Even in the toughest of times, Chris Wondolowski has been the model of consistency for the San Jose Earthquakes.
While the team is set to miss out on the postseason, Wondolowski's well-documented chase of the all-time MLS scoring record is reaching its final stage, and he recently extended an MLS record by recording a ninth consecutive season with double-digit goals, despite making the playoffs in only three of those seasons.
It's impossible to argue the Bay Area native's dedication to the cause, though in an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle's Ann Killion he opened up about some of the difficulties he and the team have faced in the last few years, most notably the team's coaching turnover. The Quakes on Monday hired Matias Almeyda, who will be their fourth coach (including interim Steve Ralston) since they parted ways with Dominic Kinnear in June 2017
“I had three coaches for my first 12 years,” Wondolowski said, “so this is extremely different. My three coaches were all from the same coaching tree, with similarities. These have been guys I don’t know. I have to go out and prove myself each day.
“Hopefully, I do.”
Wondolowski, who also spoke to MLSsoccer.com recently about his pursuit of the all-time scoring record, revealed that with all the difficulties the team has faced, he would've asked for a trade if not for a crucial connection to his hometown club.
“I love it here but, to be frank, if it wasn’t for these loyal fans, I’d already be gone,” he said. “I love playing in front of the ones who stuck with us through thick and thin. I don’t know how.”
For more from Wondolowski, including how he'd like to score his record-setting goal and his reflections on his career with the US national team, be sure to head over to the San Francisco Chronicle.
