Avaya Stadium is also a big deal for the Earthquakes Academy teams.
The young players got to serve as ball boys for the Quakes’ memorable 3-2 win over the LA Galaxy in their final preseason tune-up.
In this case, Quakes' history was made with academy company at Avaya Stadium.
“They were ecstatic for that, just to be on the field and be a part of that,” academy coach Stephen Wondolowski said. “It's such a cool stadium. It’s more of a place for soccer. To feel a part of that and be on the field and be a ball boy really is special. That sets them apart from all the other youth soccer players in the area.”
Moreover, the U-18 team got to scrimmage the Quakes senior team recently, providing Quakes coach Dominic Kinnear a chance to see the young prospects up-close.
“The connection with the first team has been great," Wondolowski said. "We were able to scrimmage them in I think their first scrimmage, and that was awesome for the boys. They played their hearts out and gave the Quakes a good first half. Both teams got what they wanted out of that."
Kinnear has been impressed with the Quakes' Academy program, and says Technical Director Chris Leitch is doing a “wonderful job.” He knows the U.S. Soccer Development Academy will play an important role in the future of the American game.
“When you look at it, there’s no better way to get players than to have them on your own,” Kinnear said. “So, you have guys like Tommy Thompson.”
Along those lines, Wondolowski has observed a “big buzz” in the soccer community about Avaya Stadium, which serves as a connecting link for the club and a beacon for top talent.
"Everyone is asking about it and excited about it," he said.
PLAYOFF HUNT:
Both the Quakes’ U-16 and U-18 teams are in the mix for making the playoffs in the Northwest Division of the West Conference – a season goal for both teams.
The U-18 team, headed by coach Marquis White, is coming off back-to-back wins over Arsenal FC and Santa Cruz Breakers Academy by a combined 8-1. Stanford-bound Amir Bashti, a U.S. U-18 National Team player, scored five goals in a recent 6-1 win over FC Golden State. He was named Academy Player of the Week.
Already a prolific distributor, Bashti clearly has added the scoring component to his impressive game. He leads the U-18 team with 13 goals, and Zach Penner has 10 goals.
“Amir is a super-crafty offensive player,” Wondolowski said. “He’s comfortable on the ball and able to turn and take space and drive at players.”
Penner is a powerful goal scorer with a finisher’s presence.
“He’s got good pace,” Wondolowski said. “He’s got a great shot. He can score with any part of his body, his left foot, his right foot. He puts himself in good positions to score.”
The explosive U-14 squad, paced by the high-scoring trio of Oscar Govea (15 goals), Jason Yanez (14 goals) and Adonis Diaz (10 goals), opened the season with nine straight wins. It is coming off a 5-2 win over Ballistic United as JJ Foe Nuphaus and Yanez had two goals apiece, and Yanez had one.
RIVALRY GAME:
The Quakes are excited about their big rivalry tripleheader against De Anza Force on Saturday at De Anza College, with U-18 game at 11 a.m., the U-16s at 1:30 p.m. and the U-14s at 4 p.m.
“It’s kind of our derby,” Steve Wondolowski said of the matchup. “Getting to play them is always good because it brings out the best in both teams. They are always up for the match, and they always seem to bring their best. It’s a good challenge for us.”
**Hangar Media is inspired by the reclaimed redwood from Moffett Field's Hangar One, which outfits Avaya Stadium.
