Vancouver Whitecaps Vs San Jose Earthquakes: 3 things we learned – What a wild game
By Ivan Ornelas
1. Wondolowski remains a difference-maker
In what is likely going to be Chris Wondolowski’s final season of his terrific MLS career, you can understand Matias Almeyda’s decision to use him in the super-sub role rather than starting him every game. However, despite Andy Rios’s late first-half contribution, the difference when any other Earthquakes striker is in play versus Wondolowski is apparent.
Not only did he add to his MLS record goal tally; he scored his 14th goal against the Vancouver Whitecaps, the most he has scored against any other MLS club. This reinvigorated the San Jose Earthquakes, opening the door for Oswaldo Alanis to repeat his heroics from the Toronto game earlier this year and another reliable veteran in Shea Salinas to seal the victory.
Wondolowksi was inspirational beyond just his goal, too. He worked the Vancouver center-backs relentlessly, runs the channels, presses them, shouts for every call, encourages his teammates, and leads the team as the experienced spearhead he is.
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Wondolowski may not be able to play a full 90 minutes anymore. But he can still be a difference-maker, as he proved here.