Quakes tally fifth shutout in last six MLS matches at Avaya Stadium

Goodson Nets Winner, Godoy Makes MLS Debut in 1-0 Victory Over Rapids

SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes defeated the Colorado Rapids 1-0 in front of a sold-out crowd at Avaya Stadium on Friday Night. With the win, the Quakes improved to 4-2-2 at their new venue and 5-2-3 in all home games this season. Defender Clarence Goodson tallied the lone goal in the 53rd minute, his second game-winning goal of the season.

San Jose's most recent acquisition, midfielder Anibal Godoy, made his MLS debut. The Panamanian international started and played the full 90 minutes, helping to blank their Western Conference foe. The Earthquakes also got a couple familiar faces back in the lineup, with Designated Player Matias Perez Garcia and Goodson each returning from injury.

In the 22nd minute, Quakes midfielder Shea Salinas evaded several defenders on his way inside the Rapids penalty area and laid off a pass for forward Quincy Amarikwa. Amarikwa's initial shot attempt was blocked, but his second shot forced a tough save by Colorado keeper Clint Irwin.

The Earthquakes depth and versatility was tested early, as defender Jordan Stewart departed the match in just the 27th minute with a left ankle injury. Defender Shaun Francis, who started each of the past two matches, stepped in to replace him.

Francis created a scoring opportunity in the 38th minute. He played a waist-high cross in front of net and Amarikwa's glancing header went just wide of the far post.

Colorado nearly took a 1-0 lead in the 52nd minute. Midfielder Dillon Powers was on the receiving end of a long ball into the box and his header caromed off the cross bar.

Just one minute later, San Jose grabbed the lead on a header by Goodson. Following a free kick by Salinas, Amarikwa took possession and lofted a cross to the back post. Goodson rose to meet it and headed the ball off the post and in. It marked his second goal of the season and the fifth of his MLS career. Amarikwa tallied his second assist of the season, first with the Quakes, and has now scored or assisted on each of the team's last five goals.

Goodson's goal proved to be the difference in the match. With the score, Goodson is now the only defender in Major League Soccer with multiple game-winning goals this season.

Avaya Stadium is proving to be a fortress for the Earthquakes. Including tonight's win over the Rapids, San Jose has now held their opponent scoreless in five of the last six MLS matches at Avaya Stadium, dating back to April 11.

San Jose plays their first of two road matches next week on Wednesday, August 19 against Sporting Kansas City at Sporting Park. The match kicks off at 5:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on CSNCA and 1370 KZSF.

--

MLS Regular Season

San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 Colorado Rapids

August 14, 2015 - Avaya Stadium

Attendance: 18,000

Scoring Summary: SJ - Clarence Goodson (Quincy Amarikwa) 63.

Misconduct Summary: SJ - Victor Bernardez (caution) 49; COL - Bobby Burling (caution) 65; COL - Sam Cronin (caution) 74; COL - Maynor Figueroa (caution) 84; SJ - Marc Pelosi (caution) 88.

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: David Bingham, Cordell Cato, Victor Bernardez, Clarence Goodson, Jordan Stewart (Shaun Francis 27), Anibal Godoy, Sanna Nyassi (Marvell Wynne 85), Chris Wondolowski, Matias Perez Garcia (Marc Pelosi 50), Shea Salinas, Quincy Amarikwa.

SHOTS: 10; SHOTS ON GOAL: 4; SAVES: 2; FOULS: 22; CORNER KICKS: 6;OFFSIDES: 1.

COLORADO RAPIDS: Clint Irwin, Bobby Burling, Sean St. Ledger, Drew Moor, Maynor Figueroa, Jared Watts (Marcelo Sarvas 46), Dillon Powers (Gabriel Torres 81), Sam Cronin, Vicente Sanchez (Charles Eloundou 62), Kevin Doyle, Juan Ramirez.

SHOTS: 8; SHOTS ON GOAL: 2; SAVES: 3; FOULS: 17; CORNER KICKS: 3;OFFSIDES: 1.

--

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH DOMINIC KINNEAR

On game overall:

"Huge three points. And obviously I wasn't keeping an eye too much on the standings, but I think we leapfrogged Salt Lake, a little bit closer to Seattle, I think we're three points behind. And now we have to get ready for a tough week. I'm really happy with the effort. The guys were good. A real good goal, a lot of second efforts on that part of it. It would have been nice to have gotten a second to kind of ease the pressure on us a little bit. But yeah, any time you shut out a team it gives you a chance to win and one goal was enough for us tonight."

On newcomer Anibal Godoy starting after recently joining the team:

"At this time in the season when you bring in a player like him, or you bring in somebody new that you think can help the team, he's not here to blend in and to work his way into the game. In the conversations I had with him when we found out he signed, I told him I wanted him to play and then I had a conversation before the game and he was more than excited to get going. So it was a pretty easy decision just depending on how he felt and he said he felt fine. And I thought he had a good game for us tonight."

On Matias Perez Garcia's status:

"A little slight hamstring problem. You could tell it was kind of hindering him a little bit. We tried to hopefully get him going a little bit at halftime, and it just wasn't happening."

