDON DONOVAN TO APPEAR AT KING LIBRARY ON SUNDAY

Donovan to Speak on Importance of Literacy

San Jose (Thursday, October 23, 2003) - San Jose Earthquakes forward Landon Donovan will make a guest appearance at the King Library to talk to teens about the benefits of exercising all parts of the body, including the mind on Sunday, October 26 at 2:00 p.m. 

Donovan will also share his experiences as a professional soccer player and field questions from the audience, concluding with an autograph session. Free READ bookmarks, featuring Donovan, will be distributed for the purpose. Attendees will also have the opportunity to win a soccer memorabilia item donated by the San Jose Earthquakes.

WHO:            San Jose Earthquakes Forward Landon Donovan

WHEN:          Sunday, October 26, 2003 at 2 p.m.

WHERE:        Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library

                              150 E. San Fernando St. at S. Fourth St.

2^nd Floor, Meeting Suite 225-229

WHY:              Promote reading as a satisfying leisure-time activity and a gateway to the knowledge required to pursue personal goals, whether it be sports or any other endeavor. The event also introduces teens to the King Library, itself a gateway to the San Jos� State University campus and opportunities for continued growth and learning.

FIVE SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES IN RUNNING FOR MLS POSTSEASON AWARDS 

Landon Donovan, Frank Yallop, Pat Onstad, Jeff Agoos and Todd Dunivant All Deserve Consideration for Honors 

SAN JOSE, CA (October 22, 2003) � The San Jose Earthquakes will conclude another successful season on Saturday with the highest point total in club history and as the regular season Western Conference champions. Throughout the year, five members of the team have made their mark on the league and deserve heavy consideration for MLS season-ending awards.

Forward Landon Donovan is among the leaders for the MLS Most Valuable Player Award, head coach Frank Yallop is a contender for Coach of the Year, Jeff Agoos deserves consideration for Defender of the Year, Pat Onstad is a leading candidate for Goalkeeper of the Year and defender Todd Dunivant has made a strong case for the 2003 Rookie of the Year award.

In his third MLS season, Donovan has become one of the premier players in MLS and an important key to the Quakes success. Donovan is the Earthquakes leading scorer in 2003 with 12 goals and six assists, giving him 30 points, the fourth highest total in the league despite missing seven games due to national team duty. Donovan�s 12 goals are the third highest total in MLS, and are all the more impressive considering only one of his strikes has been on a penalty kick. Leading goal-scorer Carlos Ruiz (15 goals, 25 games) has seven of his goals off of penalty kicks, while Chicago�s Ante Razov (14 goals, 25 games) has five penalty kick scores. Donovan ranks third in MLS with a 1.36 points per game average on the way to being named the MLS April and September Player of the Month. The 21-year old led the Quakes to the regular season Western Conference championship with an electric second half of the season, registering a league-high five game-winning goals in 2003 and leading MLS with 20 points since the early August Pepsi MLS All-Star Game, in which he registered an assist.

San Jose head coach Frank Yallop has led the Earthquakes to the highest point total in club history and the regular season Western Conference Championship with a 14-7-8 record. He has directed a team that has been the class of MLS in 2003 despite being forced to replace four starters from a year ago and overcoming a record number of key injuries. Yallop entered the 2003 season without his team�s 2002 leading scorer, the 2002 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and an MLS Best XI defender. The 38-year old head coach quickly found the right players, adding newcomers like midfielder Brian Mullan, forward Brian Ching, goalkeeper Pat Onstad and rookie defender Todd Dunivant to the Earthquakes lineup. Throughout the season, Yallop had to constantly change his lineup as the Earthquakes lost over 130 man-games to injury and national team duty in 2003. Injuries forced projected starters such as Troy Dayak, Brian Ching, Dwayne De Rosario, Ronnie Ekelund, Eddie Robinson and Ian Russell to spend extended time on the bench, allowing Yallop to develop players like Mullan, Chris Ron�r and rookies Jamil Walker and Arturo Alvarez into major contributors. In 2003, Yallop became the winningest coach in San Jose history and now has a career total of 41 victories. Under Yallop, the Quakes have allowed a league-low 34 goals this season and own the best road record in MLS (7-3-5). Yallop has helped keep the Earthquakes in first place in the Western Conference for every week but one week in June of the 2003 season.

