The San Jose Earthquakes made a big move ahead of the closing of the MLS transfer window, signing attacking midfielder Hernan Lopez from Argentine side Godoy Cruz. The transfer is reportedly the most expensive in the club’s history.

According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, the Earthquakes formally completed the deal on Tuesday. It will see the club pay $6 million to River for Lopez’s services, while the player is expected to ink a Designated Player contract. San Jose’s previous biggest transfer was signing Ecuadorian midfielder Carlos Gruezo for $2.9 million in 2023.

Hernan Lopez started his professional career with Argentina’s Primera División powerhouse River Plate, receiving his debut in 2019. He later spent time on loan with Central Córdoba before joining Godoy Cruz on loan in 2023. River and Godoy owned 50% of Lopez’s rights each before his transfer to San Jose.

Lopez played 13 games for Godoy in 2024, scoring two goals. In 2023, he scored five goals and added six assists in 38 matches in all competitions.

San Jose Earthquakes have been the worst club in MLS this season, sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference with one win and eight losses in their first nine games. Adding Lopez is expected to greatly improve their squad and perhaps help them turn around their campaign.

The post San Jose Earthquakes Break Club Record to Sign Godoy Cruz Midfielder Hernan Lopez appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Former LAFC striker Carlos Vela is leaning towards staying in MLS. According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, Vela is currently in advanced talks with San Jose Earthquakes.

Vela’s contract with LAFC expired at the end of the 2023 MLS campaign, and it was believed that the 2019 MLS MVP would return to their native Mexico. LAFC also showed interest in re-signing him, although on a less lucrative contract.

Now, Earthquakes are believed to be in the leading position to sign Vela. The negotiations between the two sides have been progressing lately, and there is reportedly a good chance that the deal will get over the finishing line soon.

Carlos Vela joined LAFC in 2018 as the franchise’s first-ever designated player. He immediately became one of the biggest stars in MLS and went on to be honored with the MLS Best XI selection three times. His best season in MLS came in 2019 when he scored 34 goals and won the MLS Golden Boot and MLS MVP Award. In 2022, he also helped LAFC win the MLS Cup.

Vela previously played with Arsenal, Osasuna, and Real Sociedad, among other teams. He also made 72 appearances for Mexico’s national team before retiring from international soccer following the 2018 World Cup.

The post Ex-LAFC Carlos Vela in Talks With San Jose Earthquakes appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Chris Wondolowski, legendary San Jose Earthquakes striker and the leading goalscorer in MLS history, has wrapped up his playing career. The 38-year-old veteran made the official announcement while addressing the fans following Sunday’s regular-season finale against FC Dallas.

“I wanted to do this in front of fans instead of in front of a bunch of cameras,” Wondolowski said. “I wanted to do this in front of you because you guys have been there from day one. This is the last run.”

The game ended with a 1-1 draw, and fittingly, Wondolowski scored the only goal for the Quakes. This brought his MLS goal tally to 171, 26 more than second-placed Landon Donovan.

Unfortunately for San Jose and Wondolowski, their 2021 season ended on a bitter note. The Quakes finished the season with 41 points, which was only enough for 10th place in Western Conference. 

Still, Wondolowski believes the team has a big future and players it can count on even after he lefts.

“This organization is going to do big things. I can’t wait for it, and we’ll be here for the future,” he added.

Chris Wondolowski spent 13 and a half out of his 17 years in MLS with the Quakes and helped the franchise win two Supporters’ Shields. His individual accolades include the MLS MVP award in 2012, two MLS Golden Boot trophies, and five All-Star nods.

The post MLS All-Time Top Scorer Chris Wondolowski Retires appeared first on SportzBonanza.

San Jose Earthquakes legend Chris Wondolowski is returning for his 18th MLS season in 2021.

The Quakes announced on Friday that Wondolwski, who turns 38 in January, signed a new one-year contract with the club to front their attack in the upcoming season.

Wondolowski initially intended to retire after the 2020 MLS season but changed his mind after the season played out without fans in the stands.

