A familiar face offered an unfamiliar sight at Earthquakes preseason. Chris Wondolowski spent a full training camp with the club, uninterrupted by U.S. Men’s National Team duty, for the first time since 2010. Here, Wondo talks about that experience and trying to plan for the start of a season with a new addition to the family set to arrive this month.
sjearthquakes.com: It’s been a while since you spent a full preseason with the Quakes – how was that?
Chris Wondolowski: “I think it’s the first time that’s happened since 2010. It’s nice to know everyone from day one and be able to try and build camaraderie and relationships from scratch with the new players.”
SJEQ: Has it helped?
CW: “Definitely. When you miss parts of preseason you come back and you’re trying to learn everyone’s names. Everyone has already told jokes and shared experiences so you feel like you have to catch up.”
SJEQ: How has preseason gone?
CW: “It’s been good. It can get a little repetitive but the coaches did a great job of mixing it up. Like any preseason there has been ups and downs and you always have an eye towards the regular season.”
SJEQ: What was your highlight on the pitch?
CW: “I think the Cosmos game. To be back at Avaya and to get the win in a tough game was nice.”
SJEQ:And your highlight off the pitch?
CW: “There have been a few. In Arizona, the rookies had to do skits of the older players. They all did a great job but I think Kip Colvey’s Quincy Amarikwa was the best.”
SJEQ: Has training been different this week with an MLS game to come at the end of it?
CW: “Yes. It’s been ramped up a little. We’re looking at Colorado, checking out the formations they use, everything so we can be ready. It’s exciting. We want to take care of business.”
SJEQ: How hard has it been to balance focusing on the new season with the imminent arrival of a new addition to the family?
CW: “It’s been fine. The whole family is actually coming out to the game on Sunday as long as the baby isn’t here by then.”
SJEQ: Any plans in place should the big moment arrive during the game?
CW: “Not really, I’m more of a wing-it type of guy. We’ll be fine!”
