October 21: Earthquakes Win 2001 MLS Cup

Nike Mercurial IX

Dwayne DeRosario slipped his curling right-footed shot off the far post and into the back of the net for the golden goal as the San Jose Earthquakes defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1 at Columbus Crew Stadium to win their first MLS Cup on this day in soccer history in 2001.

It was the first MLS Cup appearance for the bay area side while their southern neighbors were forced to take home runners-up medals for the third time.

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The winner by DeRosario, who entered the match late in the second half, completed an unlikely comeback as the Quakes had not come from behind to win during the entire season or playoff run.

Despite controlling the run of play from the opening whistle, head coach Frank Yallop's team could not find the final touch to beat Galaxy backline or goalkeeper Kevin Hartman. The counter attacking Galaxy made them pay when Luis Hernandez gathered in a long ball from Greg Vanney and beat Jeff Agoos before firing in the opening goal in the 21st minute.

Landon Donovan, leveled the game in the 42 minute with a blast to the top right corner. Hartman, who played well all day, had no chance to make the save.

The Quakes continued to have more possession in the second half and create chances forcing Hartman to make several saves and hitting a couple off the woodwork but no further.

Soccer Birthdays

1965 – Ion Andoni Goikoetxea, Spanish footballer
1967 – Paul Ince, English footballer
1971 – Paul Norman Telfer, Scottish footballer
1975 – Henrique Hilário, Portuguese footballer
1981 – Nemanja Vidić, Serbian footballer
1984 – Kenny Cooper, American footballer
1984 – Kieran Richardson, English footballer
1986 – Chibuzor Chilaka, Nigerian footballer