The San Jose Earthquakes continued to create excitement in the city of San Jose, as the team and throngs of their most passionate supporters gathered at Cesar Chavez Park in downtown San Jose for a rousing kick-off rally on Thursday evening. The Earthquakes open their 10th season on Saturday, April 2 against the New England Revolution at Spartan Stadium at 7:00 p.m. PT.
Throngs of Quakes fans packed Cesar Chavez Park for the rally, which was held in conjunction with the San Jose Sports Authority and Soccer Silicon Valley. Lucky Quakes fans were able to meet and get the autographs of all of their favorite players; while the entire 2005 squad was introduced to the fans by head coach Dominic Kinnear amidst television cameras and newspaper reporters.
Featured speakers included City of San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales, City of Santa Clara Mayor Patricia Mahan, Earthquakes President and General Manager Alexi Lalas, former San Jose Clash player Paco Uribe, and former Earthquakes General Manager Johnny Moore.
Fans in attendance got the first look at the team's 2005 new adidas uniforms as Quakes play-by-play announcer John Shrader emceed the event, which included giveaways and continued with a post-event party at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant following the rally.
