50 Facts About San Jose Vs Seattle Sounders

San Jose Earthquakes: A Brief Overview

San Jose Earthquakes, often referred to as the Quakes, have a rich history in Major League Soccer (MLS). Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this team.

1. Founded in 1994, the San Jose Earthquakes were one of the ten charter clubs of MLS.
2. The team was originally called the San Jose Clash before rebranding to the Earthquakes in 1999.
3. Avaya Stadium, now known as PayPal Park, is their home ground with a seating capacity of 18,000.
4. The Earthquakes have won the MLS Cup twice, in 2001 and 2003.
5. Landon Donovan, one of the most famous American soccer players, started his MLS career with the Earthquakes.
6. The team's colors are blue and black, symbolizing the tech industry of Silicon Valley.
7. San Jose Earthquakes have a fierce rivalry with LA Galaxy, known as the California Clásico.
8. The team was temporarily relocated to Houston in 2006, becoming the Houston Dynamo, but was re-established in San Jose in 2008.
9. Chris Wondolowski, the MLS all-time leading goal scorer, played for the Earthquakes.
10. The Earthquakes have a mascot named Q, a fuzzy blue creature who entertains fans during matches.

Seattle Sounders: A Brief Overview

Seattle Sounders FC, another powerhouse in MLS, has its own set of intriguing facts. Let's explore what makes this team unique.

11. Seattle Sounders FC was founded in 2007 and began playing in MLS in 2009.
12. The team is named after the original Seattle Sounders, who played in the North American Soccer League (NASL) from 1974 to 1983.
13. Lumen Field, with a capacity of 68,740, serves as their home stadium.
14. The Sounders have won the MLS Cup twice, in 2016 and 2019.
15. Seattle Sounders have a strong fan base, known as the Emerald City Supporters.
16. The team's colors are green and blue, reflecting the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
17. Seattle Sounders have a rivalry with Portland Timbers, known as the Cascadia Cup.
18. Clint Dempsey, one of the best American soccer players, played for the Sounders.
19. The Sounders have a unique tradition of marching to the match, led by their supporters.
20. The team has a mascot named Sammy the Sounder, a blue sea otter.

Head-to-Head: San Jose Earthquakes vs Seattle Sounders

When these two teams clash, it's always an exciting match. Here are some interesting facts about their head-to-head encounters.

21. The first match between the two teams took place in 2009, ending in a 2-0 victory for Seattle.
22. San Jose Earthquakes and Seattle Sounders have faced each other over 30 times in MLS.
23. Seattle Sounders have a slight edge in the head-to-head record, with more wins than San Jose.
24. The highest-scoring match between the two teams ended in a 4-3 victory for San Jose in 2013.
25. Chris Wondolowski has scored the most goals in this fixture, with over 10 goals.
26. The matches are often closely contested, with many games ending in draws or one-goal margins.
27. Both teams have passionate fan bases, making the atmosphere electric during their encounters.
28. The Earthquakes' biggest win over the Sounders was a 4-0 victory in 2015.
29. Seattle's largest win against San Jose was a 7-1 thrashing in 2020.
30. The rivalry is known for its intensity, with several matches featuring late goals and dramatic finishes.

Memorable Moments in San Jose vs Seattle Matches

Some matches between San Jose Earthquakes and Seattle Sounders have produced unforgettable moments. Here are a few highlights.

31. In 2012, San Jose scored a last-minute winner to clinch a 2-1 victory at home.
32. Seattle's Clint Dempsey scored a hat-trick against San Jose in a thrilling 4-2 win in 2014.
33. The 2017 match saw a dramatic 3-2 win for San Jose, with a goal in stoppage time.
34. In 2019, Seattle won a crucial playoff match against San Jose, advancing to the next round.
35. San Jose's Shea Salinas scored a stunning free-kick in a 2016 match, securing a 1-1 draw.
36. Seattle's Jordan Morris scored a brace in a 2020 match, leading his team to a 4-1 victory.
37. The 2015 match featured a controversial red card, with San Jose playing most of the game with ten men but still managing a 1-1 draw.
38. In 2021, San Jose's Cade Cowell scored his first professional goal against Seattle, becoming the youngest scorer in club history.
39. Seattle's Raul Ruidiaz scored a spectacular bicycle kick in a 2018 match, earning a 2-1 win.
40. The 2013 match saw a record attendance at Lumen Field, with over 67,000 fans watching Seattle win 2-1.

Players Who Have Played for Both Teams

Several players have had the unique experience of playing for both San Jose Earthquakes and Seattle Sounders. Here are some notable names.

41. Fredy Montero, a prolific striker, played for Seattle before joining San Jose.
42. Brad Evans, known for his versatility, had stints with both teams.
43. Sanna Nyassi, a speedy winger, represented both clubs during his MLS career.
44. Ty Harden, a solid defender, played for San Jose and later moved to Seattle.
45. Cordell Cato, a Trinidadian international, had spells with both teams.
46. Chad Barrett, a forward, scored goals for both clubs.
47. Nathan Sturgis, a midfielder, played for Seattle before joining San Jose.
48. Quincy Amarikwa, known for his work rate, had stints with both teams.
49. Steve Zakuani, a talented winger, played for Seattle and later joined San Jose.
50. Tommy Thompson, a versatile midfielder, had brief spells with both clubs.

Final Whistle

San Jose Earthquakes and Seattle Sounders have a rich history filled with memorable moments and intense rivalries. From their inaugural matches to recent showdowns, both teams have showcased incredible talent and passion on the field. San Jose's resilience and Seattle's strategic prowess make every encounter thrilling. Fans from both sides bring unmatched energy, creating an electric atmosphere in the stadiums. Whether you're a die-hard supporter or a casual observer, the clash between these two teams never disappoints. As we look forward to future matches, one thing's certain: the rivalry will continue to deliver excitement, drama, and unforgettable soccer moments. So, next time these teams face off, grab your jersey, cheer loudly, and enjoy the beautiful game.