“I was fully committed to making 2020 the final year of my career, but I’ve reconsidered and can’t wait to join my teammates one more time as we look to bring an MLS Cup back to San Jose,” said Wondolowski, who scored nine goals last season. “The fans have consistently supported me through the ups and downs and I’d always regret not properly saying goodbye.”

Wondolowski hinted at the possibility of returning in 2021 earlier in the offseason but said that it was up to San Jose’s sporting director Jesse Fioranelli and Matias Almeyda to make that happen. The duo obviously didn’t need much convincing and jumped on the opportunity to have the veteran striker back on their roster.

By playing one more year, Chris Wondolowski will have an opportunity not just to say a proper goodbye to Quakes fans but also to add to his MLS record goal tally that currently stands at 166 regular-season goals.

He also has a chance to overtake Landon Donovan for the most goals in the regular season and playoffs, needing three to break the LA Galaxy legend’s record.

The post Quakes Legend Chris Wondolowski Returns for One More MLS Season appeared first on SportzBonanza.

MLS all-time leading scorer Chris Wondolowski will stick around for one more year of soccer. San Jose Earthquakes announced on Tuesday that Wondolowski signed a new one-year deal and will return to the team for the 2020 MLS season.

Wondolowski, who finished 2019 with 15 goals, will play his 17th season in MLS and his 13th with Quakes next year.

“It’s impossible to fully explain all the ways Chris is devoted to this club,” – said Quakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli in a statement. “He truly embraces a bigger cause, well beyond the goals he scores and the records he breaks. Wondo has an unparalleled love for the game and the Quakes organization as a whole, and this is a great day for our fans and our club.”

Chris Wondolowski started his professional career with the San Jose Earthquakes in 2005, making two appearances with the team in his rookie season. The following season, Earthquakes moved to Houston, where they took over new identity as Houston Dynamo.

After three and a half years in Houston, during which he helped Dynamo back to back MLS Cups, Wondolowski was traded to re-established Earthquakes. Since them, he made 320 appearances with the club and scored 159 goals.

Over the course of his MLS career, Wondolowski won the MLS Golden Boot award two times while making five MLS All-Star appearances and winning the MLS MVP Award in 2012. In May, 2019 he became MLS all-time leading scorer, surpassing Landon Donovan.

“I’m very excited to be back for one more year,” – said Wondolowski after inking the deal. “Knowing how much fun it is in the locker room, the team unity that we have, and where this team is going, I wanted to be a part of it. I love this game. I love going out to practice. We’re a family. Even right now, it’s nice to have a couple days off, but I’m ready to get started again.”

Wondolowski, who will turn 37 in January, also said that once he retires, he wants to remain in San Jose.

“When I do decide to step away from the game, my goal is to remain a part of the Earthquakes organization and help the team any way I can.” – he added.

The post Chris Wondolowski Signs 1-Year Deal With Quakes appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Argentinian manager Matias Almeyda is staying in MLS after all. Talking with media on Thursday, Almeyda confirmed that he would remain with San Jose Earthquakes’ boss for the 2020 season.

In recent weeks, Almeyda was linked with taking over Liga MX side Monterrey and was even offered a contract. But the 45-year-old turned down this opportunity in order to continue the project he began with San Jose.

“I thanked them that they thought about me,” – said Almeyda at his season-ending press conference. “And keeping in mind the contract that I had here, I told them that I cannot keep going with these talks because my mind is here in San Jose and my players. And with the directors, we’ve talked about having project and moving up the hierarchy in this club and which I believe in, and which I’ve projected my life here now.”

Almeyda took over Earthquakes ahead of 2019 MLS season and made an immediate impact. He managed to lead the team to 23-points improvement compared to 2018, and keep them in the postseason race until the very end. Eventually, the stretch of nine losses in their last 11 games saw Quakes narrowly miss the playoffs. 

Moving forward, Almeyda is determined to build on this success and improve their stature in the league even more next year.

“We don’t want our owner to invest millions.” – he added. “Our idea is to add more youngsters. Yes, have some reinforcements come in, but not those stars that are unreachable. We believe in our game and in our system of play and teamwork.”

