What’s one way to get motivated to play your longtime rivals? How about having the Larry O’Brein championship trophy in your locker room before the match?
On Monday, Golden State Warriors center and 2017 NBA Champion Zaza Pachulia attended San Jose’s highly anticipated U.S. Open Cup match against the LA Galaxy and brought with him the team’s latest championship trophy.
A couple hours before kickoff, Quakes’ captain Chris Wondolowski escorted the trophy into the middle of the locker room to the delight of all of his teammates. Several players, who have publicly announced their fandom for the Warriors through social media, proudly posed with the famous NBA memento, taking turns hoisting the trophy above their heads and kissing the 24 karat gold basketball.
meets in the Bay Area. pic.twitter.com/ZSFhJTAYzX
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 11, 2017
Pachulia’s visit to Avaya Castle was due in large to meeting new designated player and fellow countrymen Valeri “Vako” Qazaishvili. Vako, a native of Ozurgeti, and Pachulia, hailing from Tbilisi, exchanged pleasantries following the 24-year-old’s introductory press conference. The towering Pachulia swapped jerseys with San Jose’s newest signing and posed for pictures.
After spending time with Vako outside of player’s tunnel, Pachulia, with the Larry O’Brein trophy in hand, made his way down to the pitch to take the ceremonial first goal.
Hey @warriors, can we borrow @zaza27 this summer? #BayAreaUnitepic.twitter.com/YT6nMCt6bo
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) July 11, 2017
The rest of the night was history, as Wondolowski and company defeated the Galaxy 3-2 to advance to the Open Cup semifinals. Let’s just say Zaza and the Larry O’Brein trophy are always welcome here at Avaya Stadium.