On Marc Pelosi instead of Tommy Thompson subbing for Perez Garcia:

"I thought Marc did well. He's been playing well in practice and I think he deserves his minutes. So it's not one or the other, it's just how I feel at that particular time, and I thought at that particular time in the game I think we needed Marc because he tackles well and makes good passes, and he was going to sit a little bit deeper and give Chris [Wondolowski] some more freedom to get forward."

On Clarence Goodson's return to the lineup:

"That was huge. He's a smart player. He finds himself in good areas, and obviously he's dangerous when he gets going forward. So, he's a good center back. We all know that. And to have him back for this game was a big one."

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES GOALKEEPER DAVID BINGHAM

On defense performance:

"I think the back five we had tonight was outstanding. We went back to how we were playing at the beginning of the year. We were compact and it was very hard for them to break us down. I felt Shaun [Francis] came in and showed why he is a true vet to take over for Jordan [Stewart] after he went off the field.  Great performance all around and the game-winning goal came from our backline."

On how club can carry momentum onto road trip:

"We just have to get back to basics. We were so good defensively at the beginning of the year and we found that same form tonight. We need to keep it up to have a chance. We have to control what we can control and we will come away with some points."

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER ANIBAL GODOY

On Earthquakes debut:

"I want to thank the Lord for giving me the opportunity to come to San Jose and play. I couldn't be more proud of a group of teammates than I have with this club. This group of guys knows if we can stay hungry and stay united, we can win some matches. Today we demonstrated that we are a solid squad and if we continue to play like this we will reach our goal."

On arrival to San Jose earlier in the day:

"I was prepared mentally. They called me and asked if I was ready to start on my first day here and I said yes. I was rested and motivated by this great opportunity. I thank the Lord for giving me the strength to go out there on the pitch and play a full 90 minutes."

Quakes tally fourth shutout in last five MLS matches at Avaya Stadium

Earthquakes Keep Clean Sheet, Earn Point at Home Against Portland Timbers 

The San Jose Earthquakes kept a clean sheet and earned a point Sunday afternoon against the Portland Timbers in front of a sellout crowd of 18,000 at Avaya Stadium. 

San Jose has now recorded a shutout in four of their last five MLS matches at Avaya Stadium.

San Jose was forced to play the match without one of their two starting center backs, Clarence Goodson, due to a left leg injury that he sustained during the Quakes last game against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. His replacement, Jordan Stewart, made his first start of the season at center back, while midfielder Marc Pelosi made his first league appearance at Avaya Stadium, entering the match in the 78th minute.

The Earthquakes nearly got on the board in the 7th minute. Midfielder Shea Salinas sent a cross into the middle of the box to Quakes forward Chris Wondolowski, who was able to sneak behind the Portland back line unguarded. Wondolowski took the shot from only a few yards away, but Portland goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey was able to make the save.

In the 34th minute, San Jose almost found the back of the net again after Salinas chipped a shot from the left side of the penalty area to the back post. The shot narrowly avoided the punch by Kwarasey, but drifted just wide.

In the 47th minute, Portland forward Fanendo Adi hit a low shot, which snuck past Quakes keeper David Bingham, but smacked the far post.

The Earthquakes created another chance in the 61st minute. Quakes defender Marvell Wynne floated in a cross, but midfielder Fatai Alashe's header went just high.

Two minutes later, San Jose defender Shaun Francis held possession on the left flank, cut back onto his right foot and curled his shot up and over Kwarasey. His shot attempt drifted just long, landing on top of the net.

In the 75th minute, Portland seemed destined to take the lead when a penalty was drawn, but midfielder Diego Valeri's PK attempt caromed off the crossbar, eventually being cleared out of danger.

San Jose's next match is against the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium on Saturday, August 8. The match kicks off at 6:00 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on CSNCA, 1590 KLIV and 1370 KZSF.

--

¡Orgulloso por la oportunidad que me han dado los Gigantes!: Yusmeiro Petit

 Por 

Luís Alberto Torres

Foto: Luis Alberto Torres,Jr.

Yusmeiro Petit nació hace 30 años en Maracaibo, la segunda ciudad más poblada de Venezuela y donde aparece la placa  del primer y único ex jugador nativo de este hermoso país que ha sido exaltado al Salón de la Famdo los uniformes de Chicago, Baltimore y Boston.

El maracucho Petit comenzó su carrera a la edad de tres años y creció admirando a Wilson Álvarez, un zurdo que lanzó en 1991 un ‘no-hitter’ con la franela de los Medias Blancas cuando el actual grandesligas tenía 8 años de edad.

“Es un gran honor representar a Maracaibo en Grandes Ligas, especialmente porque es la ciudad que está representada en el Salón de la Fama de las Mayores por Luís Aparicio, que es un buen ejemplo para la juventud de Venezuela”, dijo Petit. 