Earthquakes defender Jeff Agoos is a contender for his second MLS Defender of the Year award for his sparkling and solid play in the center of San Jose�s backline in 2003. Agoos has missed just one game this season and is the captain of a defense that has allowed a league-low 34 goals in 2003 and an MLS best 1.17 goals against average. Quite simply, Agoos has been the best defender on the best defense in Major League Soccer. Agoos has been a defensive rock for the Quakes, consistently matching up against some of the best forwards in MLS while guiding a defensive unit that has been wracked with injuries, forcing Agoos to organize a defense with four newcomers.  He has played with three different center backs and four different right backs this season.  The four-time MLS Cup champion and 2001 MLS Defender of the Year has scored two goals and two assists this season, matching his career high in both categories.

In his first season in MLS, Pat Onstad has already entered the upper echelon of top goalkeepers in the league as he seeks his first MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Award. Playing in 26 games, Onstad led the league in almost every single statistical category for the majority of the season. The Canadian international remains the league leader in shutouts (9) and catch/punches (110) while owning the second best goals against average (1.05), the second highest win total (14) and the third best save percentage (75.2%). Onstad joined the Earthquakes late in preseason training, and was forced to fill a hole in the lineup created by the departure of the 2002 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, Joe Cannon. Onstad more than handled the pressure, as the veteran netminder has become a leader and inspiring presence for the best defense in Major League Soccer. With Onstad in goal, the Quakes defense has allowed just 28 goals in 2003.

Since the first day of the 2003 season, Earthquakes defender Todd Dunivant has been making his case for MLS Rookie of The Year. Dunivant started his Earthquakes career by scoring the game-winning goal in San Jose�s first game of the season, and he did not stop all season as he broke Wade Barrett�s six-year old rookie record for points in a season. The 2003 first round draft choice has a goal and six assists this year while starting every game for San Jose, becoming the first rookie in club history to accomplish that feat. Dunivant was forced to replace 2002 MLS Best XI defender Barrett on the left side, and has become one of the most solid and intelligent defenders in MLS.

SJ.com

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."

 

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.
 

EARTHQUAKES INCREASE LEAD IN WESTERN CONFERENCE TO NINE POINTS WITH 2-1 WIN OVER REVOLUTION

Donovan and De Rosario Each Net a Goal in Quakes� Victory

SAN JOSE, CA (September 7, 2003) � The San Jose Earthquakes recovered from a 1-0 deficit with goals from Dwayne De Rosario and Landon Donovan to earn a 2-1 win over the New England Revolution at Spartan Stadium. With the win, the Quakes now lead the Western Conference by nine points with seven games remaining in the regular season. San Jose also leads Major League Soccer with 43 points. Brian Mullan notched his team-leading eighth assist of the season and Donovan scored his fourth game-winning goal of 2003 early in the second half.

Richard Mulrooney and Manny Lagos combined for the Quakes first chance of the match in the seventh minute. Mulrooney received the ball 35 yards from goal and chipped a pass to Lagos to his left. Lagos brought the ball down with his chest and volleyed a shot that went wide of the near post.

The pair nearly connected again in the 12th minute. Ronnie Ekelund found Mulrooney in the right corner and Mulrooney curled a cross to the back post. Lagos beat his defender but headed the ball over the goal.

Ekelund nearly found the back of the net himself 12 minutes before halftime off a pass from Mulrooney. Mulrooney sent a corner kick to Ekelund 25 yards from goal on the right side and Ekelund ripped a one-time volley on net that Revolution goalkeeper Adin Brown had to punch clear.

The Revolution struck first in the 40th minute on a goal by Pat Noonan. Steve Ralston controlled the ball in midfield and then slotted a ball through for Noonan to the left of Quakes goalkeeper Pat Onstad. As Onstad came out to cut off the angle, Noonan pushed the ball past Onstad into the empty net for a 1-0 lead.

The Quakes responded one minute later as De Rosario netted his first goal of the season on a pass from Mullan. Jeff Agoos found Mullan on the right wing and Mullan beat Joey Franchino before sending a low cross to De Rosario in front of the net. De Rosario took a touch and sent the ball past Brown into the upper part of the net to even the game at 1-1.

