The Quakes complete their 2020 campaign with a home win at LAFC and a road loss at Seattle.
Wednesday’s home game against LAFC was delayed a few days due to three players that tested positive. The match had playoff implications with the Quakes needing a win to secure their spot in the MLS Cup playoffs. The visitors took the early lead from a goal by Latif Blessing at the 23rd minute but the home team evened the score 5 minutes later thanks to an own goal from Eduard Atuesa. Once again Chris Wondolowski game the team the lead at the 37th minute and in the second half Cristian Espinoza scored an insurance goal at the 72nd minute. Diego Rossi’s goal for LAFC at the end of the game five minutes into stoppage time was an attempt at a comeback but it fell short, giving the Quakes a 3-2 victory and their first playoff spot since 2017. Wondolowski’s tally was the 166th for his MLS career.
The Quakes finished off their altered season with another road trip to Seattle. However, the losing continues with a 4-1 loss to the defending MLS Cup champions. All of the scoring commenced during the second half with Nicolas Lodeiro opening up the scoring with his goal in the 52nd minute. Two minutes later Raul Ruidiaz continued the tally giving the Sounders a 2-0 lead. Marcos Lopez drew the Quakes closer with his strike in the 57th minute but that was the only score for the team. Jordan Morris later increased Seattle’s lead with a goal in the 74th minute, and six minutes later Lopez scored another goal but unfortunately for the other team. The Sounders ended up beating the Quakes twice on their home field–the other victory coming September 10 with a 7-1 result.
The other news is from Friday with Reno 1868 FC ceasing operations. The team has been the Quakes USL affiliate since 2017 and has served as a worthy rival to Sacramento Republic. With the pandemic currently happening and with many of the lower tier teams relying on gate revenue this trend will continue well into 2021 especially with the start of next season at an uncertainty with all levels. With the Oakland Roots entering the USL from NISA next year despite their unique brand the club is a very viable candidate to become the Quakes new affiliate.
The Quakes next game will be a first round playoff match at Sporting Kansas City on Sunday November 22 at 1pm. The match will be live on FS1.