ROBERT "THE GHOST" GUERRERO RETURNS TO THE RING TO FACE 
YOSHIHIRO KAMEGAI IN A 12-ROUND MATCH UP ON SATURDAY, JUNE 21 LIVE ON SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® FROM STUBHUB CENTER IN CARSON, CALIF.

Also, Gary Russell Jr. to face Vasyl Lomachenko for the WBO World Featherweight Title and Devon Alexander faces off against Jesus Soto Karass

Tickets Go On Sale Tomorrow At 

10 a.m. PT!

LOS ANGELES  - Former four-division World ChampionRobert "The Ghost" Guerrero will make his anticipated return to the ring to face Japan's Yoshihiro Kamegai in a 12-round welterweight bout on Saturday, June 21 at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., live on SHOWTIME(10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).

In a co-feature of the three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®telecast, unbeaten Gary Russell Jr. faces Ukrainian star Vasyl Lomachenko for the vacant WBO World Featherweight Title in a 12-round showdown and in the opener, former world champion Devon Alexander "The Great" returns to meet Jesus Soto Karass in a 10-round super welterweight match up.

"I'm excited to be making my ring return on June 21, especially for my fans in California," said Guerrero, who last fought against Floyd Mayweather on May 4, 2013. "Although I've been out for a while, make no mistake about it, I'm in great shape. I'm hungry and I'm looking forward to the challenge Kamegai presents.  I am just happy to be fighting again while bringing excitement to the hottest division in boxing, the welterweight division. I have no doubt that I will be victorious in my return."

"It's good to fight in the United States again at StubHub Center, especially after I was treated so well by the fans there the first time," said Kamegai. "This time though, I'm going to get the win. While Robert Guerrero is a great fighter, I will be better than him on June 21."

"This is the moment I've been waiting for, and now it is time to show the world my boxing skills and talent," said Russell. "Lomachenko's reputation speaks for itself. I respect him as a fighter but he doesn't know what he is about to face fighting me. He's going to find out that I'm on a whole different level and come June 21, that belt is going to be mine to take home."

"I know how good Gary Russell is, and it's going to be a good fight for the fans on June 21," said Lomachenko. "I learned a lot from my fight with Orlando Salido, and I will be the best I can against Russell. I want that world title and I plan on taking it."

"I had a nice break after my last fight and it allowed me to regroup, recharge my batteries, and get ready for another run at the title," said Alexander. "Soto Karass is a tough guy, there's no denying that, but tough won't be enough when we fight. I'm a man on a mission now, and he's in the way."

"Devon Alexander is fast and slick, and you have to respect his skills, but if he doesn't respect mine, he's going to get knocked out," said Soto Karass. "And even if he does respect me, I'm going to beat him on June 21 and get back in line for a title fight."

"The fans in Carson always demand the best fights possible, and we've got two more for them on June 21," said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "It's great to have Robert Guerrero back in the ring where he belongs, and his fight with Kamegai is going to be action-packed from start to finish. Also, Russell vs. Lomachenko is a fight fans have been asking for and looking forward to seeing for quite some time. Given what these two young men can do in the ring, it may not be the last time we see them fighting each other. Add in Alexander vs. Soto Karass, and this is another great card that I can't wait to see."

Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero (31-2-1, 18 KOs), of Gilroy, Calif., has been among the elite fighters in boxing for years. A southpaw boxer-puncher, Guerrero has won world titles in four weight classes from 130 to 147 pounds, beating the likes of Andre Berto, Joel Casamayor, Michael Katsidis and Selcuk Aydin. Now stepping back into the ring for the first time since his fight against Mayweather, Guerrero looks to re-establish himself among the elite fighters in the deepest division in boxing. At just 31-years-old, Guerrero potentially has a lengthy career ahead of him. This bout against Kamegai could be the start of another big run for "The Ghost."

Back in Carson, Calif., for the second time following his hard-fought battle loss to Johan Perez in June 2013, Tokyo's Yoshihiro Kamegai (24-1-1, 21 KOs) has since won two bouts, winning and defending the OPBF welterweight title with knockouts of Tim Hunt and Jung-Hoon Yang. These victories add to Kamegai's reputation as a respected contender and big puncher at 147 pounds. With a victory over Guerrero, the 31-year-old will be knocking on the door for a world title shot.

