After back-to-back great performances, Eduardo ‘Chofis’ Lopez continues to leave his mark in Major League Soccer. Chofis currently leads the San Jose Earthquakes with 10 goals and was named to Major League Soccer’s Player of the Week for Week 26.
Since debuting in April against Houston Dynamo FC, Chofis has been working hard to demonstrate that he has what it takes to thrive in MLS.
“I’ve always liked to say that [I am happy here]. Since my arrival, there were many who didn’t believe in me and many others who did,” Chofis explained. “The only thing that crossed my mind was to show them that I could bring them joy, that I would give it my all and that's how I did it.”
On being named MLS Player of the Week
After scoring two goals in the 4-3 comeback win against Austin FC, Chofis earned his first MLS Player of the Week honor. The Torreon, Mexico native shared what that meant to him and what he hopes people will see.
“I had two very good games. I feel really good, but I think people only talk about the two games and I would really like them to realize that it has not just been these two games,” he said. “I’ve been having some really good games prior to these last two matches. It’s the work I’ve been putting in and it now acts as a small gift for me. I think it was all a reward: the goals I scored, all the work I’ve done, the games in which I’ve been playing well.”
On scoring his hat-trick vs. Real Salt Lake on Sept. 15
Although the Quakes didn’t come out victorious against Real Salt Lake, Chofis scored his first career hat trick.
“I think that [my hat-trick], to this day, is something that will mark me for life. I’ve seen on the MLS social media sites that people say that they’ve never seen a hat trick like mine, that they were all good goals. Personally, it makes me very happy because I scored one goal, then a second, the one I liked the most, and later another goal, which makes me a lot happier. It’s going to be something that I will always keep in my heart.”
On adapting to San Jose
Since leaving Mexico for the first time in his professional career, the 27-year-old reflects on how he has easily adapted to his new living style in San Jose and how the fans have contributed to his transition.
“I have adapted very quickly. Although I’ve had little time here, I have felt at home,” Chofis shared. “I think that more than anything, I want people to know that I’m very happy. I’m very grateful for all the people here in San Jose. With all the Mexicans who come to support me. I wish I could give them more joy. I honestly feel very happy to be here like at home.”
Chofis and the Earthquakes return to MLS action this Saturday, Sept. 25 against LAFC, presented by Valley Health Plan. Saturday marks the Quakes’ annual Portuguese Heritage Night and will kick off from PayPal Park at 7:00 p.m. PT. The match will be broadcast on Telemundo 48, 560 KSFO and 1370 KZSF.
