Miscellaneous Notes
Wondolowski, Bernardez Named to MLS Best XI
Forward Chris Wondolowski and defender Victor Bernardez were named to the MLS Best XI on Monday. The selection was Wondolowski’s third in three years and Bernardez’s first following his debut campaign in the league. For more information, visit www.sjearthquakes.com.
Salinas, Newton Volunteer for CityTeam Turkey Distribution
Evan Newton, Shea Salinas, and members of the Quakes front office partnered and volunteered with CityTeam International for their annual Thanksgiving benefit in San Jose on Nov. 20. The Quakes players and staff served and prepared meals as well as distributed food boxes to those in need. CityTeam’s Thanksgiving benefit aimed to feed 2,500 individuals during the afternoon event while also providing turkeys and food for the Thanksgiving holiday ahead. Founded in 1957, CityTeam International serves to help those in needs by improving their lives, the health of their families, and their community. CityTeam San Jose’s annual Thanksgiving event has aided thousands of families and individuals in the greater San Jose area facing the perils of poverty and addiction. For donations and future volunteering opportunities, CityTeam San Jose can be reached at sanjose@Cityteam.org or at (408) 232-5600.
Five Players Undergo Surgical Procedures
Steven Beitashour, Sam Garza, Steven Lenhart, Alan Gordon and Cesar Diaz Pizarro underwent surgical procedures over the past two weeks, the club announced. Beitashour, Garza and Lenhart had separate procedures completed two weeks prior. Beitashour had surgery to repair a sports hernia, an injury that he sustained during the 2012 regular season while Garza had surgery on his right wrist to fix a scaphoid fracture. Lenhart had right knee arthroscopy on his lateral meniscus. Gordon and Diaz Pizarro each had procedures last week, Gordon a left hip arthroscopy to fix a torn labrum and Diaz Pizarro a right knee arthroscopy on his lateral meniscus.
Earthquakes Partner with Downtown San Jose’s Christmas in the Park
The Earthquakes will once again partner with Downtown San Jose’s Christmas in the Park at Plaza de Cesar Chavez. The club will feature an Earthquakes-themed tree in the park throughout the holiday season.
Earthquakes Partner with Santa Run Silicon Valley
As part of its support for Downtown San Jose, the Earthquakes have partnered with Santa Run Silicon Valley 2012. The 5K race/walk starts at Plaza de Cesar Chavez at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 16. Registration is open at www.santarunsv.com.
Wells Fargo Goals for Education
The Earthquakes raised a total of $18,500 through the Wells Fargo Goals for Education program thanks to the club’s 72 regular season strikes and two MLS Cup Playoff tallies. The club is now sifting through donation requests to determine which organizations will receive funds through the program. Thanks to 40 goals in 2011, the partnership raised $10,000 for local youth soccer and athletic development programs a year ago.
2012 MLS Awards Announcement Schedule
MLS Awards Finalists Announced
– Thursday, November 15, 2012
MLS Rookie of the Year
– Monday, November 19, 2012
XBOX Fair Play Award Individual & Team
– Monday, November 19, 2012
MLS Defender of the Year
– Tuesday, November 20, 2012
MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Year
– Tuesday, November 20, 2012
MLS Referee of the Year
– Tuesday, November 20, 2012
MLS Assistant Referee of the Year
– Tuesday, November 20, 2012
MLS Best XI
– Monday, November 26, 2012
MLS Coach of the Year – Tuesday, November 27, 2012
MLS Comeback Player of the Year – Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year – Wednesday, November 28, 2012
MLS Newcomer of the Year – Wednesday, November 28, 2012
AT&T Goal of the Year – Thursday, November 29, 2012
MLS Save of the Year – Thursday, November 29, 2012
Volkswagen MLS MVP – Thursday, November 29, 2012
MLS Commissioner’s Award – Saturday, December 1, 2012
Academy Update
Duo Garners Top-20 Ranking
James Marcinkowski and Amir Bashti have been ranked as the No. 11 and No. 18 prospects, respectively, in the nation according to Topdrawersoccer.com. Topdrawersoccer.com released their 2015 Boys Top 150 rankings and Bashti and Marcinkowski were two of four West Coast players named in the top 18. Bashti, a midfielder for the under-16 Academy team, has paced his youth squad to a 3-2-2 start to the season. A goalie from Alamo, Calif., Marcinkowski has been a defensive lynchpin for the under-16 Academy; completing the shutout against Highway 17 rival Santa Cruz Breakers in a 1-0 victory.