Seven minutes into the second half, Donovan netted the game-winner from 10 yards out. De Rosario started the play by finding Ramiro Corrales, who then served a ball from the left wing to the back post to Donovan. Donovan powered a header on goal but Brown made the save. The rebound fell to Ekelund and he tipped it to Donovan, who slotted the ball past Brown.

Donovan and De Rosario came close to connecting on the Quakes third goal, but Brown was there to break it up. Donovan and De Rosario played a give-and-go at midfield to send De Rosario down the left wing. De Rosario then crossed the ball for Donovan, but Brown just got there to smother the ball before Donovan could get a touch.

The Revolution went down a man in the 83rd minute after an altercation between Rusty Pierce and Mullan. Mullan came in hard and fouled Pierce and the Revolution defender retaliated by throwing Mullan to the ground. Mullan was shown a yellow card, while Pierce received his second yellow and was sent off.

The Earthquakes hit the road next Saturday, September 13 as they take on D.C. United at 4:30 p.m. PT at RFK Stadium. The Quakes will be looking for their third straight victory over United. The match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Net and Talk 910 AM KNEW.

Notes:

• The Quakes now have 43 points on the season, just two points shy of the club record for points in a season. The record of 45 points was set in 2001 and equaled in 2002.
   

• The Earthquakes are now 6-0-1 against the New England Revolution under Frank Yallop.
   

• Earthquakes midfielder Manny Lagos left the game with a left ankle sprain in the 31st minute.
   

Quotes:

Frank Yallop, on game: "It was a tough game for us, but I thought that we went about our business the right way and we got a good result. We moved the ball around pretty well and showed great character coming back from a 1-0 deficit. I am glad both of our forwards were able to get a goal today. We were much sharper around the goal."

Yallop, on importance of win: "I think that it was important for us to come back and get a win today after losing to Colorado last week. 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."

Earthquakes midfielder Richard Mulrooney, on winning at home: "I'm definitely happy that we got the win. In the past we have played very well here [at Spartan Stadium], and right now it seems like it all depends on how the ball bounces. But we have been playing well on the road and we try to bring that back to San Jose."

Mulrooney, on impact of Dwayne De Rosario: "He is getting more confident now. 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."

Earthquakes forward Landon Donovan, on play of De Rosario: "He is playing with confidence now that he has gotten into some games, and it makes it much easier for me. If defenses have to start focusing on defending against both of us, it will make it much easier for somebody else to break through."

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

Earthquakes forward Dwayne De Rosario, on goal: "The ball came over my shoulder, and I was all alone in front of the goal. I knew I had to finish it. It is a great feeling to be able to contribute."
 

EARTHQUAKES GOALKEEPER PAT ONSTAD NAMED LOS GATOS BREWING COMPANY PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Landon Donovan Receives Goal of the Month Honors for Spectacular Volley Against Dallas

SAN JOSE, CA (September 9, 2003) � San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper Pat Onstad has been selected as the Los Gatos Brewing Company Earthquakes Player Of The Month for the month of August the team announced today. The team also announced that Landon Donovan�s volley against the Dallas Burn on August 13 was selected as the Earthquakes Goal of the Month.

Onstad led the Quakes to a 3-1-1 record in the month of August to help them to a nine-point lead on top of the Western Conference. Behind Onstad's play the Quakes became the first team to clinch a playoff spot in 2003 as he posted three shutouts in five games to give him a league-leading nine for the season. Onstad broke the San Jose club record for shutouts in a season on August 24 with a 1-0 shutout of D.C. United. In the month, Onstad allowed just three goals in five matches for a 0.59 goals against average. He now leads MLS in wins (12), goals against average (0.83), shutouts (9) and catch/punches (94).

Donovan earned the Goal of the Month award for his great finish on August 13 against the Dallas Burn at Dragon Stadium. The play leading to the goal started with Richard Mulrooney finding Ian Russell on the left wing. Russell sent a cross to the back post to Donovan, who drove the ball to the near post past diving Dallas goalkeeper D.J. Countess. The goal gave the Quakes a 2-0 lead on the way to a 3-0 victory.

The Earthquakes hit the road this Saturday, September 13 as they take on D.C. United at 4:30 p.m. PT at RFK Stadium. The Quakes will be looking for their third straight victory over United. The match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Net and Talk 910 AM KNEW.