Just when I thought the excitement of this season couldn't get any louder, our Quakes found a way to turn the amps up to 11 with a second consecutive 90th-minute goal. After Ike Opara’s goal was controversially negated for offside, the boys still found a way to come away with three points. This team has a certain quality to it that is hard to pinpoint. The team has the rare troika of talent, great coaching and chemistry that creates championships. While the season is still early and we have a ton of work to do, I could not be more proud of the men who wear our shield and represent the community and great history of the San Jose Earthquakes.
How good is Steven Lenhart? Not only does he have the best hair in Major League Soccer, but he also strikes fear into the hearts of all opposing center backs. Lenny is always involved in the action and finds a way to convert the key goals or free Wondo for a strike or two or three or four... Lenny’s 76th-minute header this weekend was exceptional. He gave his whole body to get his head on just a beautiful service from Marvin Chavez. Frank once again showed his great acumen for substitutions by bringing in Marvin and Lenny to go for the win. It was great to see us play for three points on the road.
The club is back for a rare midweek match this Wednesday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Buck Shaw Stadium. While I know it can be tough to get to the game on a weekday with kids in school and work, I am counting on our dedicated fans to go the extra mile this week to boost the energy levels and give the boys a home field advantage. To make it more interesting, we have a pre-match hot dog eating competition between local police and fire departments that will be judged by none other than world-famous competitive eater and San Jose native, Joey Chestnut.
Looking forward, we are gearing up here in the front office for the Stanford match on June 30 against the LA Galaxy. Early ticket sales have been strong and we are approaching 20,000 tickets sold. Last year we had over 41,000 roaring fans as we took on the New York Red Bulls. This year, we will once again have the amazing post-game fireworks extravaganza that will include the one-of-a-kind smiley face fireworks and some other serious sights. We are adding a halftime spectacular that will honor all five branches of the armed services. The group that put together the incredible opening and closing ceremonies at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics will choreograph the event. Prepare to be amazed.
If you have not purchased your tickets, be sure to purchase them soon to ensure the best seats available. The lower bowl is selling fast. If you are interested in a group package, call our sales team at 408-556-7700.
GO QUAKES!
Dave Kaval
President
San Jose Earthquakes
Follow @QuakesPrez on Twitter
