Each home game, the Earthquakes select a Season Ticket Holder to be this week's Fan of the Match, presented by Avaya. The lucky fan is presented with the amazing opportunity to experience warmups from field level, sit on the team bench, get a bag of free Earthquakes merchandise, and last but not least, meet a player for a photograph right after warmups! This week's Fan of the Match is Eleni Malkos.
SJEQ: What got you into Quakes soccer?
Eleni Malkos: My love for soccer got me into Quakes soccer! My brother and I have always had soccer in common. He was my coach in elementary school. We were so excited when the MLS league started and we had a San Jose team, the Clash. We also grew up going to the original Quakes games when we were young. Our family friend, George Katakalidis, played for the Quakes in the early 80’s. Win or lose, we’re Quakes fans!! We’ve always supported the team, even when they moved to Houston.
SJEQ: At what point did it become such a big family event that led to so many seats together?
EM: My brother and I were the first season ticket holders in the family in 1996. In 1999, I got my boyfriend (now husband) to go to the games. He wasn’t a huge soccer fan. He was hooked after the Earthquakes vs. LA 2003 playoff game when the Quakes came back from a 4-0 aggregate to win! It was AMAZING! He then became a season ticket holder. My sister and her family are now in their 4th or 5th year as season ticket holders. They moved from Arizona back to the bay area around 6 years ago and became season ticket holders. When they lived in Arizona, whenever they visited San Jose, they would attend the games with us. They also used to attend season training in Arizona. My family Ioves soccer. We went to the 2006 World Cup in Germany. We got to see the USA play Italy. It was awesome! Now, we have my daughter’s godmother, Adrienne Roberts coming to the games. This is her first year as a season ticket holder!
SJEQ: What’s the best part about Quakes games with such a big group?
EM: We have such a great time! We get into the game, great energy! My brother and brother-in-law are very loud when they voice their opinions. It’s fun!
SJEQ: How have you enjoyed the move from Buck Shaw to Avaya Stadium?
EM: I can’t complain. Buck Shaw was a great venue. We had great seats. We also were the first to tailgate in the parking lot of the old Earthquakes office across the street from Buck Shaw. That being said, the Quakes deserved their own stadium! We were getting frustrated being one of the only teams in the league without a home stadium. Avaya is beautiful! I had a tour of the stadium when it was being built. I was so excited! I love it! My family loves the stadium!
SJEQ: Outside of Quakes soccer, are there young kids that play in the family that everyone goes to support during their games?
EM: My daughter is 8 years old. She played her first season last fall in the Los Gatos United league. She didn’t want to play during the spring. I’m hoping she wants to play again this fall. I hope! She’s a Wondo fan ☺. She was excited to play because of him. My nephew (16 years old) plays in the Mustang soccer club, Division one. He’s a goalie. My daughter and I often attend his games to cheer him on. He also coaches indoor soccer.
SJEQ: What’s the best part about being a Quakes Season Ticket Holder and being part of that community?
EM: Soccer is the best sport, in my opinion. I love what the Quakes do for the community. When I taught kindergarten, Joe Cannon came and read to my students. We participated in the Quakes reading program. Another year, Shea Salinas came to read. Four years ago, my nephew was trying out for Division 1 goalie for Mustang soccer in Danville but didn’t make the team. My sister called our Quakes Fans Relations Specialist at the time, Alyssa Emmons. Alyssa organized a phone call from John Busch. John called Alex and talked to him about not giving up. It made a world of difference. He tried out again the next time and made the team. As a season ticket holder, it’s fun being out running errands and seeing other Quakes fans wearing jerseys or Quakes t-shirts. When this happens, we always say, “Go Quakes!”. I don’t see this happen with other bay area sports teams. It’s a great soccer community!