“Wilson (Álvarez) fue otro extraordinario ejemplo como lanzador  y persona. Somos amigos y lo admiro por los éxitos que logró en las mayores representando a Venezuela. Uno aprende bastante de los compatriotas que han actuado y están actuando en los Estados Unidos”, agregó el espigado pitcher para TV Español 


A la edad de 10 años, el zuliano  formó parte del equipo de Maracaibo defendiendo la segunda almohadilla en la Serie Mundial de Pequeñas Ligas de 1994, año en que Venezuela logró el primer campeonato mundial para Suramérica. Su compatriota y receptor en las Ligas Menores con la organización de los Gigantes, Guillermo Quiroz, también formó el equipo venezolano. 

Yusmeiro  tiene dos hermanos mayores que jugaron béisbol aficionado, uno es socio de un almacén especializado en Venezuela en la venta de repuestos para autos, el otro hermano trabaja en la ciudad Miami. Tiene una hermana estudiando en Venezuela, su mamá fue maestra de cuarto grado y directora de una escuela, su padre es un agricultor.

En 2001 terminó la escuela superior y le indicó a sus padres que deseaba jugar béisbol profesional, su papá le dio un año para que fuera firmado o tendría que ir a la universidad. Su reto fue grande y practicaba tres veces al día en un gimnasio, en los estadios  y en las pistas de atletismo.  El 15 de noviembre  de 2001 fue seleccionado como agente libre por los Mets de Nueva York y recibió $20.000 dólares de bonificación. 

“¡Fue un reto personal la decisión de jugar profesionalmente! Todo lo que he logrado en Grandes Ligas se debe al apoyo y la confianza de mis padres y hermanos. He trabajado con mucha responsabilidad y dedicación desde que firme profesionalmente. Participar en una Serie Mundial es una recompensa de todo el esfuerzo, el trabajo, al respaldo de mi esposa (Ruth), mi hija (Valeria), mis padres y hermanos. Afortunadamente he logrado lanzar  bien en las dos últimas temporadas con los Gigantes. Lograr dos anillos de la Serie Mundial con el uniforme de San Francisco es el máximo honor para toda mi familia y para mi Venezuela”, comentó Yusmeiro. 

El marabino Yusmeiro Alberto Petit (use-May-ro peh-TEET, así pronuncian los narradores americanos su nombre) ha sobresalido en las Mayores como relevista, mientras que en la pelota invernal de Venezuela es usado exclusivamente como abridor. 

El relevista-abridor-relevista ya es un veterano con 4 temporadas en las Grandes Ligas. Ha pertenecido a las organizaciones de los Mets, en el 2005 fue enviado a los Marlins, fue adquirido por Arizona en la temporada de 2007, en el 2009 fue contratado por Seattle, los Gigantes lo adquirieron el 17 de noviembre de 2012. 

La temporada más difícil de toda la carrera profesional para Yusmeiro fue la de 2011, se quedó en Miami pero no recibió ofertas de empleo de la pelota profesional de los Estados Unidos. El criollo fue contratado por los Guerreros de Oaxaca, México y tuvo que pagar $115 dólares mensuales en un hotel de Oaxaca para probar en territorio mexicano que podía regresar a las Mayores. 

“Siempre hay muchos retos que Dios nos pone para ver como uno esta mentalmente y como uno puede reaccionar. Fue una temporada de gran reto y muy difícil porque los fanáticos de México son diferentes.  La confianza estuvo ahí para lograr una buena actuación”, declaró el pitcher de 30 años de edad, que se convirtió el 6 de septiembre de 2013 el decimosegundo lanzador en toda la historia de las Mayores que pierde un juego perfecto con dos outs en la novena entrada frente a Arizona cuando el mexicoamericano Eric Chávez le conectó un sencillo por el jardín derecho.   

Durante la temporada de la pelota invernal de Venezuela del 2011, Hensley Meulens estaba dirigiendo a Los Bravos de Margarita y vió  la actuación de Petit, que fue seleccionado el Jugador Más Valioso en la postemporada de la Liga Profesional del Béisbol de Venezuela.

“José Alguacil y yo se lo recomendamos a la organización de San Francisco. Fue un gran reto, pero la recomendación fue positiva por la buena labor que él realizó en el bullpen y como abridor. No es ninguna sorpresa la labor que Petit ha realizado en la Liga Nacional con como relevista y abridor, es un pitcher que tira duro y sabe combinar sus lanzamientos en diferentes conteos. Su presencia es muy importante para el equipo como relevista y abridor”, enfatizó Meulens Hensley, instructor de bateo de Curazao, y quien habla 5 idiomas. 

Foto: Luis Alberto Torres,Jr.

Petit hizo historia en las Grandes Ligas al retirar 46 bateadores consecutivamente como relevista en 6 actuaciones del 22 al 28 de agosto de 2014. Mark Buehrle tenía el récord con los Medias Blancas con 45, Jim Barr estableció una marca de 41 en 1972 con el uniforme de San Francisco y Bobby Jenks, de los Medias Blancas  retiró a 41 bateadores en el 2007. 

