SAN JOSE, Calif. – It’s November and the 2014 MLS regular season schedule is complete – can I get a hallelujah from the congregation?
It’s been a month since the club’s premature ending to the 2013 campaign and I know I’m not the only one going through withdrawals. Earthquakes fans can officially set their countdown clocks: 104 days until opening day.
The 2014 slate includes seven nationally televised games, trips to Stanford and Levi's® Stadium, two California Clasicos in the Bay Area and at least one CONCACAF Champions League home game (date and time TBD).
Here’s a glance at some of the tastier match-ups on San Jose’s 2014 slate in the order that they’ll be played:
Sunday, March 9 vs. Colorado Rapids
It’s impossible to be sad for soccer on Opening Day, right? One month after limiting the Rapids to zero shots on goal and peppering the Rapids’ net with 15 shots – eight on target – Colorado was the one playing postseason soccer. Combine that with Oscar Pareja’s post-game comments from Oct. 9 and you have the makings of a highly intriguing start to 2014.
Saturday, May 10 vs. FC Dallas
Old-time NASL Earthquakes fans will appreciate the serendipitous nature of this match. 40 years (and one day) prior, the NASL-version of the club played its first-ever home game, a 4-3 win against the Dallas Tornadoes. Paul Child, a 2013 Earthquakes Hall of Fame inductee, scored a brace in that one. While it might be asking a bit much to sign Child to a one-day contract, maybe Chris Wondolowski can pay homage with a brace of his own (we won't blame Buschy if he doesn't want to let three goals in for the sake of an historically accurate reenactment - 4–0 is fine by us).
Saturday, June 28 vs. LA Galaxy at Stanford Stadium
The 2012 edition was possibly the greatest MLS regular season game in league history. The 2013 edition was, without a doubt, the most thrilling finish in league history. That means 2014 is going to be….? I don’t want to risk missing the answer to that question.
Saturday, August 2 vs. Seattle Sounders FC
It doesn’t take a soccer fan to appreciate the Earthquakes opening one of the world’s premier sporting venues, Levi® Stadium. It’s a fitting opportunity for Silicon Valley’s first professional sports team to play the first game at the crown jewel of Bay Area stadia. Not to mention, Bay Area futbol and football fans alike vomit at the sight of rave green. #BayAreaPride
Saturday, October 18 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC
San Jose’s 2014 finale will be the last regular season game ever at Buck Shaw. The club’s temporary home hosted the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Swansea City and Norwich City and witnessed a number of thrilling moments. Say what you will about the Buck, it will always have a place in this club’s history.
