San Jose Earthquakes fans collectively rejoiced last October when Matias Almeyda confirmed he’d return to the club in 2020, and now they’ll get to further show appreciation for the head coach.
The Earthquakes are planning to give away 7,000 “Pelado” bobbleheads at their season opener Feb. 29 (5:30 pm ET | TSN, MLS LIVE on ESPN+) against Toronto FC. Based on Almeyda’s reaction, he’s a fan of the final product.
“Oh my God!,” he exclaimed upon seeing the bobblehead for the first time. The hair’s even on point.
Almeyda engineered a 23-point turnaround for San Jose last year, though late-season struggles saw them finish four points outside of a Western Conference playoff spot. They went an even 2-2-1 this preseason, and return much of last year’s starting XI.
With the addition of center back Oswaldo Alanis and long-term acquisitions of midfielders Judson and Cristian Espinoza, San Jose will be looking to take further strides under Almeyda in 2020. It’ll also be veteran striker Chris Wondolowski’s final year, and he owns an MLS record 159 career goals.