One of the most talented boxers to hit the sport in years, Capitol Heights, Maryland's Gary Russell Jr. (24-0, 14 KOs) has barely been touched in his time as a professional. The 2008 United States Olympian has no intention of letting Lomachenko be the first to hand him a defeat. Owner of 2013 wins over Vyachelav Gusev and Juan Ruiz, the 25-year-old already has a fourth-round knockout win over Miguel Tamayo in 2014, Russell is in for his toughest professional challenge on June 21, and his highly anticipated first world title fight.

With a professional record of just 1-1 (1 KO), you may wonder how Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Ukraine's Vasyl Lomachenko is in a world title fight. But this southpaw is no ordinary fighter. He entered the professional game in 2013 with two Olympic Gold medals, the Val Barker Trophy for Outstanding Boxer at the 2008 Games, and a remarkable 396-1 amateur record. After debuting with a fourth-round knockout of Jose Ramirez, his second fight was against Orlando Salido for the vacant WBO featherweight title. And while he lost that fight via split decision on March 1, 2014, his performance in the bout earned him a second shot at a world title on June 21 against Russell.

A gifted southpaw with some of the best technical skills in the sport today, St. Louis' Devon Alexander "The Great" (25-2, 14 KOs) has won world titles at 140 and 147 pounds, and he is on a quest to regain his welterweight belt after a hard-fought loss against Shawn Porter last December. More focused than ever, the 27-year-old will get a stiff challenge in Mexico's Soto Karass, but he's ready to put on a show and pick up the victory.

One of the toughest warriors in boxing today, Jesus "Renuente" Soto Karass (28-9-3, 18 KOs) has won four of his last six bouts, defeating the likes of Andre Berto and Selcuk Aydin. A 13-year veteran of the sport, the 31-year-old Soto Karass has fought the best of the best throughout his career, and with a win over Alexander, he will be on his way to another shot at a world welterweight championship.

Guerrero vs. Kamegai is a 12-round fight promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the co-main event Gary Russell Jr. faces Ukrainian star Vasyl Lomachenko in a 12-round showdown for the vacant WBO World Featherweight Title and in the opener Devon Alexander will face off against Jesus Soto Karass in a 10-round super welterweight match up. It will take place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., and will air as the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main event live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) and will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Tickets priced at $150, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, will be on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. PT and are available online at AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849) and at StubHub Center Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, please call 877-234-8425.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.sports.sho.com and www.homedepotcenter.com, follow on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/shosports,www.twitter.com/StubHubCenter, www.twitter.com/GhostBoxing,www.twitter.com/MrGaryRussellJr, www.twitter.com/VasylLomachenko andwww.twitter.com/TheRealDevonA, follow the conversation using #GuerreroKamegai or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing andwww.facebook.com/StubHubCenter.

About StubHub Center

StubHub Center is southern California's home of world-class competition and training facilities for amateur, Olympic, collegiate and professional athletes. Managed by AEG Facilities, the $150 million, privately financed facility was developed by AEG on a 125-acre site on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) in Carson, California. StubHub Center features an 8,000-seat tennis stadium, a 27,000-seat stadium for soccer, football and other athletic competitions and outdoor concerts; a 2,000-seat facility for track & field and a 2,450-seat indoor Velodrome - the VELO Sports Center - for track cycling.  StubHub Center is home to two Major League Soccer teams, the four-time MLS Cup Champion LA Galaxy and Chivas USA. StubHub Center is also home of the United States Tennis Association's (USTA) High Performance Training Center, the national team training headquarters for the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and EXOS, an international training center for elite and professional athletes. 

CONTACTS:  

Ramiro Gonzalez/Marylyn Aceves, Golden Boy Promotions: (213) 489-5631

Kelly Swanson/Lisa Milner/Flo Jocou, Swanson Communications: (202) 783-5500

Michael Roth, AEG: (213) 742-7155

Chris DeBlasio, Showtime Networks Inc.: (212) 708-1633

John Beyrooty/Matt Donovan, BZA/SHOWTIME: (562) 233-7477/ (818) 462-5613

Media Credentials: www.magnamedia.com

A’s Raise $70,635 Through Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Day

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Oakland Athletics today raised $70,635 on Breast Cancer Awareness Day, presented by Zevia, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. Since the inaugural event in 1999, the Oakland A’s and their partners have raised nearly $1.4 million for breast cancer education and research.

