Earthquakes Weekly Update

November 24, 2014 - Major League Soccer (MLS) - San Jose Earthquakes News Release





MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

Black Friday Sale

The Earthquakes will offer fans 50-percent off primary and secondary jerseys at the club's pop-up shop in Downtown San Jose. The sale will be available on Friday, Nov. 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 pm. PT. The store will also be open on Thursday, Nov. 27 and Saturday, Nov. 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The pop-up shop is located at the former Repertory Theatre at 101 Paseo de San Antonio in Downtown San Jose.

Quakes Announce Avaya as New Stadium Naming Rights Partner

The Earthquakes and Santa Clara-based technology company Avaya announced on Wednesday, Nov. 19 that the club's new home will officially be known as Avaya Stadium. The multi-year agreement includes installation of Avaya's state-of-the-art technology throughout the venue, making the stadium one of the most advanced in professional sports. Avaya will become the official business engagement, communications solutions and technology partner of the team and the new stadium, which will be the first cloud-enabled venue in the MLS. Using cloud-based technologies will allow the Earthquakes to easily and continually add new features to enhance the fan experience. Avaya Labs will work closely with the Earthquakes to research leading-edge fan engagement and elevate it using next generation technologies. Ultimately, Avaya and the Earthquakes will deliver immersive, interactive experiences with social sharing to enrich the powerful connection between fans and the game. In addition to making it the first cloud-enabled MLS stadium, Avaya will provide end-to-end technology solutions, such as hardware and software installation, turnkey services and the team's voice, data, video, wireless and contact center. The agreement between Avaya and the Earthquakes offers the two locally-based organizations the opportunity to build greater community around the rapidly growing interest in soccer and become a showcase for the convergence of sports, technology and sponsorship on a larger stage. Construction on the 18,000-seat stadium is slated for completion by the time the Earthquakes take the field in March 2015.

Club Announces Group Opportunities in New Stadium

The Earthquakes introduced a number of special group opportunities at their new stadium on Wednesday, Nov. 12, including exciting options for youth groups, corporate groups and local community groups. The newest opportunities for groups at the stadium are the game day patio suites, which are located in the corner of the club level. The patio suites feature field level seating and private club space for groups between 20-100 people. They feature first-class amenities just yards from the field and are perfect for corporate groups that want a high end experience. Additionally, the Earthquakes will continue to offer some of the most unique and fun experiences for youth soccer groups and other youth groups. The highlights of the youth experiences include a behind-the-scenes rally tunnel right where the players exit the locker room and the presentation of the newly added center circle banner at midfield. Continuing with the club's vision of connecting with the area's diverse community, the Earthquakes will also host a number of Affinity Nights. The Affinity Nights will bring numerous different cultures and communities to the stadium and feature cultural performances in the 7UP Epicenter and at halftime. During the team's time at Buck Shaw Stadium, performances included Vietnamese drummers, Portuguese marching bands and Ballet Folklorico among others.

Quakes Select Kris Tyrpak from Chivas USA Dispersal Draft

The Earthquakes selected forward Kris Tyrpak with the No. 9 pick in the Chivas USA Dispersal Draft, which included players from the now defunct Chivas USA. Tyrpak, 22, scored one goal and has one assist in nine appearances during his rookie campaign in 2014. The Texas native was a third-round selection of Chivas USA in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft after recording five goals and seven assists in 18 games as a senior with Houston Baptist. Tyrpak also took home USL PDL Most Valuable Player honors in 2013 after helping his hometown Austin Aztex to the league title with nine goals and one assist in 14 games.

Wondolowski Assists in International Friendly

Chris Wondolowski tallied a 39th minute assist in the United States' 4-1 loss the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday, Nov. 18. The Danville native started and played the first 45 minutes of the match, setting up Mix Diskerud for the team's lone goal. Wondolowski, 31, has nine goals in 25 caps with the U.S. He earned two caps during the 2014 World Cup, entering as a substitute against Portugal at Arena Amazonia in Manaus on June 22 and against Belgium in the Round of 16 at Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador on July 1. Prior to the World Cup, Wondolowski had nine goals in his last 10 games dating back to his first national team tally against Guatemala on July 6, 2013.

