SAN JOSE — The San Jose Earthquakes’ new crown jewel of a stadium was nearly 10 years in the making before it finally opened in February of 2015. Avaya Stadium restored some relevance and significance to Bay Area soccer by becoming the 15th soccer-specific stadium that supported an MLS team.
MLS decided in May of 2015 that the city of San Jose would host the league’s All-Star Game for the second time, this time in the newly-finished stadium that sits adjacent to the San Jose Airport. The announcement was a validation of the process to secure a lasting home for the Quakes that began in 2007, and that process culminated in a star-studded match between the MLS All Stars and Arsenal on Thursday night.
As host of the annual game that is traditionally contested against a European powerhouse – this year it was against the English giants from London – Earthquakes coach Dominic Kinnear led the 25-man MLS squad into battle.
Despite the fact that Arsenal prevailed 2-1 thanks to a late goal in the 87th minute, there was plenty of postgame love for the city and venue that hosted 21st All Star game in the league’s history.
“It was a great event, with nice weather, a fantastic stadium, and great players on the pitch,” MLS goal-scorer and soccer legend Didier Drogba said.
Kinnear said after the game that he was disappointed about not being able to secure a win or draw, but noted how proud he was to be able to coach two of his Earthquakes in Chris Wondolowski and David Bingham in front of their home fans.
Raised in Fremont, Kinnear has had major ties to Bay Area soccer throughout his life, having played for two different teams based in the region during his career, and now in his second stint as the Earthquakes coach.
“Being local as I am, it was really fun to be able to represent the MLS in this fashion in an area that I know ever so well,” Kinnear said. “I’m really happy for the franchise and for [part-owner] John Fisher who builds this wonderful stadium and gets rewarded with a great event such as this All Star game.”
The game marked the first time since 2012 that the Earthquakes, who currently sit eighth out of ten teams in the Western Conference, had multiple players in the All-Star Game. Goalkeeper Bingham and longtime striker Wondolowski both saw action in the game, with Bingham minding the net the entire second half, and Wondolowski checking in to thunderous applause in the 73rd minute.
Wondolowksi, who gained infamy in the 2014 World Cup by missing a point-blank game-winning shot attempt against Belgium in the closing minutes of regulation, had a similar attempt on Thursday night with the score still tied 1-1 late in the game. He came storming into the box and received a pass from Cyle Larin, but Wondolowski’s forward momentum cause him to sky the shot over the goal from about 15 yards out and with no one around him.
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Obviously, Thursday’s game didn’t have much significance in the way of results, and Wondolowski was upbeat after the game despite his miss. The 33-year old forward and Danville native said he was appreciative to have had the chance to play in front of his hometown fans.
“It was a huge honor, it was an amazing experience, and I was glad to be able to [play] in front of these fans,” Wondolowski said. “I always love playing in front of our fans, they’re always some of the most passionate and knowledgeable fans out there, and they deserved this game.”
Bingham, playing in his first career All Star game, was quite a bright spot for most of the second half, recording two saves and nearly locking up the draw for the MLS side before letting a late cross escape his grasp and having the ball tapped in behind him for an easy Arsenal goal.
Born in Castro Valley, Bingham too is a local kid, and the fact that he could make his All Star debut at home was not lost on him.
“I think being an All Star is an honor, but being able to play it on your home stadium is even better, and it’s something very few guys get to do, so I was very fortunate,” Bingham said.
After the game, Kinnear was in quite a good mood despite his team’s loss, and it was apparent that he was proud of the effort put forth by both his Earthquakes to host the game, and by his All-Stars to try and win the game. He said he was thankful to get the opportunity to coach the best players that MLS has to offer, and to be able to welcome the league to his team’s new home. Thanks to Kinnear, Wondolowksi, and Bingham, San Jose was able to put on a great show for US soccer fans, and prove that its shiny new world-class facility can successfully play host to world-class events like this one.