Funds were raised through the sale of special ticket packages, commemorative pins, hats and necklaces, an A's autographed quilt raffle, and fan and sponsor support. For the second straight year, this year’s total donation eclipsed the previous year’s donation by 15 percent.

Pre-game ceremonies featured more than 350 Bay Area breast cancer survivors forming a symbolic human ribbon on the field in dedication of courage and survival, the release of white doves as a symbol of hope, and Fremont’s Kristin Goldthorpe—who was diagnosed with breast cancer last fall—serving as the honorary bat girl as part of Major League Baseball’s “Going To Bat Against Breast Cancer” initiative.

A portion of the total donation includes the 11^th annual "A Gift of Faith" grant, through which the A’s donate $5,000 to a local charity in memory of longtime KTVU Channel 2 reporter, the late Faith Fancher. This year's grant and award were presented to Pink Access Foundation, a local charity that raises funds to fight cancer in disadvantaged communities.

 Fotos: Luis Alberto Torres ~ ISC@2014

Shorthanded San Jose Earthquakes Top FC Dallas 2-1 at Sold Out Buck Shaw Stadium

 SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes played the entire second half down a man, but held on for a 2-1 win against FC Dallas at a sold out Buck Shaw Stadium on Saturday.

Cordell Cato gave the Earthquakes a 1-0 lead midway through the first half, but a red card to Shea Salinas in the 45th minute left the home side down a man for the final stanza. However, a gritty defensive effort and an own goal from FC Dallas’ David Texeira paved the way for three points.

Cato scored his first goal of the season in the 25th minute. Jon Busch sent a long pass downfield that Clarence Goodson flicked past the FC Dallas backline and right into the path of Cato. The flying Trinidadian collected the ball and slotted his shot past goalkeeper Raul Fernandez. The assists were milestones for both Goodson and Busch – the first for Goodson in an Earthquakes uniform and the first for Busch in his 14-year MLS career.

After Salinas was sent off at the end of the first half for a hard challenge, San Jose organized at the break and came out with a resilient shape that held up for the win.

The Earthquakes posted what turned into the game-winning goal in the 73rd minute. Sam Cronin bent a teasing free kick into the mix where FC Dallas substitute David Texeira deflected the ball into the net while trying to shield Chris Wondolowski from the play.

FC Dallas pulled one back three minutes later on a spectacular free kick from the top of the box by Brazilian left back Michel. However, the Earthquakes’ defense regrouped and kept three points with a tenacious group effort. Busch ended the night with four saves and faced a total of 20 shots, five of which were on target.

 The Earthquakes improved their home-unbeaten streak against FC Dallas to six games. They are 4-0-2 during that stretch.

San Jose returns to action on Saturday, May 17 against Seattle Sounders FC at CenturyLink Field. Kickoff is 7 p.m. PT on Comcast SportsNet California, 1590 KLIV and 1370 KZSF.
--

San Jose Earthquakes (2-3-4, 10 pts.) 2:1 FC Dallas (5-5-1, 16 pts.)
May 10, 2014 – Buck Shaw Stadium
Attendance: 10,525

Scoring Summary: SJ – Cordell Cato (Clarence Goodson, Jon Busch) 25; SJ – David Texeira (own goal) 73; DAL – Michel (unassisted) 76.

Misconduct Summary: SJ – Jordan Stewart (caution) 14; SJ – Sam Cronin (caution) 29; SJ – Shea Salinas (ejection) 45; SJ – Cordell Cato (caution) 67; DAL – Michel (caution) 72; SJ – Mike Fucito (caution) 81.

San Jose Earthquakes: Jon Busch, Brandon Barklage, Victor Bernardez, Clarence Goodson, Jordan Stewart, Cordell Cato (Ty Harden 85), Khari Stephenson (Mike Fucito 60), Sam Cronin, Shea Salinas, Chris Wondolowski, Alan Gordon (JJ Koval 56).

SHOTS: 7; SHOTS ON GOAL: 4; SAVES: 4; FOULS: 16; CORNER KICKS: 5;OFFSIDES: 0.

FC Dallas – Raul Fernandez, Zach Loyd (David Texeira 46), Matt Hedges, Walker Zimmerman, Michel, Tesho Akindele (Andrew Jacobson 89), Victor Ulloa, Hendry Thomas (Jair Benitez 73), Danny Garcia, Fabian Castillo, Blas Perez.

SHOTS: 20; SHOTS ON GOAL: 5; SAVES: 3; FOULS: 8; CORNER KICKS: 11;OFFSIDES: 2.