Thompson Stars for U-20 USMNT in Spain

Earthquakes homegrown midfielder Tommy Thompson made a substitute appearance and two starts as a member of the U-20 men's national team in the U-21 tournament in Marbella, Spain. Thompson made an appearance as a 67th minute substitute in a 4-3 win against Russia on Wednesday, Nov. 12. The Loomis native started and played 74 minutes in a 1-0 win against Ireland on Saturday, Nov. 15 and 82 minutes in a 1-0 loss to Canada on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Thompson, 19, has two caps with the U.S. U-20s. He scored in his debut, a 4-0 win against Bermuda on July 16, and logged 90 minutes in a scoreless draw against Australia on July 18 to help the Americans win the NTC Invitational.

Bernardez a Fixture for Honduras in November Friendlies

Earthquakes defender Victor Bernardez played consecutive 90 minute matches in Honduras' 6-0 loss to Japan on Friday, Nov. 14 in Toyota City, Japan and 0-0 draw with China on Tuesday, Nov. 18 in Guangzhou, China. Bernardez, 32, has 82 career caps with Los Catrachos. He was a part of Honduras' FIFA World Cup squads in 2010 and 2014 and recently suited up in friendlies against the United States and Mexico.

Cato Impresses at 2014 Caribbean Cup

Earthquakes midfielder Cordell Cato enjoyed a successful stint with Trinidad & Tobago in the 2014 Caribbean Cup in Montego Bay, Jamaica this past week, logging 90 minutes in a 3-2 win against Curacao on Tuesday, Nov. 11 and a 0-0 draw against Cuba on Sunday, Nov. 16 at Catherine Hall Sports Complex. Cato also played 90 minutes in a 4-3 penalty-shootout final loss on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at Independence Park. Cato, 22, made three appearances for the Soca Warriors during the 2014 Caribbean Cup qualification process, his first caps for the senior team.

Offseason Schedule

This will be a busy offseason for MLS teams with a number of draft dates to keep an eye on. Here's a look at some of the dates to put on your calendar:

Â- December 10, 2014 - MLS Expansion Draft and MLS Waiver Draft

Â- December 12, 2014 - MLS Re-entry draft phase one

Â- December 18, 2014 - MLS Re-entry draft phase two

Â- January 2-5, 2015 - MLS Caribbean Combine

Â- January 9-13, 2015 - MLS Combine

Â- January 15, 2015 - MLS SuperDraft

ACADEMY NOTES

Earthquakes U-14 Academy

The Earthquakes U-14 Academy suffered two road defeats in Southern California during the Nov. 15-16 weekend, falling to Chivas USA 3-1 and the LA Galaxy 4-0 at the StubHub Center. The Earthquakes do not play until the new year on Saturday, Feb. 7 against Merced Atlas Soccer Academy.

Earthquakes U-16 Academy

The Earthquakes U-16 Academy couldn't muster a win during the Nov. 15-16 weekend, drawing 0-0 against Corssfire Premier at Cal State East Bay and falling 2-1 to Vancouver Whitecaps FC at the Earthquakes Training Facility. San Jose returns to action on Sunday, Nov. 30 against the New York Red Bulls at Premier Sports Complex. The Earthquakes are 6-3-3 on the season and remain second in the Northwest Division.

Earthquakes U-18 Academy

The Earthquakes U-18 Academy split a two-game Nov. 15-16 weekend, defeating Crossfire Premier 4-0 and falling to Vancouver Whitecaps FC 4-0. The Earthquakes boast a 9-2-1 record on the season and remain second in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference behind Vancouver Whitecaps FC. San Jose returns to action Saturday, Nov. 29 against D.C. United and Sunday, Nov. 30 against the Chicago Fire at Premier Sports Complex.

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