It was an emotional night at Avaya Stadium on the night of the Quakes' U.S. Open Cup match vs. LA Galaxy on July 10. Days before, Brazilian midfielder Matheus Silva, who spent the season on loan at Reno 1868 FC, was involved in a swimming accident in Tahoe where he nearly drowned. SIlva was saved by alert & heroic bystanders, but was still living at the hospital at the time of the match.
Still in shock by the news of their teammate's close call, and knowing there was a longer road to recovery ahead, captain Chris Wondolowski wanted to show his support for Matheus in some way. Working with U.S. Soccer officials, Wondolowski was given the O.K. to don the number 38, Silva's number, for one night. Wondolowski's familiar number eight was shifted to the right to make room for a "three," and Wondo even scored that night, dedicating the goal to Silva.
As the weeks passed and Silva's condition improved he was cleared to join the Quakes and the heroes that saved his life at Avaya Stadium to be honored before the July 29 match vs. Colorado Rapids in an emotional reuinion. His teammates & coaches, the fans and media were delighted to see the smile on Matheus' face after such a shocking incident. We are all thankful for John Burke, Chris Guenther & Colby Peterson's quick thinking and action to save the life of Matheus Silva.
