This is from the San Jose Earthquakes — see following the story for some quotes on Cade Cowell!! Cowell is a former BUSC DA player!
The San Jose Earthquakes defeated FC Dallas 3-1 in their 2021 home opener at PayPal Park on Saturday afternoon. The Quakes got goals by Oswaldo Alanis, Cristian Espinoza, and Cade Cowell to jump out to a 3-0 lead before conceding a late consolation goal.
The Quakes had an early opportunity to score in the 18th minute when Espinoza was granted a penalty kick, but his attempt was saved by goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer. San Jose would later earn a second penalty in the 45th minute, which was successfully converted by Alanis.
In the 37th minute, a shot attempt was deflected by Quakes goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski and continued goalward. Midfielder Carlos Fierro sprinted back and made a miraculous goal-line clearance to keep San Jose up 1-0.
Early in the second half, San Jose doubled their lead. Cowell played an inch-perfect through ball to Espinoza, who chipped the onrushing keeper. The Earthquakes then added another goal in the 59th minute when Cowell juked two defenders inside the box and tucked his left-footed shot inside the far post.
FC Dallas would pull one back in the 79th minute, altering the score line but not the result.
The Earthquakes will now turn their attention to D.C. United next Saturday, May 1 against FC Dallas, presented by PayPal. Kickoff from PayPal Park is set for 8:00 p.m. PT and the match will be broadcast live on NBC Sports California, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
GAME NOTES
The Earthquakes now hold a 1-1-0 record (3 pts.) during the 2021 MLS regular season.
The Quakes played at the newly named PayPal Park for the first time.
Defender Oswaldo Alanis scored his first goal of the season and third of his MLS career. He has now scored in each of the Quakes’ two home openers since joining the team.
Midfielder Cristian Espinoza scored his first goal of the season and sixth of his MLS career.
Forward Cade Cowell scored his first goal of the season and fourth of his MLS career. Cowell also tallied an assist on Espinoza’s goal, his first assist of the season and second of his MLS career.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER CARLOS FIERRO
On Cade Cowell’s development and what to expect from him in 2021:
“I think he is one of the best players on our team. He is very young. There is still much for him to learn, but as you’ve seen, he can compete with bigger players. He is going step by step in getting experience. With his speed and his desire, he has helped the team by scoring and assisting. I can see him joining a big club in Europe.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES GOALKEEPER JT MARCINKOWSKI
On Cade Cowell’s performance today:
“Definitely not surprised [about his performance]. I think it’s been some time coming. I think his improvements over the last two years have been leaps and bounds, and I think you saw it today. There is so much there and there is so much potential still. He’s nowhere close to how good he can be, which is great for us because he is going to keep getting better. Even these past two months, and especially this offseason, his improvements have been huge. He’s a really great kid, we’re all so happy for him, and really just looking forward to more.”
