When first meets worst, the score usually favors the higher ranked team. But when the in-form Earthquakes, and nearly 50,000 fans in the stands behind them, faced the Sounders Saturday night, it was last-place San Jose that emerged victorious.
A wonderful goal just ahead of halftime by Yannick Djalo, off a wonderful assist from Chris Wondolowski, paced the Quakes to a vital 1-0 win against Seattle. Levi's Stadium was certainly a factor as well, as the raucous crowd delivered its best support and helped the Earthquakes extend their unbeaten streak to three games.
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Post Game Quotes:
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH MARK WATSON
General Statement
"It was three points we were desperate for. There were a few different spells in the game; I thought the first half we played well at times and at the start of the second half we played well for the first 20-30 minutes. We did really well and had some really good chances. It's tough to lose [Yannick] Djalo because he was very effective for us. In the end, [it was] a really gritty finish. The guys stuck together and withstood some pressure and hung on for a great win and three points."
On Containing Clint Dempsey
"It's not an easy thing to do because he's a player of real quality. I thought the back four did well and the guys in front of him did a great job too. The plan was to deny him service because he likes to get in those little pockets underneath and get the ball under our back four. The times he did get the ball we defended well. It was good individual defending and good collective defending as a group."
On Opening Levi's Stadium
"It was an incredible night. It meant a lot to the players. I think to close down Candlestick the other night - even though it wasn't quite as big of an event - was special. But, to open the new stadium with the fans and just everything surrounding the game - our guys were excited and wanted to put on a good show. It meant a lot to them. To see that - 50,000-something support - was incredible and they were definitely a factor. "
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES GOALKEEPER JON BUSCH
On shutout:
"We were strong defensively tonight. On my end, I go out there just trying to make saves to keep my team in it. Today, I had a couple more than usual and was lucky to clear it from the crossbar a couple of times. It was a fun game to play. Hats off to the boys in front me. They were blocking shots and heading balls away. It wasn't pretty at the end, but we got the three points and that's all that matters."
On beating Seattle:
"It gives us confidence. They are a very good team and they proved it tonight. They never quit on us. They came right at us and we dealt with the attack and weathered the storm. You can never take a lead for granted and the boys in front of me were rock solid tonight."
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES FORWARD YANNICK DJALO
On goal:
"It was a great pass from Wondo [Chris Wondolowski] and I saw the goalkeeper coming out. I thought he would jump because he saw the game last week, so I put it low and it went in. I was glad to help the team get an important win tonight."
On playing at Levi's Stadium and scoring first goal:
"This is a beautiful stadium and the crowd was fantastic tonight. I have had some good moments in my career, but tonight will hold a special place for me. To score the first goal in such a great stadium with that crowd was something I won't forget."