After finishing a successful playing career, Matias Almeyda worked as a manager with River Plate, Banfield, and Chivas. His biggest successes came with Chivas as he won Liga MX Clausura, Copa MX Apertura and Clausura, and CONCACAF Champions League trophy.

The post Matias Almeyda Rejects Monterrey to Stay With Earthquakes appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Swedish manager Mikael Stahre didn’t manage to last a full year with the San Jose Earthquakes, with the team announcing that they have fired the 43-year-old on Monday. Alex de Crook, the assistant coach who served under Stahre, was also relieved of his duties. Steve Ralston, member of the Earthquakes’ coaching staff, will take over the team on an interim basis.

NEWS: Earthquakes part ways with head coach Mikael Stahre, assistant coach Alex de Crook.https://t.co/rrfFLMejth pic.twitter.com/uvcrrH5KPl

— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) September 17, 2018

San Jose Earthquakes’ decision to sack Mikael Stahre didn’t surprise anyone, especially since the team has been playing poorly in the 2018 MLS season. Earthquakes are currently pinned down to the bottom of the Western Conference and are the worst team in the league record-wise. Although it looked like things could change for the better in late August, when the team managed to get a stretch of positive results, defeat from Vancouver and then 1-5 loss against Sporting KC on Sunday left Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli no choice but to try with a change of scenery.

“I would like to thank Mikael and Alex for their hard work and professionalism this season,” – said Fioranelli in a statement. “Mikael has qualities, both as a person and a coach, that will be missed by players, staff and the front office alike. We felt we needed a change and decided that the six remaining games represent an opportunity for all of us to begin heading in a new direction and to evaluate our options actively with a single goal in mind: to strengthen our First Team for the upcoming season and beyond.”

Before taking over San Jose Earthquakes, Mikael Stahre coached in his native Sweden as well as Greece and China. He joined Earthquakes in November and managed to get only two wins since then.

The post San Jose Earthquakes Fire Head Coach Mikael Stahre appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The San Jose Earthquakes made a big move ahead of the closing of the MLS transfer window, signing attacking midfielder Hernan Lopez from Argentine side Godoy Cruz. The transfer is reportedly the most expensive in the club’s history.

According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, the Earthquakes formally completed the deal on Tuesday. It will see the club pay $6 million to River for Lopez’s services, while the player is expected to ink a Designated Player contract. San Jose’s previous biggest transfer was signing Ecuadorian midfielder Carlos Gruezo for $2.9 million in 2023.

Hernan Lopez started his professional career with Argentina’s Primera División powerhouse River Plate, receiving his debut in 2019. He later spent time on loan with Central Córdoba before joining Godoy Cruz on loan in 2023. River and Godoy owned 50% of Lopez’s rights each before his transfer to San Jose.

Lopez played 13 games for Godoy in 2024, scoring two goals. In 2023, he scored five goals and added six assists in 38 matches in all competitions.

San Jose Earthquakes have been the worst club in MLS this season, sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference with one win and eight losses in their first nine games. Adding Lopez is expected to greatly improve their squad and perhaps help them turn around their campaign.

The post San Jose Earthquakes Break Club Record to Sign Godoy Cruz Midfielder Hernan Lopez appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Former LAFC striker Carlos Vela is leaning towards staying in MLS. According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, Vela is currently in advanced talks with San Jose Earthquakes.

Vela’s contract with LAFC expired at the end of the 2023 MLS campaign, and it was believed that the 2019 MLS MVP would return to their native Mexico. LAFC also showed interest in re-signing him, although on a less lucrative contract.

Now, Earthquakes are believed to be in the leading position to sign Vela. The negotiations between the two sides have been progressing lately, and there is reportedly a good chance that the deal will get over the finishing line soon.

Carlos Vela joined LAFC in 2018 as the franchise’s first-ever designated player. He immediately became one of the biggest stars in MLS and went on to be honored with the MLS Best XI selection three times. His best season in MLS came in 2019 when he scored 34 goals and won the MLS Golden Boot and MLS MVP Award. In 2022, he also helped LAFC win the MLS Cup.

