Now that we are halfway through the calendar year, San Jose Earthquakes fans and American soccer followers have been cherishing Chris Wondolowski’s final games as a professional. But that could potentially be changing.
Wondolowski spoke with Taylor Twellman on his show Banter on Thursday, where he confessed his consideration of playing for another season with the club.
“I was pretty set on this being my last year,” the Quakes forward said. “I want to put everything I have into this being my last year, but I can honestly say I am going to reevaluate at the end.”
It was a given for many that the 2012 MLS MVP was approaching the end of his historic MLS career, to which he later formally announced. However, no one expected a worldwide pandemic and league stoppage to intervene this season. Earlier this year, Wondolowski was not completely sure if he still wanted to retire since his final season had been put on hold.
“I was definitely 100 percent sure this was going to be my last year, but I might slightly crack the door 10 percent and see what happens,” he said in May. “I can say that I can’t fully close the door on it right now.”
Fast forward to now and the team has been maximizing their time in the Orlando ‘bubble’, from playing darts and bingo, to golfing, to even racing each other using remote control cars. Their team-bonding and brotherhood identity has reflected on the pitch, winning Group B in the MLS is Back Tournament with an undefeated 2-0-1 record (7 pts.).
The momentum electrified the 37-year-old, who scored two goals in the three group-stage matches to extend his own MLS goalscoring record (161). In addition, the two-time MLS Golden Boot Winner became the oldest player in MLS history to score in back-to-back games.
Regardless of how far the Quakes make it in the World Cup-like competition, the four-time MLS All-Star does not want to leave that brotherhood that Quakes head coach Matias Almeyda helped establish. And it’s clear his teammates do not want to lose him either. Wondo’s extensive experience and leadership has a powerful impact on the team, both on and off the field. Now, his support has influenced players like Jackson Yueill who have been able to reach their best potential yet.
“He’s such a good leader, such a good captain and hardworking guy,” Yueill said after last Sunday’s match against Chicago. “His presence on and off the field is one of the reasons why the locker room does so well, and the team supports each other. He’s such a big influence on myself since I’ve been here, and for everyone from the older guys to the younger guys. His presence brings a lot to the team.”
Regardless what happens the rest of the season and what his final decision may be, the Danville native is simply enjoying the Quakes 2020 ride and the memories that come with it.
“Definitely being at this point in my career, I’m just kind of relishing every minute I get out there,” said Wondolowski. “It is pretty fun, it’s a fun group as well. I’m pretty content with this being my last year, I do want to say that.”
The San Jose Earthquakes will face Real Salt Lake looking to punch their ticket into the MLS is Back Quarterfinals on Monday, July 27 at 5:30 p.m. PT, presented by Intermedia. The match will be broadcast on FS1, KNBR 1050,
