Photo by Jennifer Buchanan/USA Today Sports
By MATT STYPULKOSKI
The San Jose Earthquakes survived a first-minute goal and a red card to take down the defending Supporters’ Shield winners, thanks in large measure to Chris Wondolowski.
The Earthquakes’ captain netted a brace to help push his team past the Seattle Sounders, 3-2, at CenturyLink Field on Saturday night, earning SBI MLS Player of the Week honors in the process.
Wondolowski equalized in the 13th minute after a cross from Marvell Wynne, then took advantage of Brad Evans’ defensive gaffe to put the Earthquakes out in front early in the second half. Wondolowski’s effort gave the Earthquakes their first win of the season, following a year in which they finished last in the Western Conference.
The Earthquakes striker beat out David Villa, Blas Perez and Fernando Aristeguieta for this week’s award.
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What did you think of Wondolowski’s performance? Which player stood out to you from this weekend’s games?
Share your thoughts below.
Wondo not only got the goals, he also defended. He was the plus on the Earthquakes’ great performance. Bernardez’ red card made the job even more difficult. The new look of the team is very welcome with all the new players.
Really? Wondo over Villa? Villia put on an exciting, exuberant display, igniting a big crown in Yankee – freaking – Stadium and has people buzzing, gets a terrific, skillful goal and a very nice assist… but you pick the guy who scores a second because Brad Evans fell over.
crowd, not crown. Dam spell check
It is not just the goals. Wondo applied relentless pressure on the Sounders backline and keeper leading to many turnovers. He also had a header go off the post in about the 5th minute, so was VERY close to a hat trick against what most people expect is one of the top teams in the league.
Really?
I thought Jozy Altidore played pretty well and people still don’t realize that he is still 18ish….
Altidore for president !!!
right Ives?
No.
I thought NYC looked terrible. Villa and not much else until the red card. He could be left on an island.
Now let’s to go Wondo’s team…..ok pick Villa over him if it is just between those two.
I said that backward. Ok pick Wondo if it is just between those two.
You’re just trying to play up Wondo because Seattle looked like a bag of steaming dung. Of course you want to tell yourself your team was beaten by the best player of week two. Wondo was good, Villa was better. Seattle sucked.
Really want to pick Wondo for my fantasy team, but over Higuain?