New stadium smell:
Ahhh, there's nothing like it, especially when the Quakes are undefeated at Avaya Stadium. In arguably the most highly anticipated game in club history, the Quakes notched a heartfelt 2-1 win over the Chicago Fire in their inaugural match at Avaya Stadium on March 22, courtesy of career-first goals by rookie Fatai Alashe and Ty Harden. Expect the players, and the supporters groups, to have an extra hop in their step on Easter Sunday.
It's Wondo's turn:
It's only a matter of time until the Quakes captain opens his account at Avaya Stadium. He has been sharp so far this season with three goals in four games: two in Seattle and one in New England. Also, since 2012, Wondolowski has notched six goals against Real Salt Lake, which is tied for the most against any single MLS opponent during that time span. Look for Wondo to make his imprint on Sunday's match.
Brace for ‘Big Vic’:
Wouldn't everyone like to see another Victor Bernardez goal celebration? The last time Quakes fans got to witness one was on March 15, 2014 after Bernardez had a career game on offense with two goals and an assist in a 3-3 draw against RSL to kick off the 2014 season. His final tally came in the 95th minute as the Honduran international scored the game-tying goal to secure a point for San Jose. Let's hope we can rekindle some Muma magic this Sunday.
Machismo League Soccer:
Quakes midfielders Matias Perez Garcia and Leandro Barrera, along with RSL star Javier Morales and Sebastian Jaime, are all from Argentina and played in the Argentina Primera Division.
Youth Movement:
The fountain of youth will be in full flow Sunday afternoon as both teams feature some of the best youth talent in MLS. The Quakes boast arguably the hottest rookie in MLS so far this season in Fatai Alashe who is fresh off of his first international call up, as well as Tommy Thompson, the 19-year old homegrown product who just returned from the U.S. U-20 camp in London. For Real Salt Lake, they have homegrown 19-year-old Jordan Allen, who had a memorable first career goal last week -- an 89th minute header to give RSL its first win of the season, 2-1 over Toronto FC. Similiar to San Jose, Real welcomes U.S. U-23 invitees Boyd Okwuonu and Luis Gil back into the fold after a stint with the youth national team in Denmark.
U-S-A! U-S-A!:
The United States had an historic run during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and Sunday will serve as a reunion of sorts for players from that U.S. side. Wondolowski, RSL midfielder Kyle Beckerman and goalkeeper Nick Rimando all played for the USMNT during the world-wide tournament.
