Two second-half goals powered the visiting Quakes past their rivals, the LA Galaxy, 2-1 on Friday evening.
The victory also continued San Jose’s ten-game unbeaten streak.
“We have been improving for a while now,” noted Earthquakes head coach Matis Almeyda. “In some of our draws, we deserved some more victories. I think our performance tonight stood out more since this was a derby.”
After a scoreless first forty-five minutes, new signing Jeremy Ebobisse knocked in his first goal for San Jose early in the second half on a cross from Luciano Abecasis.
“I was happy that I was able to meet the quality of the cross that came in with a quality finish as well,” explained Ebobisse after the match.
Los Angeles’ Victor Vazquez tied the game up thirteen minutes later. San Jose quickly retook the lead when Galaxy defender Niko Hamalainen deflected a dangerous pass into the box from Chofis into his own goal.
“We knew we had to play an intelligent game,” said Almeyda. “I think we had many goal-scoring chances, but their goalkeeper had a standout performance. I think the win was deserved.”
“This is a group that’s united and working towards the same goal, and everyone is ready to step up,” added Ebobisse.
After a busy stretch, the Quakes have two weeks off before hosting the Colorado Rapids on Sept. 4.
