The Quakes will host Landon Donovan and Club Leon in an international friendly match at Avaya Stadium this Saturday, March 24, at 7:15 p.m. The Earthquakes are back in San Jose following a 3-2 loss to Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park on Saturday, March 17. Quakes’ captain Chris Wondolowski had a notable performance in the match, moving up to sole possession of second place in all-time MLS goals after scoring his 135th career goal in the 91st minute.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
International Success
The Quakes have a winning record in international friendlies, going 11-9-8 dating back to 1996. They have an 8-1-4 record in the past 13 friendly matches, and a 2-1-0 record at Avaya Stadium.
Return of Landon Donovan
Saturday’s match will mark the first time that Club Leon’s Landon Donovan will play at Avaya Stadium. Donovan played for the Quakes from 2001 through 2004, tallying 32 goals and 29 assists in his four seasons with the club and also played a pivotal role in their two MLS Cup winning seasons in 2001 and 2003.
Faceoff Between Leaders
Major League Soccer’s first and second-place all-time goal scorers will play each other in Saturday’s match. Landon Donovan currently leads the league’s all-time scoring list with 145 goals, and Chris Wondolowski moved into sole possession of second place on Saturday against Sporting Kansas City with his 135th career MLS goal.
Tough Competition
The Quakes are currently 1-6-3 in international exhibitions when facing Liga MX opposition, with the lone victory coming against San Luis FC on Sept. 6, 2012 where the Quakes won 1-0.
Our Captain and Leader
Chris Wondolowski is currently the Quakes’ leading goal scorer in international friendlies with four goals, finding the back of the net against San Luis FC (1), Real Sociedad (2) and Eintracht Frankfurt (1).
First-Time Opponents
Saturday will be the first-ever meeting between the Quakes and Club Leon.
Neighbors to the South
Saturday’s friendly is San Jose’s first match against a team from Mexico since hosting CF Pachuca on Sept. 3, 2016.
