On Friday night, Quincy Amarikwa will take the field against the Chicago Fire for the first time since being traded away from the Windy City in 2015.
Amarikwa’s career began right here in San Jose, when he was drafted in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft in the 3rd round. After stints with Colorado and Toronto, he landed in Chicago, where he would find his niche.
His first season with the Fire, he was seen as a role player, a difference-maker off the bench. But when looked at to start in 2014, he took full advantage of the opportunity. That year he would play in 32 of 34 games, starting in 29 and leading the team with eight goals while adding five assists. With the success came the fun as the Fire began to release a video series called #QuincyTime, where he would interview players, do fun challenges, and showcase his hilarious personality, which continued in San Jose.
At the start of the 2015 season, Chicago’s attack had numerous options and the backline was very thin, opening speculation that the team would trade away an attacker for a defenseman. The Fire then struck a deal with San Jose, sending Amarikwa back to San Jose where it all started in return for center back Ty Harden.
Quincy’s return to the Earthquakes has been phenomenal, while Ty Harden’s time in Chicago was lackluster. He made just three starts for the club and is currently out of the league. After returning to his native California, Amarikwa has tallied seven goals and seven assists in 29 games.
Friday night will bring forth plenty of different emotions for Quincy, being back where his career progressed so greatly both on and off the field. Amarikwa will certainly be looking to remind the Fire what they let go of back in 2015.
