Despite the challenging Chivas environment, San Jose did the job on the opening match day.
SANTA CLARA, CA—To speak of the history of soccer in the Bay Area is to speak of the roots and connections of Mexican soccer and the MLS. Due to the large Latin American population, the Bay Area is known for being one of the areas in the United States where soccer or fútbol is a religion.
This game was circled in the calendars of many soccer fans around the area. The relationship between San Jose and Guadalajara is unique; both teams have shared players, coaches, supporters, and above all, a youngster destined for greatness, Cade Cowell, who knows what it is like to be in both squads.
Leaving the rivalry aside, Cade Cowell's return to where he learned to crawl, walk, and run in his soccer journey made it more special.
Chivas was coming red hot to this competition after two wins in Liga MX against Mazatlán and Querétaro; all the motives were on Chivas’s side. The stage has not changed for San Jose, sitting last in the Western standings and 18 points away from a playoff spot.
This game was expected to break attendance records, as 50,675 fans showed up to the stadium, breaking last year’s record of 41,108 for Atlanta United FC vs. Cruz Azul during the first edition of this international competition.
From the moment of the whistle in the first half, both sides showed their intensity and roughness in the game, especially for Cade Cowell, who was no joke when attempting to score in the first minute with a shot attempt near the center of the box.
The San Jose men understood the game had to be played with intensity. Cristian Espinoza stood out after Hernan Lopéz’s attempt was denied in the fourth minute. Espinoza came from the left with an assist to Jeremy Ebobisse, scoring with a header in the sixth minute to relieve the tension in an environment that did not seem home for the blue and black.
The game remained back and forth for almost the entire time. Chivas struggled to find ways to score, and the clock was ticking in favor of San Jose. The Chivas no se rajaron, a Mexican way to say they did not back down, Roberto Alvarado equalized San Jose in the 98th minute of the game, complicating the celebration for the men led by Ian Russell.
The game was full of emotions, vibrance, excitement, and controversial referee decisions, especially towards the end. Chivas and San Jose players got into scuffles, adding more spiciness to this tale between Liga MX and MLS.
The game ended, and San Jose knew it was time to step up in what could have been considered the biggest game of the season for a team that had been under the weather for most of the season.
The winner will be decided in the penalty shootout.
Chivas went first, and the Quakes’ keeper, Daniel, who was sidelined due to injury, was responsible for ensuring the victory as he denied Alvarado’s attempt.
San Jose, P. Marie missed his attempt, which added more suspense to this shootout.
Cade Cowell, who once defended the colors of the blue and black, missed his opportunity to score; sometimes destiny can be cruel when Cowell wanted to score so badly against his former team.
Victor Costa secured the fourth penalty attempt to give the Earthquakes another victory after losing four games in a row and allowing them to start strong in the Leagues Cup with two points.
Shortly after the game, Ian Russell attended media and spoke about Cade.
“Luckily, we know Cade well. He has been here for so long and likes to cut back from his left foot. Cade is having a great year at Chivas,” Russell said.
Jeremy Ebobisse spoke about the mental strategy of this game.
“We will take it day by day, one day at a time, rest, prepare, and prepare tactically,” Ebobisse said
San Jose will make history on Wednesday night when it faces the LA Galaxy in the last game of the California Clásico 2024 series to qualify for the Leagues Cup knockout stage. San Jose has everything in its hands to bring joy to the hurt and beaten fanbase expecting midweek joy.
We will be there on Wednesday to bring you more coverage of the Leagues Cup.
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