Vela previously played with Arsenal, Osasuna, and Real Sociedad, among other teams. He also made 72 appearances for Mexico’s national team before retiring from international soccer following the 2018 World Cup.

The post Ex-LAFC Carlos Vela in Talks With San Jose Earthquakes appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Chris Wondolowski, legendary San Jose Earthquakes striker and the leading goalscorer in MLS history, has wrapped up his playing career. The 38-year-old veteran made the official announcement while addressing the fans following Sunday’s regular-season finale against FC Dallas.

“I wanted to do this in front of fans instead of in front of a bunch of cameras,” Wondolowski said. “I wanted to do this in front of you because you guys have been there from day one. This is the last run.”

The game ended with a 1-1 draw, and fittingly, Wondolowski scored the only goal for the Quakes. This brought his MLS goal tally to 171, 26 more than second-placed Landon Donovan.

Unfortunately for San Jose and Wondolowski, their 2021 season ended on a bitter note. The Quakes finished the season with 41 points, which was only enough for 10th place in Western Conference. 

Still, Wondolowski believes the team has a big future and players it can count on even after he lefts.

“This organization is going to do big things. I can’t wait for it, and we’ll be here for the future,” he added.

Chris Wondolowski spent 13 and a half out of his 17 years in MLS with the Quakes and helped the franchise win two Supporters’ Shields. His individual accolades include the MLS MVP award in 2012, two MLS Golden Boot trophies, and five All-Star nods.

The post MLS All-Time Top Scorer Chris Wondolowski Retires appeared first on SportzBonanza.

San Jose Earthquakes legend Chris Wondolowski is returning for his 18th MLS season in 2021.

The Quakes announced on Friday that Wondolwski, who turns 38 in January, signed a new one-year contract with the club to front their attack in the upcoming season.

Wondolowski initially intended to retire after the 2020 MLS season but changed his mind after the season played out without fans in the stands.

“I was fully committed to making 2020 the final year of my career, but I’ve reconsidered and can’t wait to join my teammates one more time as we look to bring an MLS Cup back to San Jose,” said Wondolowski, who scored nine goals last season. “The fans have consistently supported me through the ups and downs and I’d always regret not properly saying goodbye.”

Wondolowski hinted at the possibility of returning in 2021 earlier in the offseason but said that it was up to San Jose’s sporting director Jesse Fioranelli and Matias Almeyda to make that happen. The duo obviously didn’t need much convincing and jumped on the opportunity to have the veteran striker back on their roster.

By playing one more year, Chris Wondolowski will have an opportunity not just to say a proper goodbye to Quakes fans but also to add to his MLS record goal tally that currently stands at 166 regular-season goals.

He also has a chance to overtake Landon Donovan for the most goals in the regular season and playoffs, needing three to break the LA Galaxy legend’s record.

The post Quakes Legend Chris Wondolowski Returns for One More MLS Season appeared first on SportzBonanza.

MLS all-time leading scorer Chris Wondolowski will stick around for one more year of soccer. San Jose Earthquakes announced on Tuesday that Wondolowski signed a new one-year deal and will return to the team for the 2020 MLS season.

Wondolowski, who finished 2019 with 15 goals, will play his 17th season in MLS and his 13th with Quakes next year.

“It’s impossible to fully explain all the ways Chris is devoted to this club,” – said Quakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli in a statement. “He truly embraces a bigger cause, well beyond the goals he scores and the records he breaks. Wondo has an unparalleled love for the game and the Quakes organization as a whole, and this is a great day for our fans and our club.”

Chris Wondolowski started his professional career with the San Jose Earthquakes in 2005, making two appearances with the team in his rookie season. The following season, Earthquakes moved to Houston, where they took over new identity as Houston Dynamo.

After three and a half years in Houston, during which he helped Dynamo back to back MLS Cups, Wondolowski was traded to re-established Earthquakes. Since them, he made 320 appearances with the club and scored 159 goals.