En el cuarto juego de la Serie Mundial se convirtió en el primer relevista de los Gigantes en conectar un imparable, Al Leiter fue el último en lograrlo en el Clásico de Otoño  de 1993 con el uniforme de los Azulejos de Toronto.

“¡Una vez más! ¡Orgulloso por la oportunidad que me ha dado los Gigantes y por todo lo que he logrado con esta gran organización!, señaló Yusmeiro.

San Jose Earthquakes Sign Midfielder Marc Pelosi

Former Liverpool Midfielder Returns to his Hometown Team

SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club has signed United States youth national team midfielder Marc Pelosi off the Allocation Ranking List, pending ITC. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Marc is a good young player with a bright future," said Earthquakes General Manager John Doyle. "We are happy to bring him to his hometown club."

Pelosi, 21, captained the U.S. to the Round of 16 in the 2011 U-17 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. As one of the tournament's most impressive players, Pelosi was pursued by numerous professional teams, both domestically and internationally, eventually signing with Liverpool's youth academy.  

The Sunnyvale native competed with Liverpool's U-18 and U-21 clubs over the past four years, while also remaining heavily involved at the international level. In January, Pelosi earned his first invitation to train with the U.S. senior team as one of 28 players selected by head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. He also represented the U.S. U-23s in the Toulon Tournament in May, making three starts and four total appearances and helping lead the squad to a third-place finish. 

Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) - San Jose Earthquakes sign M Marc Pelosi.

Marc Pelosi

Position: Midfielder Height: 6-0 Weight: 170 lbs. Born: June 17, 1994 in Bad Säckingen, Germany Hometown: Sunnyvale, CA  Last Club: Liverpool  Citizenship: U.S.A.

Earthquakes Announce New Stadium Founding Partnership with Stanford Health Care

SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club has signed a New Stadium Founding Partnership with Stanford Health Care. Through the partnership, Stanford Health Care will continue as the club's official team physicians and will also host an annual title night. 

"We are proud to sign a New Stadium Founding Partnership with Stanford Health Care," said Earthquakes President Dave Kaval. "Having worked with them for the last two years, we know that their team of physicians are fantastic to work with and truly elite in their field. They continue to build an impressive reputation in sports medicine and we look forward to continuing our relationship."

The Earthquakes and Stanford Health Care signed an initial partnership agreement in 2013. As part of the new deal, Stanford Health Care was the club's title sponsor for Breast Cancer Awareness Night, which was held on Saturday, Oct. 4. During the game, the Earthquakes and Stanford Health Care hosted 100 breast cancer survivors and honored those whose lives were affected by the disease.

"At Stanford Health Care, we're thrilled to be the team physicians for the San Jose Earthquakes," said William Maloney, MD, chair of Stanford's Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. "Our team of sports medicine experts is deeply experienced in treating elite athletes, and we provide the Earthquakes a multi-disciplinary approach and immediate access to a full range of medical specialists, all in one place. That means faster diagnoses and the ability to quickly implement a treatment plan for the players, helping them stay in the game."

The Earthquakes' medical care at Stanford Health Care is led by head team physician, Zackary Vaughn, MD. Additionally, the team of physicians will include Kenneth J. Hunt, MD, Tim McAdams, MD, and William J. Maloney, MD, chair of the Department of Orthopaedics. Dr. Maloney has headed the department since 2004 and he has helped build Stanford into one of the top sports medicine clinics in the world.

About Stanford Health Care

Stanford Health Care (SHC) seeks to heal humanity through science and compassion one patient at a time, through its commitment to care, educate, and discover. Stanford Health Care (formerly Stanford Hospital & Clinics) delivers clinical innovation across its inpatient services, specialty health centers, physician offices, virtual care offerings and health plan programs.

Stanford Health Care is a leading academic health system and part of Stanford Medicine, which includes the Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. Stanford is renown for breakthroughs in treating cancer, heart disease, brain disorders and surgical and medical conditions. For more information, visit: www.stanfordhealthcare.org.

About San Jose Earthquakes

The San Jose Earthquakes are one of 20 teams in Major League Soccer. The club won MLS Cups in 2001 and 2003 and took home Supporters' Shields in 2005 and 2012. They are led by 2012 Volkswagen MLS Most Valuable Player Chris Wondolowski, one of the most prolific goal scorers in league history. The club is currently constructing a new 18,000-seat stadium on Coleman Avenue, adjacent to the San Jose International Airport. The organization was one of 10 charter members of Major League Soccer when the league began in 1996. The club's non-profit arm, the San Jose Earthquakes Community Fund, focuses on health and fitness initiatives for underserved youth in the Bay Area. For more information about the Earthquakes, log on to www.sjearthquakes.com.

SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club has signed a New Stadium Founding Partnership with Stanford Health Care. Through the partnership, Stanford Health Care will continue as the club's official team physicians and will also host an annual title night. 

"We are proud to sign a New Stadium Founding Partnership with Stanford Health Care," said Earthquakes President Dave Kaval. "Having worked with them for the last two years, we know that their team of physicians are fantastic to work with and truly elite in their field. They continue to build an impressive reputation in sports medicine and we look forward to continuing our relationship."