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH MARK WATSON

On the result:
“That was quite a night. I’ll use a cliché: It was the tail of two halves. I thought toward the end of the first half we played really well, got the goal and had a chance to make it two-nil. The sending off obviously changed everything. The second half was about sticking together, defending and seeing the game off. It was a long, hard-fought night and I’m really proud of our guys.”

On defensive effort:
“It was fantastic. We knew we would be under pressure. We knew they would be on top of us, putting balls into the box. It was about staying together, keeping our shape and staying committed for the entire second half. Our boys did excellent in the second half.”

On character of the team:
“It shows the character our team has. We’ve always had that, and I thought tonight was a perfect example of our character. Under extreme circumstances, all of the things that were going on, we just kept fighting and battling and I’m very proud of the guys.”

 SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES DEFENDER BRANDON BARKLAGE

On stoppage time defensive stance:
“We were obviously tired and down a man so we had to have five in the back. [FC Dallas] has some really fast guys who were taking it to us, but that’s what this team is all about – grinding it out to get the win after playing two games this week and we played with a man down. You have to commend us for that. Now we have a full week to recover before we take on Seattle [Sounders FC].”

 On playing opportunities:
“I’m always going to go out there and play my heart out. We lost [Andreas] Gorlitz last match, which was unfortunate. Guys are going to have to step up and I’m one of those guys. We have to make the most of our chances. As a unit, we’re starting to click and it started in the second half of the last game. Then tonight, we found a little bit of rhythm and built off of it to stand our ground and get three points.”


SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER SAM CRONIN

On win:
“We don’t ever make it easy. This match was a good show of character from the team. It was difficult in the second half when we were down a man, but we were resilient. Our center backs and taller guys defend the box extremely well late in the match when they had chance after chance. We’re happy to walk out of here with a win.”

On Shea Salinas suspended for Seattle match:
“Shea [Salinas] is going to be tough to replace, especially with guys going down due to injury. We had a couple of guys beat up today. Alan Gordon going out, Khari [Stephenson] having to sub out. Shea brings tons of energy and pace at the wide midfield spot for us. We have to see who’s available next week to fill that void and fortunately we get a little more time to rest this week to find his replacement.”

Fotos: Luis Alberto Torres ~ ISC

MARVIN "MUCH TO MUCH"CORDOVA JR.

MARVIN CORDOVA JR. READY TO MAKE A COMEBACK   LAS VEGAS - Former world title contender, Marvin Cordova Jr. (21-2-1, 11 KOs), is ready to make a comeback.  Cordova Jr. is hungrier than ever, after serving a 3-year prison term for crimes he was arrested for in April of 2010. Cordova Jr., who now resides in Las Vegas, NV, recently completed a reform program in his home state of Colorado.  At age 29, a matured and focused Cordova Jr. is prepared to get his boxing career back on track.  He feels he's learned his lesson. "I made some unwise decisions as a young man growing up," said Marvin Cordova Jr. "I did time with lifers (men who have been served life sentence's) in some of the worst prisons in America.  Being locked up with those types of people really opened my eyes.  I'm really sorry for the things I did in the past.  I took my freedom for granted and I've learned from my mistakes. I'm eager to get back in the ring and continue my boxing career." As an amateur, Cordova Jr. defeated the likes of Danny Jacobs, Andre Berto, Lamont Peterson, Anthony Dirrell and Mike Alvarado to name a few.  In addition Cordova Jr. knocked out Austin Trout and beat him twice in amateurs.  He was the lead sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao when the Philippine star was getting ready to fight Oscar De La Hoya. In his last fight, he suffered a close decision lost to Josesito Lopez (32-6, 19 KOs).  His only other loss came against Dennis Laurente (47-5-5, 28 KOs), another close decision defeat.  He has a draw technical draw against Victor Ortiz (29-5-2, 22 KOs), when the bout was stopped due to an accidental head butt. Cordova Jr. will continue to make his comeback and make his return to the ring in the very near future, most likely in June. "I've competed, sparred and fought against some of the best fighters in the world," continued Cordova Jr. "I know I have the ability to be successful in boxing.  I'm just ready to work hard and follow my dream of becoming a world champion." Adviser Zeferino Ramirez believes Cordova Jr. has the talent to make a triumphant return to boxing. "With a little guidance and support, I know Marvin will make a stunning comeback." said Ramirez. "He's gotten a second chance at life and I really believe he's going to make the best of it.  If everything goes as planned, I'm hoping to get back in the ring next month."

