On a rare overcast and chilly day, much like what’s projected for the weather in Seattle Saturday night, the Earthquakes took to the training field Tuesday to prepare for their first clash of the season with West Coast rival Sounders FC.
On-Field Highlight
During the 8v8 scrimmage, forwards Chris Wondolowski and Chad Barrett teamed up to create multiple strong chances against goalkeeper Bryan Meredith. In a standout moment, midfielder Shea Salinas sent a cross to the far post that was chest-trapped by Barrett who then passed it to the awaiting feet of Wondolowski for the score.
Off-Field Highlight
There’s no better way to prepare for
Mexican Heritage Night on May 11
than with tacos. Defender Marvell Wynne and goalkeeper Bryan Meredith were treated to the authentic Mexican dish this week when Judie’s Tacos Locos food truck made a stop at Avaya Stadium for an upcoming video!
Q&A with midfielder Simon Dawkins
SJEarthquakes.com:
How does it feel to get your first goal of the season under your belt?
Simon Dawkins:
“Good. Obviously I’ve been waiting a long time for that. It’s been coming in recent weeks so it was good to finally get it and obviously to secure a point from the game.”
SJEQ:
Does the team prepare differently when there are two back-to-back away games?
SD:
“It’s pretty much the same. There’s still a week between games so the preparation is still the same as it would be. It’s just obviously we’re traveling again so we have to make sure we get rested during the week so we’re not too tired for the game.”
SJEQ:
You’ve had success scoring against Sounders FC, tallying three goals against the club in the past. After your first goal of the season last week, does that give you more confidence going into Seattle?
SD: “
Yeah, of course. I didn’t know that stat. That’s good then if I’ve scored there quite a few times then that should give me a bit more confidence and hopefully I can do that again, but the most important thing is to win the game for us.”
SJEQ:
What do you remember about the atmosphere at CenturyLink Field? Do you think it’s going to be a raucous crowd?
SD:
“Yeah, as I remember the last time I think I played there they had 65,000 I think it was and we managed to win the game I think 2-1. The crowd is always good there. I like atmospheres like that. I think it just makes the game a lot better so hopefully it’s like that again this week.”