The Earthquakes and Stanford Health Care signed an initial partnership agreement in 2013. As part of the new deal, Stanford Health Care was the club's title sponsor for Breast Cancer Awareness Night, which was held on Saturday, Oct. 4. During the game, the Earthquakes and Stanford Health Care hosted 100 breast cancer survivors and honored those whose lives were affected by the disease.

"At Stanford Health Care, we're thrilled to be the team physicians for the San Jose Earthquakes," said William Maloney, MD, chair of Stanford's Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. "Our team of sports medicine experts is deeply experienced in treating elite athletes, and we provide the Earthquakes a multi-disciplinary approach and immediate access to a full range of medical specialists, all in one place. That means faster diagnoses and the ability to quickly implement a treatment plan for the players, helping them stay in the game."

The Earthquakes' medical care at Stanford Health Care is led by head team physician, Zackary Vaughn, MD. Additionally, the team of physicians will include Kenneth J. Hunt, MD, Tim McAdams, MD, and William J. Maloney, MD, chair of the Department of Orthopaedics. Dr. Maloney has headed the department since 2004 and he has helped build Stanford into one of the top sports medicine clinics in the world.

About Stanford Health Care

Stanford Health Care (SHC) seeks to heal humanity through science and compassion one patient at a time, through its commitment to care, educate, and discover. Stanford Health Care (formerly Stanford Hospital & Clinics) delivers clinical innovation across its inpatient services, specialty health centers, physician offices, virtual care offerings and health plan programs.

Stanford Health Care is a leading academic health system and part of Stanford Medicine, which includes the Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. Stanford is renown for breakthroughs in treating cancer, heart disease, brain disorders and surgical and medical conditions. For more information, visit: www.stanfordhealthcare.org.

About San Jose Earthquakes

The San Jose Earthquakes are one of 20 teams in Major League Soccer. The club won MLS Cups in 2001 and 2003 and took home Supporters' Shields in 2005 and 2012. They are led by 2012 Volkswagen MLS Most Valuable Player Chris Wondolowski, one of the most prolific goal scorers in league history. The club is currently constructing a new 18,000-seat stadium on Coleman Avenue, adjacent to the San Jose International Airport. The organization was one of 10 charter members of Major League Soccer when the league began in 1996. The club's non-profit arm, the San Jose Earthquakes Community Fund, focuses on health and fitness initiatives for underserved youth in the Bay Area. For more information about the Earthquakes, log on to www.sjearthquakes.com.

Luis Sierra Jr, otro Barranquillero en Grandes Ligas

Por 

Luis Alberto Torres

Para ACORD Atlántico 

Luis Sierra Jr, otro Barranquillero en Grandes Ligas.

OAKLAND, California – En el 2015, Luis “el mellito” Sierra, de Barranquilla, hizo historia en las Mayores con la organización de los Medias Blancas de Chicago.  En esta temporada aparece por primera vez un instructor de Colombia en los archivos de la historia de las Grandes Ligas. 

Luis Armando Sierra, un joven pero veterano receptor y utility de ligas menores, se convirtió a la corta edad de 27 años en el primer instructor de Colombia en la historia de la Gran Carpa y con la tradicional novena de los Medias Blancas de Chicago, organización a la cual está vinculado desde el año 2007, después de ser firmado por los Rojos de Cincinnati en el año 2.004.

Bastante experiencia y disciplina son los requisitos primordiales para formar parte de la dirigencia de una organización de las Mayores, también dominar el inglés para ayudar al manager, los entrenadores y peloteros hispanos que no manejan bien el idioma.

Fotos Luis Alberto Torres

“Mi sueño era llegar a las Grandes Ligas como jugador, pero estoy muy orgulloso y agradecido con la organización de los Medias Blancas de Chicago por la excelente oportunidad de trabajar en funciones de instructor. El reto es muy grande e interesante por la calidad de jugadores y la forma como se juega el béisbol profesional en este país”, comentó Luis Armando, a quien vimos trabajando junto a los instructores de los Medias Blancas de Chicago.

“Me sentí muy orgulloso de mi familia, los Caimanes, de Barranquilla, y del resto de Colombia cuando la gerencia me llamó y me ofreció el trabajo de instructor con el equipo grande. También le di gracias a Dios por brindarme esta excelente oportunidad para aprender más en este nivel del béisbol y para ayudar a nuestra pelota colombiana. Lo que he logrado en los Estados Unidos se debe al gran apoyo que he recibido de mis padres, el resto de mi familia y los aficionados. ¡Por ellos estoy disfrutando esta excelente experiencia!”, aseguró “el mellito”.

Su padre, el ingeniero Luís “el mello” Sierra, fue un muy versado receptor que representó al Atlántico y Colombia en las décadas de los años 80 y 90, quien tenía gran habilidad con el mascotín, fue bateador de buen contacto especialmente hacia el jardín derecho y bastante oportuno con corredores en base.   Actualmente es dirigente de la selección Colombia de béisbol en los Juegos Panamericanos de Toronto y su abuelo (Armando Crissón) fue el segunda base del equipo colombiano que ganó la Serie Mundial de béisbol aficionado en 1.947.