A’s Breast Cancer Awareness Day Set For This Sunday

Funds Raised to Support Breast Cancer Research, Education, Advocacy and Treatment

WHAT:                                Oakland A’s Breast Cancer Awareness Day

                                          The 16^th Annual Oakland A’s Breast Cancer Awareness Day, presented by Zevia (ZEE-via), is set for this Sunday, as the Oakland A’s again honor those who have courageously battled breast cancer. The event raises funds to support research, education, advocacy and free services for cancer patients and their families throughout the Bay Area.

PRE-GAME CEREMONY:    More than 350 Bay Area breast cancer survivors will form a symbolic human pinkribbon on the field in dedication of courage and survival, followed by the release of white doves to serve as a symbol of hope. A breast cancer survivor raffle winner will throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the game and a check will be presented to representatives from the American Cancer Society prior to the game.

                                          For the 11^th straight year, the A’s will donate $5,000 as a part of “A Gift of Faith” grant to a local charity in memory of longtime KTVU Channel 2 reporter, the late Faith Fancher. This year's grant will be presented to Pink Access Foundation, a local non-profit organization that raises funds to fight cancer in disadvantaged communities.

                                          Presenting the award will be William Drummond, widower of Faith Fancher, and Barbara Rodgers, president of the Board of Directors, Friends of Faith, Inc. Pink Access Foundation Founder Shonda Scott and Executive Director Shonnell Frost-Gibbs will accept the award.

BENEFICIARY:                   All proceeds from the sale of commemorative pins, hats, pink jerseys and heart ribbon pendants, an A's autographed quilt raffle tickets, and fan and sponsor support will benefit the American Cancer Society. Since 1999, the A's have raised more than $1.3 million to help further advance breast cancer education and research.

When:                               Sunday, May 11

                                          12:40 p.m. — On-field pre-game ceremony

                                          1:05 p.m. — A's vs. Washington Nationals

WHERE:                             O.co Coliseum

                                          7000 Coliseum Way

                                          Oakland, CA 94621

SPONSORS:                       This year’s event is presented by Zevia, The Zero Calorie Soda of the Oakland A’s.Athena Water is this year’s MVP sponsor, and supporting sponsors include Comerica Bank, Nelson Staffing and State Roofing Systems of San Leandro.

CONTACT:                          Zak Basch, media relations and broadcasting coordinator

                                          510-563-2236; zbasch@athletics.com

Fotos: Luis Alberto Torres - ISC

Earthquakes Earn Third Shutout of the Season in 0-0 Draw with Colorado Rapids

 
The San Jose Earthquakes picked up their third shutout of the season in a 0-0 draw against the Colorado Rapids at Buck Shaw Stadium on Wednesday.
 
The Earthquakes peppered the Rapids’ goal with 15 shots on the night, seven of which were on target. However, a stellar effort from Colorado goalkeeper Clint Irwin, including several spectacular saves, kept the sides level.
 
San Jose’s first big chance on goal came in the 23rd minute after Shea Salinas received the ball on a give-and-go from a corner kick. Salinas juked past a defender and curled a shot toward the near post where Irwin blocked it into the air. Ty Harden was first to the rebound and attempted a bicycle kick, but his shot was knocked away by a Rapids defender before reaching the goal.
 
Minutes later the Earthquakes were knocking on the doorstep once again, this time with a header from Chris Wondolowski. Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi headed a pass toward goal, finding Harden for a flicked header at the edge of the six-yard box. Wondolowski was waiting and redirected a shot toward the net, but Irwin made a one-handed diving save to knock it just past the post and out for a corner kick.

Alan Gordon had the next golden chance with an open look inside the area in the 53rd minute. Salinas slid a pass between defenders to an open Gordon, but the ensuing shot darted just wide of the target.
 
Irwin made his presence felt again in the 63rd minute. Atiba Harris blasted a shot from just inside the area that was destined for the net if not for Irwin reaching back to punch it away while diving to his left.
 
Wondolowski nearly netted the game-winner in the waning moments, tapping a shot on the run toward goal after a through ball from Salinas, but Irwin sprawled and deflected the ball with his leg. The shot was still heading toward goal, but hit the post and bounced away.
 
