SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club’s U-18 Academy squad advanced to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy playoffs after finishing play at the group stage with a 2-0-1 record.

The U-18s earned a point with a 2-2 draw against the Charlotte Soccer Academy on June 23 before handily defeating the Indiana Fire Academy 5-0 on June 24. In an important third and final match, the Quakes took all three points in a 1-0 victory over the Texas Rush on June 26 by way of a goal from Alex Valencia.

San Jose will now take on defending champions PDA (N.J.) on July 7 to decide who travels to the StubHub Center, home of the LA Galaxy in Carson, California, for the semifinals.

The Earthquakes are looking to become just the second MLS Academy team to win the U-18 championships.

The Quakes U-16 Academy squad also reached the playoffs in Westfield, Indiana, but did not advance out of the group stage.