Erika Crissón, madre de Luis, es una extraordinaria líder comunitaria, con un interesante historial deportivo en la ciudad de Barranquilla, 

El esfuerzo, la dedicación y buenos ejemplos de sus padres fue la parte fundamental para que la novena de la ciudad de los vientos le brindara la oportunidad a  Luis Sierra de trabajar como entrenador en el mejor béisbol de este planeta.

Las madres siempre reciben la gran noticia cada vez que un hispano sube a las Mayores, “Él me llamó y me dijo de la oferta para trabajar como entrenador con los Medias Blancas, con gran emoción le dije esta es una gran oportunidad y que debía aprovecharla sin pensarlo mucho. Nosotros recibimos con mucha alegría  y orgullo la llamada con la buena noticia, porque él es un chico muy disciplinado, además muy amable y educado”. 

“También fue una gran sorpresa para mí por la responsabilidad tan grande en su nuevo reto con la organización que ha sido su hogar durante 8 años. Es un honor para nosotros por ser el primer entrenador de Colombia en las Grandes Ligas. Como madre me siento muy orgullosa por todo lo que ha logrado en los Estados Unidos y también porque es un buen ejemplo para la juventud de Colombia”, señaló emocionada Erika, en conversación telefónica.  

Luis: ¿Qué nos puede contar a ACORD Atlántico sobre su experiencia como entrenador con los Medias Blancas? 

“¡Hay que llegar bien temprano a los estadios! Cada día uno aprende algo nuevo, también todos los días tenemos que asistir puntualmente a las reuniones y uno debe  estar muy atento a todo lo que se está hablando. En este nivel de Grandes Ligas uno ve un béisbol más exigente y de gran calidad en todos los aspectos. Los vuelos, la transportación, la alimentación y los hoteles son de primera clase, son extraordinarios los estadios, los terrenos, los vestidores y las atenciones en la Liga Americana. Es una buena experiencia la que estoy pasando. Lo más importantes es aprender bien todo lo relacionado como instructor en las Mayores. Nada es fácil en este nivel para los jugadores y el cuerpo técnico. ¡Es una magnifica experiencia!”. 

José Quintana otro represente de Colombia como abridor de los Medias Blancas de Chicago. Durante la serie que jugaron en el estadio los Atléticos me di cuenta que el serpentinero y el novato instructor siempre estaban juntos en los entrenamientos.

Quintana entiende que la presencia de Luis Sierra con los Medias Blancas les está abriendo las puertas a los ex jugadores de Colombia para que se motiven y puedan lograr la oportunidad de trabajar como instructores en la Liga Nacional o la  Liga Americana.

“Un orgullo para béisbol colombiano la presencia de nuestro primer entrenador con los Medias Blancas. Me siento orgulloso por la oportunidad que le dio la gerencia del equipo y por el buen trabajo que ha realizado desde la apertura. Luis tiene la personalidad para sobresalir como entrenador.  Estamos (los colombianos) logrando más reconocimiento en las Grandes Ligas con nuestras actuaciones. ¡El apoyo de nuestro país es el más importante para seguir creciendo las Grandes Ligas!”, señaló Quintana.

Abel Villalba  periodista barranquillero, quien está radicado en Chicago me  llamo y me dijo: “¡Hey Torres! Ya tenemos el primer entrenador colombiano en las Grandes Ligas y con los Medias Blancas.  ¡Es barranquillero y se llama Luis Sierra! Eso es una gran noticia para nuestro béisbol, además es un joven muy educado, disciplinado y respetuoso. 

Mientras que en Barranquilla, el gran periodista deportivo Estewil Quezada, también se sentía orgulloso por el éxito de su paisano en los Estados Unidos: “¡Fue una gran sorpresa y buen noticia! Felicitaciones para él y su familia”.

Cada vez que sube un colombiano a las Mayores la historia sigue aumentado y eso será el gran empuje para las nuevas generaciones. También muchas madres recibirán esa llamada que ellas esperan con la buena notica que fueron subidos al mejor beisbol del Mundo. 

Luis Armando Sierra ya hizo historia de las Grandes Ligas por su dedicación y sacrificio. También sentí en 1993 esa emoción y orgullo por mi bello país cuando la organización de los Gigantes de San Francisco me contrató para formar parte del departamento de relaciones públicas ¡Bendiciones y éxitos mi hermano colombiano!

 

Rockies at Giants

San Francisco Giants Notes

THE GIANTS: Took two of three games from the Rockies and won their first series against Colorado this season…finished the homestand with a 4-2 record (2-1 vs. SD and 2-1 vs. COL).

•        Have scored at least six runs in five consecutive games, which is their longest streak of scoring six-or-more runs in each game since they did it in six straight contests from Aug. 8-14, 2004.

