Player Ratings – San Jose Earthquakes suffer late defeat in Atlanta

The San Jose Earthquakes season opener at Mercedes Benz Stadium Atlanta was spoiled late as Thiago Almada scored two goals late goals to steal the game for Atlanta 2-1.

Jeremy Ebobisse opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a back post header from a nice assist by Cristian Espinoza. This tandem looked very dangerous going forward as both players looked to combine and put more goal’s into Brad Guzan’s net. The Quakes controlled the run of play for the majority of the first half as they were solid defensively and managed to control the midfield shape to subdue Atlanta’s dangerous attackers. But you got the sense that near the end of the half, Atlanta might be edging their way closer to an equalizer. The Quakes began the second half with great control of the game as Atlanta was still unable to put together many truly dangerous chances. Ultimately a couple defensive lapses costed the Quakes in the final moments of the game, and World Cup Winner Thiago Almada sent the team back to San Jose empty handed.

Player Ratings

Starting XI

GK: Daniel – 6/10 Wasn’t tested much until the Atlanta goals. Had some good outlets to attacking players, and while he didn’t save the penalty, it was missed. Ultimately he let in two late goals, which were arguably unsavable.

RB: Marie – 4/10 Had many shaky moments as Atlanta attacked heavily from his side. He struggled to contain Gutman and also had the hand ball that led to a penalty that fortunately for him, was hit wide by Araujo.

CB: Rodrigues – 7.5/10 Had a key dribble and pass that finished with a San Jose goal, cut off many Atlanta through ball attempts and had some very strong tackles.

CB: Mensah – 6/10 Provided calmness and stability to the quakes backline and his positioning caused a few of Atlanta’s chances to be off target. He unfortunately committed the foul that led to Atlanta’s free kick goal

LB: Trauco – 5/10 Had some good tackles, but was also beat for pace a couple of times and didn’t combine well with Cowell on the left side.

CM: Gruezo – 6.5/10 Held the midfield shape well, but didn’t get out quick enough on Atlanta’s first goal.

CM: Yueill – 8/10 My Quakes Man of the Match. Combined well with teammates, had a very strong attacking mentality, and some world class turns.

CM: Monteiro 7/10– Solid performance, rarely gave the ball away and was the most fouled player on the pitch.

LW: Cowell 4.5/10 – Was very attack minded but at times seemed alone on the wing. Had a few bad first touches and his decision making could’ve been better.

RW: Espinoza: 8/10 – Very dangerous going forward, created 3 big chances and provided the assist to the Ebobisse goal.

ST: Ebobisse – 7.5/10 – Scored a great strikers goal and put himself in many good positions. Unlucky to not have found another goal but the connection with Espinoza looks promising.

SUBS

RB: Akapo 6/10 – Provided stability to the right side of the defense and looked comfortable.

LW: Kikanovic 6/10 – Was tenacious in his help defensively, but didn’t get much opportunity to effect the game going forward.

RW Skahan: N/A

LB: Beason N/A

CM: Baldisimo N/A