Over the course of his MLS career, Wondolowski won the MLS Golden Boot award two times while making five MLS All-Star appearances and winning the MLS MVP Award in 2012. In May, 2019 he became MLS all-time leading scorer, surpassing Landon Donovan.

“I’m very excited to be back for one more year,” – said Wondolowski after inking the deal. “Knowing how much fun it is in the locker room, the team unity that we have, and where this team is going, I wanted to be a part of it. I love this game. I love going out to practice. We’re a family. Even right now, it’s nice to have a couple days off, but I’m ready to get started again.”

Wondolowski, who will turn 37 in January, also said that once he retires, he wants to remain in San Jose.

“When I do decide to step away from the game, my goal is to remain a part of the Earthquakes organization and help the team any way I can.” – he added.

The post Chris Wondolowski Signs 1-Year Deal With Quakes appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Argentinian manager Matias Almeyda is staying in MLS after all. Talking with media on Thursday, Almeyda confirmed that he would remain with San Jose Earthquakes’ boss for the 2020 season.

In recent weeks, Almeyda was linked with taking over Liga MX side Monterrey and was even offered a contract. But the 45-year-old turned down this opportunity in order to continue the project he began with San Jose.

“I thanked them that they thought about me,” – said Almeyda at his season-ending press conference. “And keeping in mind the contract that I had here, I told them that I cannot keep going with these talks because my mind is here in San Jose and my players. And with the directors, we’ve talked about having project and moving up the hierarchy in this club and which I believe in, and which I’ve projected my life here now.”

Almeyda took over Earthquakes ahead of 2019 MLS season and made an immediate impact. He managed to lead the team to 23-points improvement compared to 2018, and keep them in the postseason race until the very end. Eventually, the stretch of nine losses in their last 11 games saw Quakes narrowly miss the playoffs. 

Moving forward, Almeyda is determined to build on this success and improve their stature in the league even more next year.

“We don’t want our owner to invest millions.” – he added. “Our idea is to add more youngsters. Yes, have some reinforcements come in, but not those stars that are unreachable. We believe in our game and in our system of play and teamwork.”

After finishing a successful playing career, Matias Almeyda worked as a manager with River Plate, Banfield, and Chivas. His biggest successes came with Chivas as he won Liga MX Clausura, Copa MX Apertura and Clausura, and CONCACAF Champions League trophy.

The post Matias Almeyda Rejects Monterrey to Stay With Earthquakes appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Swedish manager Mikael Stahre didn’t manage to last a full year with the San Jose Earthquakes, with the team announcing that they have fired the 43-year-old on Monday. Alex de Crook, the assistant coach who served under Stahre, was also relieved of his duties. Steve Ralston, member of the Earthquakes’ coaching staff, will take over the team on an interim basis.

NEWS: Earthquakes part ways with head coach Mikael Stahre, assistant coach Alex de Crook.https://t.co/rrfFLMejth pic.twitter.com/uvcrrH5KPl

— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) September 17, 2018

San Jose Earthquakes’ decision to sack Mikael Stahre didn’t surprise anyone, especially since the team has been playing poorly in the 2018 MLS season. Earthquakes are currently pinned down to the bottom of the Western Conference and are the worst team in the league record-wise. Although it looked like things could change for the better in late August, when the team managed to get a stretch of positive results, defeat from Vancouver and then 1-5 loss against Sporting KC on Sunday left Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli no choice but to try with a change of scenery.

“I would like to thank Mikael and Alex for their hard work and professionalism this season,” – said Fioranelli in a statement. “Mikael has qualities, both as a person and a coach, that will be missed by players, staff and the front office alike. We felt we needed a change and decided that the six remaining games represent an opportunity for all of us to begin heading in a new direction and to evaluate our options actively with a single goal in mind: to strengthen our First Team for the upcoming season and beyond.”

Before taking over San Jose Earthquakes, Mikael Stahre coached in his native Sweden as well as Greece and China. He joined Earthquakes in November and managed to get only two wins since then.

The post San Jose Earthquakes Fire Head Coach Mikael Stahre appeared first on SportzBonanza.