MADISON BUMGARNER: At 25 years, 331 days old he became the third-youngest Giants pitcher to reach 1,000 strikeouts with the team behind just Amos Rusie (21 years old in 1893) and Christy Mathewson (25 years, 12 days in 1905).

·         Slugged his second home run of the season, which leads all Major League pitchers.

BRANDON CRAWFORD: Recorded his 10th home run of the season, matching his career-high.

BUSTER POSEY: Drove in three runs today and recorded his 26th RBI this month, which is the single most he has had in a calendar month in his career. 

MATT DUFFY: Finished a single short of the cycle, going 3-for-4…is hitting .377 (20-for-53) with eight extra base hits and 11 RBI in his last 13 games.

Colorado Rockies Notes

NOLAN ARENADO: Recorded his fifth career multi-home run game...has three multi-home run contests in his last six games.

•        Extended his hitting streak to 16 games, which stands as the longest active streak in the NL.

TROY TULOWITZKI: Matched his career-high, 27-game on base streak (last: July 14-Aug. 10, 2008).

THE GIANTS: Took two of three games from the Rockies and won their first series against Colorado this season…finished the homestand with a 4-2 record (2-1 vs. SD and 2-1 vs. COL).

•        Have scored at least six runs in five consecutive games, which is their longest streak of scoring six-or-more runs in each game since they did it in six straight contests from Aug. 8-14, 2004.

MADISON BUMGARNER: At 25 years, 331 days old he became the third-youngest Giants pitcher to reach 1,000 strikeouts with the team behind just Amos Rusie (21 years old in 1893) and Christy Mathewson (25 years, 12 days in 1905).

·         Slugged his second home run of the season, which leads all Major League pitchers.

BRANDON CRAWFORD: Recorded his 10th home run of the season, matching his career-high.

BUSTER POSEY: Drove in three runs today and recorded his 26th RBI this month, which is the single most he has had in a calendar month in his career. 

MATT DUFFY: Finished a single short of the cycle, going 3-for-4…is hitting .377 (20-for-53) with eight extra base hits and 11 RBI in his last 13 games.

Colorado Rockies Notes

NOLAN ARENADO: Recorded his fifth career multi-home run game...has three multi-home run contests in his last six games.

•        Extended his hitting streak to 16 games, which stands as the longest active streak in the NL.

TROY TULOWITZKI: Matched his career-high, 27-game on base streak (last: July 14-Aug. 10, 2008).

 

Earthquakes Defeat Galaxy 3-1 in Front of Sellout Crowd at Stanford Stadium

The San Jose Earthquakes defeated the LA Galaxy 3-1 in the 2015 California Clasico at Stanford Stadium in front of a sellout crowd of 50,422. The fourth-consecutive sellout at Stanford was also the largest crowd in the history of the California Clasico. San Jose improved to 4-1-4 in their last nine matches and 4-1-2 overall at home this season.

San Jose nearly opened the scoring in the first minute of the match. Midfielder Matias Perez Garcia whipped in a corner kick and the ball found its way inside the six-yard box. Forward Chris Wondolowski was one of several Quakes around the ball and attempted to volley it past Galaxy keeper Jaime Penedo, but his shot was blocked by a last-ditch effort by the goalkeeper.

The Galaxy took a 1-0 lead on the right foot of Juninho in the 19th minute. A loose ball rolled out to Juninho about 30 yards from goal and he ripped a one-timed shot that dipped towards the bottom-left corner of the net. Quakes keeper David Bingham lunged to his left, but couldn't get enough on it to keep it out.

San Jose leveled the score line in the 28th minute. Perez Garcia held the ball near the edge of the penalty area and lost his defender with some nifty footwork. After creating space for himself, Perez Garcia played a ball across the box about waist high and Wondolowski volleyed a rocket past Penedo. It marked Wondolowski's Western Conference-leading ninth goal of the season and Perez Garcia's fifth assist.

The Quakes took the lead in the 53rd minute. Perez Garcia drove an in-swinging corner kick into the box and defender Clarence Goodson beat his man to the near post and headed it into the back of the net. It marked Goodson's first MLS goal since August 11, 2007 and his first as a member of the Earthquakes. It also marked Perez Garcia's second assist of the match.

San Jose doubled their advantage in 72nd minute. Second-half substitute midfielder Cordell Cato received a pass from midfielder Shea Salinas in the penalty area and proceeded to dribble around multiple defenders before driving a low left-footed strike past Penedo. It marked Cato's first goal of the year and first since September 7, 2014.

Over his last seven MLS matches, Perez Garcia has now registered six assists and a goal, which was named the AT&T MLS Goal of the Week in Week 16. Perez Garcia also tallied his fourth game-winning assist of the season, which ranks tops in Major League Soccer.

San Jose returns to action on Wednesday, July 1, when they host the LA Galaxy in the Round of 16 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at 7:30 p.m. at Avaya Stadium.

MLS Regular Season

San Jose Earthquakes 3-1 LA Galaxy

June 27, 2015 - Stanford Stadium

Attendance: 50,422

Scoring Summary: LA - Juninho (unassisted) 17; SJ - Chris Wondolowski (Matias Perez Garcia) 28; SJ - Clarence Goodson (Matias Perez Garcia); SJ - Cordell Cato (Shea Salinas) 72.

