Opara to Join Generation adidas Team for Tour in Spain
Quakes defender Ike Opara will join the Generation adidas team as they travel to Spain. The team includes some of the best young players in MLS. The team will be coached by the FC Dallas coaching staff, headed by MLS Coach of the Year, Schellas Hyndman. The Generation adidas side flies to Madrid tonight and will play three matches over the course of their 11 day trip. They will take on Real Madrid’s reserves on Thursday, Dec. 2, Rayo Vallecano FC’s reserves on Tues. Dec. 7 and Atletico Madrid’s reserves on Wednesday, Dec. 8.
Johnson with Jamaica for Digicel Cup
Earthquakes forward Ryan Johnson is currently with the Jamaican national team as they participate in the 2010 Digicel Cup. He did not play in Jamaica’s 3-1 win over Antigua on Nov. 27, but could see action this evening, as Jamaica take on Guadeloupe at Riviere Pilote Stadium in Martinique.
Alvarez and Cannon Selected in 2011 Expansion Draft
San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Arturo Alvarez was selected in the Major League Soccer Expansion draft by the Portland Timbers and goalkeeper Joe Cannon was selected by Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Alvarez appeared in 80 games in two different stints in San Jose, starting 49 times. He scored 13 goals and notched seven assists in five seasons with the Earthquakes. Alvarez was then traded to Real Salt Lake for a second round pick in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. Cannon leaves the Earthquakes after appearing in 171 games over the course of eight seasons. He posted 44 shutouts and won 66 games with San Jose.
Wondolowski and Quakes help Distribute Box and Turkey Meals
On Tuesday, Nov. 23, Budweiser Golden Boot winner and Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski and member of the Quakes front office helped distribute boxed meals and turkeys to needy families in the San Jose area. This effort was in conjunction with CityTeam Ministries, who distribute to over 800 families per year.
First Re-Entry Drafts Set for December
The league unveiled dates and details of the new Re-Entry Draft, which will make its debut in 2010 as part of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement between MLS and the MLS Players Union. The first stage of the Re-Entry Draft is Wednesday, Dec. 8 and the second stage is Wednesday, Dec. 15. The CBA provided players new rights depending on the age and years of service in the league. A player who is at least 23 years of age with three or more years of MLS service and an option that was not renewed by his club (23/3 player) or a 25/4 player with an expiring contract, are eligible to be part of the 2010 Re-Entry Draft. All players, including Designated Players and players who have graduated from the Generation adidas program, will be included in this draft if they meet the age and service requirements.The first stage of the Re-Entry Draft allows these 23/3 (options) and 25/4 (expiring contract) players to be made available to all other MLS clubs at the current option price or previous contractual salary. The order of selection by teams is based on reverse order of finish in the 2010 regular season, including the postseason. Players who are not selected in the first stage of the Re-Entry Draft at their current option prices and contractual salary numbers will have a second crack at joining an MLS club. The second stage of the Re-Entry Draft takes place a week later with no specific salary or option requirements that are part of the first stage. MLS teams that select unsigned players in Stage 2 are then required to make concrete offers within seven business days. Players may agree to a new contract with MLS prior to Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Draft. Should no agreement be reached, the team that made the selection in the second stage will hold the right of first refusal on a contract with that player in the future. Players who are not selected in either stage of the Re-Entry Draft can negotiate with any team on a first-come, first-serve basis.
MLS Combine to Take Place Jan. 8-11
The MLS Player Combine will take place in the days leading up to the 2011 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas. The league announced that the combine will be held January 8-11 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and the SuperDraft will take place at 9 a.m. PT on January 13. The SuperDraft will take place at the Baltimore Convention Center, in conjunction with the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Convention.
2011 Season Tickets On Sale Now
Season tickets for 2011 are now on sale and fans can log on to sjearthquakes.com or call 408-556-7700 to make a deposit or purchase season tickets. Fans that purchase season tickets before Dec. 1 will receive a special gift.
Quakes in the Community
What: San Jose Holiday Parade
Who: Shakers Squad and Quakes Mascot 'Q'
Location: Downtown San Jose
Date: Sunday, Dec. 5
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Details: The Shakers Squad and Q will participate in the San Jose Holiday Parade.
