PHILADELPHIA - The San Jose Earthquakes were well represented in Wednesday's 3-2 MLS All-Star win against Chelsea at PPL Park. Chris Wondolowsi scored the first of three MLS goals, Steven Beitashour played 90 minutes at right back, Justin Morrow started and played 56 minutes at left back and Ramiro Corrales replaced Morrow to play the final 34 minutes at left back.
For a full match recap, click here. See what San Jose's representatives had to say after Wednesday's match:
FORWARD CHRIS WONDOLOWSKI
Overall thoughts on the game:
“Tonight was a great result, a great win. It was a joy to be out there. I had a great time and I’m glad I had the opportunity to play with a great group of guys. Chelsea’s obviously a top team and to be able to compete against them and win is something I will always remember.”
On his teammates:
“Playing with guys like [Thierry] Henry, [David] Beckham and Landon (Donovan), it’s a dream come true to be out there on the same field. All I needed to do was try and get open because these guys can put the ball on a dime. You have to keep your head on a swivel because you don’t want to be that guy to mess up a beautiful pass in from a Beckham or Henry. It was a pleasure playing with all of these guys. “
On his goal:
“It was a great moment. It’s something that I’ll always carry with me. My kids and grand kids can look forward to hearing that story a few times when they’re growing up. I was extremely happy to put that one in.”
DEFENDER JUSTIN MORROW
On his All-Star experience:
“It was an honor to be out here on the field with all these great players and then to play against Chelsea, that was the icing on the cake. It’s been a great night.”
On advice given to him by veterans Thierry Henry and David Beckham:
“They talked to me a bit and tried to keep my nerves down. I think that’s the biggest thing for a first time guy coming in here; guys like Thierry Henry and David Beckham have played in a lot of big games so they helped me there. On the field, it was a pleasure to play with them because they’re top-notch players.”
On remaining games for San Jose:
“It all starts with Chicago on Saturday. That’s the first step. We’re heading into the fourth part of the season and that’s the most critical time. We really have to buckle down and get some wins.”
DEFENDER RAMIRO CORRALES
On playing in his first MLS All-Star Game:
“It was just an awesome experience. It was great to share this moment with my teammates – Steven [Beitashour], Wondo [Chris Wondolowski], Justin [Morrow] – and I thought they all played really well. We won at the end of the day and that’s always good, too.”
On the result:
“I was happy to get some minutes. Before the game, [coach] Ben [Olsen] told me I would get about 30 minutes and I think I ended up with about 35. It felt good. Obviously, Chelsea is one of the top teams in Europe, but I thought we did well. It was a pretty even game, but at the end of the day, we won so I was very happy with that.”
DEFENDER STEVEN BEITASHOUR
On playing in his first MLS All-Star Game:
“I had a blast. There was so much quality on the field. The atmosphere was great. Philadelphia really did a great job of filling the place up with passionate fans. From start to finish, I enjoyed everything about this night.”
Looking back on the match:
“I feel good. Ninety-minute machine over here. I was really excited coming into the match. Obviously I watch Champions League and Chelsea’s a talented team, but we came out to play and I think we showed them that MLS has talented players as well. It was great getting the chance to play against Frank Lampard, John Terry, Ashley Cole and all the guys I watched growing up.”
