Quakes blow extra-time lead, lose to Sacramento in U.S. Open Cup

The Earthquakes went ahead in the first half of extra time, only to give up two goals in two minutes.

The San Jose Earthquakes are out of the U.S. Open Cup after allowing goals in consecutive minutes of extra time Tuesday night to lose 4-3 to Sacramento Republic FC.

The Quakes equalized at 2-2 in the 80th minute on an unassisted goal by Cristian Espinoza to force the game beyond 90 minutes, then went ahead when recent Argentinian arrival Hernán López scored on a give-and-go with Preston Judd.

But just after extra time’s halftime break, former San Jose midfielder Luis Felipe beat goalkeeper Jacob Jackson, making his club debut. One minute later, in the 108th, Sacramento went ahead when Sebastian Herrera directed a whipped cross from Cristian Parano into the back of the net.

“I thought the guys executed but then in extra time they’re scoring two goals in three minutes, four minutes,” head coach Luchi Gonzalez told reporters after the loss. “Those are two, three minutes we would love to take back.”

The Quakes rotated their squad for the match, starting mostly their reserve players before bringing on mainstays Espinoza, Jackson Yueill and others as substitutions.

Judd opened the scoring for the Earthquakes in the 11th minute, then Kieran Phillips answered (17th minute) and put the Republic ahead (38th) before halftime. Felipe also assisted on Phillips’ first goal.

San Jose’s next match is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in MLS play against Austin FC.