As the San Jose Earthquakes started play in the MLS regular season, the Quakes also made several appearances in the Bay Area to get their fans excited for the start of soccer season.
On Saturday, April 3, defender Ryan Cochrane, the Earthquakes 2004 first round draft pick, made an appearance at the grand opening of OSH's new store on Prospect Avenue in San Jose. Cochrane greeted fans and signed autographs as they entered the store.
On Monday, April 5, the Earthquakes Brian Mullan and Eddie Robinson were at the Sonoma Chicken Coop restaurant in downtown San Jose. Mullan and Robinson both signed autographs and talked to fans during the busy lunch hour session, in an attempt to get the fans excited about the Quakes April 10 home opener.
Cochrane and recent acquisition Wes Hart made an impact on Wednesday, April 7 when they made an appearance at Hester Elementary School in San Jose. The defenders attempted to get the students excited about the upcoming state exams. Cochrane and Hart answered all of the questions the students had about soccer and about becoming a professional athlete. Hart also performed a mini-soccer demonstration before challenging several students to stand in front of the assembly and demonstrate their juggling skills.
