Quakes Break for OffseasonThe San Jose Earthquakes wrapped up training for the season last Friday and will break for the offseason. The Quakes had been training for the past two weeks after their season wrapped up against the Galaxy on Saturday, Oct. 24.
Elliott Called by New Zealand for World Cup Playoff
San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Simon Elliott has been called for national team duty for a World Cup qualifying playoff match this weekend. Elliott will play for New Zealand in an Asia-Oceania World Cup Playoff second leg against Bahrain on Saturday, Nov. 14 in Wellington, New Zealand. In 66 appearances for the All Whites, Elliott has scored eight international goals. His last call-up to his national side was for the first leg of this World Cup Qualifier Playoff against Bahrain, in which the All-Whites drew 0-0 in Bahrain and he played the full 90 minutes. Earlier this year, Elliot has appeared in a friendly against Jordan in Amman on Sept. 9 and also appeared in three matches during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa last June. Bahrain tied Saudi Arabia in two matches last month, 0-0 and 2-2, to earn the right to play New Zealand. The winner of the two-leg series earns a spot in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. New Zealand is looking for their first World Cup berth since the 1982 Finals. If New Zealand wins, and reaches the 2010 World Cup, this would mark the first time an Earthquakes player would be represented in the world's showcase for soccer since Landon Donovan and Jeff Agoos represented the United States in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea. The only other San Jose player to have appeared in a World Cup, while playing for San Jose, was Eric Wynalda, also for the United States, in 1998 in France.
Sanchez Visits Ligas de las Americas in Hayward
Earthquakes midfielder Ramon Sanchez helped host the Quakes initial Influencer Event at Pupuseria San Antonio in Hayward last week. The Salvadoran captain met with league leaders from Ligas de las Americas and Earthquakes fans recapping the 2009 season and previewing the 2010 campaign. He also signed autographs and posed for photos.
Alvarez up for AT&T Goal of the Year
Earthquakes midfielder Arturo Alvarez scored his first game winning goal of the season in the 63rd minute against Real Salt Lake on May 30 and has been nominated for the AT&T Goal of the Year. Alvarez received a pass from teammate Bobby Convey near the penalty area and split a couple of Real Salt Lake defenders, then ripped a left footed shot past the diving Nick Rimando from about 25 yards out into the top corner of the far post. To vote and get Alvarez into the Top 10, go to http://web.mlsnet.com/sights/goal_of_the_year/.
Cannon up for Degree Men Save of the Year
Earthquakes goalkeeper Joe Cannon has been nominated for the Degree Men Save of the Year for his save in the Earthquakes 2-1 win on May 30 over Real Salt Lake. Cannon robbed forward Yura Movsisyan in the first minute of stoppage time by pushing his effort from the top of the area over the bar. This shot seemed destined for the back of the net, but Cannon's sprawling save helped preserve the three points. To vote for Cannon to get into the Top 10, go to http://web.mlsnet.com/sights/save_of_the_year/.
Quakes 2010 Season Tickets
The San Jose Earthquakes have significantly reduced season ticket prices for the 2010 Major League Soccer season. Season tickets start as low as $204. Season ticket prices have been reduced in all sections; Premier Midfield will now be $40 per game ($50 in 2009), Center Circle $30 per game ($35 in 2009), Sideline $20 per game ($30 in 2009), Goal View $15 per game ($20 in 2009) and Supporters Section $12 per game ($18 in 2009). For more information on season tickets, to renew season tickets or to place a deposit, call the Earthquakes Front Office at 408-556-7700. The Quakes have also created a number of new features and benefits for season ticket holders next year. A family section has been added inside the stadium, and the Supporters Section has been expanded to create an even greater home field advantage. Season Ticket Holders will additionally have access to the exclusive tailgate parking lot. Corona Cove seats will now be available as a season ticket option and an extra row of NetSuite VIP On-field seats will be added for next season. Season Ticket Holders will also have first priority to purchase Earthquakes playoff tickets and tickets for international games. They will receive a 15 percent discount on game day merchandise, invitations to exclusive events, and priority rights to seats in the new stadium. The one thing that is not exclusive to Season Ticket Holders is savings.
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