In the 2000 MLS season, the San Jose Earthquakes played their first year under the "Earthquakes" moniker after rebranding from the Clash. Coached by Lothar Osiander, the team endured a difficult campaign, finishing last in the Western Conference and 12th overall with a 7-17-8 record, missing the playoffs for a fourth straight year. Despite their struggles, the team set an MLS record with 15 straight unbeaten matches at Spartan Stadium and recorded nine shutouts. Abdul Thompson Conteh led the team with 8 goals.. In the 2001 MLS season, the San Jose Earthquakes achieved a historic turnaround under head coach Frank Yallop, going from worst to first to win their inaugural MLS Cup. Finishing 2nd in the Western Division and 5th overall with a 13-6-7 record, the team was led by top scorer Ronald Cerritos and midseason acquisition Landon Donovan. In the playoffs, they advanced to the MLS Cup Final, where Dwayne De Rosario scored a dramatic golden goal in overtime to defeat the LA Galaxy 2-1.