There were plenty of reasons to be cheerful for Earthquakes fans at Avaya Stadium on Sunday following the 2-1 victory over Portland TImbers. A win over the champions? Check. Goal of the season contender? Check. Another three points? Check.

But while it might not have hit the global headlines like Quincy Amarikwa’s 35-yard chip of beauty, the return of last season’s Rookie of the Year runner-up Fatai Alashe to the midfield engine room was as worthy of celebration as anything else.

The all-action 22-year-old missed a large chunk of pre-season from injury and took no part in the opening day 1-0 victory over Colorado Rapids.

However, on Sunday Alashe was back alongside Anibal Godoy doing what he does best – covering turf, harassing opponents and laying the platform for the likes of Simon Dawkins and Alberto Quintero to strut their stuff.

“It’s been tough – going through pre season not being able to play having to watch,” Alashe told sjearthquakes.com. "Getting 70 minutes was good. I needed it!”

When pressed for a comeback highlight the Michigan native had a simple answer.

"Just being able to play,” he explained. "Being back at Avaya with the fans. It was nice to get the win and it was great being able to celebrate with Wondo and Quincy after their goals.”

On Sunday night, Alashe and Amarikwa had a lively back and forth on Twitter over the lack of a celebration following the latter’s stunning strike which landed him first place on ESPN SportCenter’s Top 10.

"We actually talked about being on SportsCenter before the game with a celebration and then he does something like that,” Alashe explained. "After he scored I said 'forget the celebration you’re going to be on SportsCenter’ regardless'”

Alashe came off after 71 minutes, something he revealed was planned before the game.

“I asked to be subbed out because I was pretty tired and I thought someone else could have been better at that point,” he said. “We talked about it before the game - I wasn’t planning on going 90.”

There may well be a different plan at the StubHub Center on Saturday night when the Quakes head south for the first California Clasico of the season. Does the fact the next opponent is the LA Galaxy add anything to the game?

"They are rivals and we always come with a bit of fight,” said Alashe. "It’s two good teams and there are bragging rights but we will prepare just as we do for any game."

Steven Gerrard and co aside, Michigan State alumni Alashe is also preparing for another big event – the NCAA Tournament.

“I'm feeling a national championship for the Spartans this year,” he boldly stated. "This is the year, we have the players, the bracket is looking good. We’ll definitely make the final four but I think this is the year.”

When asked if the players will be holding their own bracket competition, Alashe declared that "brains of the operation” Adam Jahn would probably run it.

"If we’re talking about who’s going to win the bracket it’s this guy right here,” he added, before pointing at himself.