By: Joe Lami

The San Jose Earthquakes opened up Avaya Stadium with a victory, defeating the Chicago Fire 2-1.  It was a long awaited day for the Earthquakes, as they finally got to play the first match in their massive new home, as 18,000 Quakes’ supporters showed up to rock the house. 

San Jose used the excitement to their advantage, scoring two early goals in the first half.  Rookie midfielder, Fatai Alashe, started just five minutes in heading home a corner kick for his first career goal.  Matias Perez Gomez took the corner from the left side to set up Avaya Stadium’s opening goal.  Alahe commented on his goal that will live in Quakes’ history, “I didn’t think about it at the time, but it’s cool to realize afterwards.  It will be a goal that lives in history for as long as we’re in San Jose.

The momentum would continue for San Jose, as they were feeling it early.  Middlefielder, JJ Koval had an outstanding chance just one minute later, as he fired a right-footed shot from just outside the box that just missed the top left corner.

Quakes’ new head coach, Dominic Kinnear, commented about the fast start San Jose had, “The new stadium got the guys charged up.  That early goal helped even more so.  It definitely put a bounce into our step”.

San Jose would continue their first half dominance, as they would take the 2-0 lead in the 21st minute.  Ty Harden would be credited with the goal, his first MLS goal in his 100th game.  Once again, Gomez would set up the goal off a set piece.  He centered it from 35-yards out, Clarence Goodson would get the first shot, which would be saved by Fire goalkeeper, Sean Johnson.  Unfortunately for Johnson he coughed it right up, where Harden took advantage and slid the ball past the Chicago keeper for the goal.

Kinnear, also added on Garcia’s great job with the set piece, “He brings a great ball, putting it in the right spot. That’s what we need”.

Chicago was able to get on the board in the 29th minute, as Harrison Shipp tapped one by Quakes’ keeper, David Bingham.  The goal was step up beautifully with a pass from Joevin Jones, that left it right on the foot of Shipp for the easy one.

The Fire were trying to equalize the entire second half, but the Quakes defense held to earn the three points.  “I’m glad we won, it makes opening the new stadium feel even better,” added Kinnear.