The San Jose Earthquakes kept pace with English giants Manchester United in an international friendly match at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Sunday, holding the Red Devils to a 0-0 draw while giving several of their young players useful minutes.
The Quakes actually racked up more shots than their illustrious visitors (11 to 6) and forced some fine saves from Man U goalkeepers Joel Pereira and Lee Grant, with both sides ringing the woodwork as well.
The hosts also handed debuts to HomegrownsJacob Akanyirige, Gilbert Fuentes and JT Marcinkowski, as well as new signing Guram Kashia and reserves Matt Bersano, Eric Calvillo and Luis Felipe.
In the process, Fuentes, age 16, became the youngest player ever to appear for the Earthquakes.
“We came out well. I think we played quite disciplined and compact, but also created quite a few chances. I’m pretty happy with the performance,” said Quakes head coach Mikael Stahre afterward.
“To play against Manchester United is about staying compact and organized. Of course, not just to wait for the counterattack but to try to possess the ball and create something also, but it was a more defensive approach today, that’s for sure.”
Lineups
San Jose Earthquakes
First Half: JT Marcinkowski; Joel Qwiberg, Harold Cummings, Guram Kashia, Nick Lima; Jahmir Hyka, Luis Felipe, Florian Jungwirth, Chris Wehan; Quincy Amarikwa, Danny Hoesen.
Second Half: Matt Bersano; Shea Salinas, Francois Affolter (Jimmy Ockford 78), Yeferson Quintana, Paul Marie; Tommy Thompson (Jacob Akanyirige 90), Anibal Godoy, Jackson Yueill (Eric Calvillo 77), Magnus Eriksson (Gilbert Fuentes 86); Vako, Chris Wondolowski.
SHOTS: 11; SAVES: 1; FOULS: 12; CORNER KICKS: 3; OFFSIDES: 3.
Manchester United
First Half: Joel Pereira; Eric Bailly, Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling, Antonio Valencia (Matteo Darmian 7); Andreas Pereira, Ander Herrera, James Garner; Alexis Sanchez, Anthony Martial, Tahith Chong.
Second Half: Lee Grant; Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Luke Shaw (Demitri Mitchell 77), Axel Tuanzebe, Matteo Darmian; Andreas Pereira (Angel Gomes 83), Ander Herrera, Juan Mata; Alexis Sanchez (Mason Greenwood 65), Anthony Martial, Scott McTominay.
