The San Jose Earthquakes are excited to introduce the Fan of the Match, presented by Avaya, a collaborative effort between Avaya and the San Jose front office to recognize season ticket holders that have been loyal to the Quakes throughout the club’s history.
As Fan of the Match, the honoree will receive a Quakes swag bag containing merchandise as well as the opportunity to view pregame warm-ups from the field. In addition, the Fan of the Match will have the opportunity to take their picture on the Quakes bench.
The club was happy to recognize longtime Quakes fan Fred Castillo as the first Fan of the Match Friday night at Avaya Stadium. Castillo, a passionate supporter of the Earthquakes since the team’s inception in 1974, was thrilled to take in warm-ups from the sideline with his family.
“It was a surprise and an honor to know that the Earthquakes organization recognized me as someone who is a passionate and loyal fan and has been for years,” Castillo admitted Friday night. “But I am one of many out there, I know people who were sitting in my section at Spartan Stadium on day one and are still in my section at Avaya.”
Being on the field pregame gave Castillo an opportunity to watch his two favorite players, Chris Wondolowski and Shea Salinas, up close and personal, a different perspective from his usually vantage point in section 112.
“Those are my two favorite players because they’re both hard workers and give their all on the field and also because they are the same way off the field,” Castillo explained. “They are always willing to sign autographs, get a picture taken and for me as a fan, I think that it’s important for them to recognize that we are there game in and game out supporting them win or lose.”
A loyal fan for over 40 years, it’s safe to say Castillo has witnessed his fair share of memorable club moments. He recalls some unforgettable matches from the NASL days at Spartan Stadium, but one night in club history stands out amongst them all.
“My most memorable moment - there are many - but the one I remember the most is our playoff game in 2003 in Spartan Stadium against are arch rivals the LA Galaxy,” Castillo said. “We went down 4-0 right off the bat an all of a sudden Landon Donovan and the rest of the Quakes got fired up and we ended up winning the game 5-4 and moved on to the MLS Cup.”
In seems fitting that Castillo, a fan that has been through the thick and thin with the club, would usher in this new honor at Avaya Stadium, but for the longtime season ticket holder, he’s just the first of many passionate Quakes supporters who are deserving of such an experience.
"I’m happy to be the first Fan of the Match, but there will be many more worthy because the Earthquakes have a history and tradition that was built by not just the players, coaches, or front office but also by its loyal fan base, so I say thank everyone involved in recognizing me as Fan of the Match and you will never run out of people to be recognizes as Fan of the Match.”