Misconduct Summary: SJ- Sanna Nyassi (caution) 13; LA - Stefan Ishizaki (caution) 19; SJ - Victor Bernardez (caution) 23; LA - Alan Gordon (caution) 88.

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: David Bingham, Marvell Wynne, Victor Bernardez, Clarence Goodson, Jordan Stewart, Fatai Alashe, Sanna Nyassi (Cordell Cato 60), Chris Wondolowski, Matias Perez Garcia (Tommy Thompson 86), Shea Salinas, Adam Jahn (Mark Sherrod 45).

SHOTS: 10; SHOTS ON GOAL: 4; SAVES: 4; FOULS: 16; CORNER KICKS: 11;OFFSIDES: 3.

LA GALAXY: Jaime Penedo, Omar Gonzalez (A.J. DeLaGarza 45), Robbie Rogers, Leonardo, Dan Gargan, Stefan Ishizaki (Jose Villareal 78), Juninho, Sebastian Lletget (Alan Gordon 67), Bagiio Husidic, Gyasi Zardez, Robbie Keane.

SHOTS: 9; SHOTS ON GOAL: 5; SAVES: 1; FOULS: 14; CORNER KICKS: 6;OFFSIDES: 0.

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH DOMINIC KINNEAR

On Clarence Goodson's goal early in the 2nd half:

"I think we were close. Matias [Perez Garcia] was swinging in some good balls, even in the first half with a couple set pieces that looked a little bit dangerous there. Good for Clarence... Congratulations to him. Not only his goal, but I think he's been playing really well for us. It was good, I think you saw it gave the guys a bit of energy and the field opened up a little bit and then we started playing better."

On Chris Wondolowski adapting to not being the striker up top:

"The thing about him is he's a good player. It's a great finish, it's nice to see him come from late and finish off plays like he normally does. On the other side, I thought his passing in the second half was better. He made some real good decisions. So when we won the ball, our first pass out of pressure was either to him or to Matias [Perez Garcia], and it got us up the field. I think he would probably like to be a little bit closer to goal. Also on the other hand, when teams do play 4-4-2, we give him a little bit more freedom to be up top, so he was spending quite a bit of time closer to Adam [Jahn] and Mark [Sherrod]."

On Cordell Cato's performance:

"I thought Cordell [Cato] came in and played really well. I think his inclusion into the game really turned the tide for us, because he found himself in good spots, he rarely wasted a ball when he received it."

On how the game evolved in the second half:

"I thought when the game opened up, we played better. I thought the first half was really a fast-paced choppy game, a lot of long balls, a lot of second balls being challenged. And I think that second goal did open up the game a little bit and obviously we started passing the ball better. So we were making better decisions. I thought in the first half we were a little bit rushed with things like that, and it just made for a bit of a back and forth affair."

On what he told his defense before the game

"Keep an eye on Robbie Keane. The guy's a clever player, he finds good gaps. I thought Fatai [Alashe] did a good job of kind of sitting in front and shielding the back four. But I'll give credit to Clarence [Goodson] and Victor [Bernardez]. I think the last two games they've been very, very good for us. I think there was one chance at the very, very end there that got blocked about six yards out from goal. But the second half I thought we defended pretty well, and those three were playing good - and David [Bingham] when called upon cleaned up some stuff for us too."

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES FORWARD CHRIS WONDOLOWSKI

On win:

"It's a great win especially against a rival. Any time you can get three points, it's nice, especially at home. Right now we are playing well, playing tough and playing with a good attitude and that goes a long way."

On goal:

"Great play by Matias [Perez Garcia]. He got out wide and set in a great driven ball and I was just able to pick a corner out and score."

 On Matias Perez Garcia:

"I think our chemistry is definitely growing. He's such a skilled and smart player that it makes my job a lot easier."

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES DEFENDER CLARENCE GOODSON

On first goal of season:

"Great ball by Matias [Perez Garcia]. Lately, he has been putting the ball in some excellent spots. I gained a step on my runner. I got to the corner, made good contact and next thing you we are up a goal."

On defensive effort:

"I think we were a bit nasty tonight; played with an attitude. We were making it difficult for them. You could see we got up to their defensive backs a little bit and they didn't like that too much. They have been on fire offensively, so to get this result is great. Especially for our fans here tonight."

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER CORDELL CATO

On the midfield's performance:

"The coach said that we're always going to have an extra man in midfield. I think we really utilized that today. Shea (Salinas), Sanna (Nyassi) and I were coming inside and creating a lot of space for the outside. We always have one more in the midfield and it definitely paid off."

On first goal of the season:

"It was just about effort. Me making the run to get at the end of the play. Shea did well to cut inside and I just made myself available and lucky enough I was able to finish it."

  

On making a statement:

"It's a statement from us that we can come up against the best. They're defending champions and we are going to continue with this mentality and this attitude throughout the rest of the season."