The clean sheet was San Jose’s third in their last four games. Jon Busch moved one shutout closer to former Earthquakes icon Joe Cannon for No. 3 on the MLS all-time list with the 79th in his career.  
 
San Jose returns to action on Saturday, May 10 against FC Dallas at Buck Shaw Stadium, presented by Gordon Biersch. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. PT on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, 1590 KLIV and 1370 KZSF. The match will be played nearly 40 years to the day of the teams’ first meeting on May 11, 1974 – a 4-3 win for San Jose. The Earthquakes are celebrating their 40th anniversary this season and will have a number of themed items at the match. Johnny Moore, a player in 1974 and former general manager, will be inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame at halftime and Gordon Biersch will give 2,500 fans a commemorative throwback 1974 jersey T-shirt.

 San Jose Earthquakes (1-3-4, 7 pts.) 0:0 Colorado Rapids (4-2-3, 15 pts.)
May 7, 2014 – Buck Shaw Stadium
Attendance: 9,388
 
Scoring Summary: None.
 
Misconduct Summary: COL – Charles Eloundou (caution) 43; SJ – Victor Bernardez (caution) 78.
 
San Jose Earthquakes: Jon Busch, Andreas Gorlitz (Brandon Barklage 45), Victor Bernardez, Ty Harden, Jordan Stewart, Atiba Harris (Cordell Cato 77), Khari Stephenson (JJ Koval 81), Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi, Shea Salinas, Chris Wondolowski, Alan Gordon.  
 
SHOTS: 15; SHOTS ON GOAL: 7; SAVES: 4; FOULS: 15; CORNER KICKS: 6;OFFSIDES: 2.
 
Colorado Rapids – Clint Irwin, Thomas Piermayr, Shane O’Neill, Drew Moor, Chris Klute, Kamani Hill, Jared Watts, Dillon Powers (Nathan Sturgis 70), Charles Eloundou (Dillon Serna 77), Gabriel Torres, Edson Buddle.
 
SHOTS: 16; SHOTS ON GOAL: 4; SAVES: 7; FOULS: 8; CORNER KICKS: 3;OFFSIDES: 2.

 
 
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH MARK WATSON

 
On Clint Irwin’s performance:

“He played well tonight. He had four or five really good saves and credit to him because he’s a really good goalkeeper and had a huge night.”
 
On performance:
“I thought that our team played well tonight. We talked about having a really good start. We hadn’t done that at home yet and that’s a trademark of ours. I thought we did that, right from the start. We had energy, forced the game and moved the ball better tonight. We had a lot of good chances and were unfortunate not to win the game.”
 
On Pierazzi-Stephenson pairing:
“I thought they both played well tonight. They hadn’t played recently and I wanted to change things up a bit. Khari [Stephenson] had a little knock and got a bit tired at the end so we had to take him off, but we didn’t want to because he was playing very well. I also thought Jean-Baptiste [Pierazzi] put in a solid, professional performance for 90 minutes and I was proud of both of them.”
 
 
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER SHEA SALINAS
 

On draw:
“We wanted three points tonight, definitely.  We only got one and that’s a little frustrating, especially playing the first of two games at home this week. We have to refocus and re-energize for Saturday. It will be a short turnaround before then. We’ll watch some video and look at some things offensively to adjust for FC Dallas.”
 
On offensive approach:
“We moved the ball well, being able to swing it side to side. At the end of the day, you need goals. That’s what you’re judged off of. It’s something to build off of. I felt our legs got tired toward the end, which was expected after playing twice in four days. We’re moving the ball well, which gives me a little more space out wide. We’ve been doing well creating chances, we just need to finish.”

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES GOALKEEPER JON BUSCH
 
On defensive effort:
“I thought the boys played fantastic tonight. We inserted Ty [Harden] into the starting line-up with Clarence [Goodson] out with an injury. Ty is a big-time, steady pro. He plays well every time he is asked to do so. Then, Brandon [Barklage] steps in for [Andreas] Gorlitz for the second half and makes two big plays on the end line against some very fast and tricky players. The boys played well tonight.”
 
On Rapid’s goalkeeper Clint Irwin:
“He always seems to get a big time save against us. He blocked a huge shot in the middle of the second half when he just got his fingers on the ball to push it over the crossbar. From my center angle on the opposite end, I thought it was a goal. You look at that play as potentially being the difference in this game. We just need one of those chances to drop. Once we get one of those to go in, we will be off and running.”