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The Toe Poke Daily is here every day to bring you all the weirdest stories, quirkiest viral content and top trolling that the internet has to offer, all in one place.
San Jose Earthquakes had to take on high-flying Philadelphia Union without the services of star striker Chris Wondolowski, who missed Thursday night’s Major League Soccer clash through suspension.
The veteran forward, who happens to be MLS’s all-time record goal-scorer, was shown the first red card of his 15-year professional career during the Quakes’ previous outing, a 3-1 loss against reigning champions Atlanta United.
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However, rather than simply stay home and watch the game on ESPN+ (stream the replay in the U.S.), Wondolowski decided to throw his full support behind the his teammates and urged fellow fans to join him and the San Jose Ultras behind the goal at the Avaya Stadium.
We have a massive game tomorrow night and we need every fan there! I’ll be with the @SanJoseUltras in full voice. Please come join us or at least come say hi!! #Ilovethisteam #unity
— Chris Wondolowski (@ChrisWondo) September 24, 2019
Sure enough, Wondolowski was in the crowd and even helped lead the chanting before kick-off.
WE ARE NOT WORTHY. ⚫️🔵@CHRISWONDO‘S LEADING CHANTS WITH THE @SANJOSEULTRAS! #VamosSJ pic.twitter.com/3DfQs5qlqI
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) September 26, 2019
In fact, the people’s champion seemed to attract quite a following as one of the 16,652 attendees.
Chris Wondolowski, the people’s player. #Quakes74 pic.twitter.com/OizexGY8YB
— Joel Soria (@soriajoelfutbol) September 26, 2019
Clad in black, the striker roared his teammates on from the terraces as the game got under way.
No days off for @ChrisWondo. 🙌 #SJvPHI pic.twitter.com/JJvJCedxak
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 26, 2019
San Jose nudged themselves ahead in the 35th minute. Jackson Yueill‘s opening goal sparked so much passion in Wondo that he just had to strip to the waist and twirl his shirt above his head.
Hoesen Assist ➡️ Yueill Goal ➡️ Wondo Celebration
VAMOS SAN JOSE ⚫️🔵#VamosSJ | #SJvPHI pic.twitter.com/YcYgwAZrtT
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) September 26, 2019
Unfortunately, the lead didn’t last as Union scored twice in the space of six second-half minutes to purloin a 2-1 away victory.
Still, it didn’t dampen the atmosphere, with Earthquakes saluting their exiled hero after the final whistle.
The @MLS all-time leading goal scorer.
In the stands with our supporters.
We will do anything for this man. #VamosSJ pic.twitter.com/QxPcvPQTsp
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) September 26, 2019
Indeed, the result was enough to see Earthquakes drop down into eighth place in the Western Conference, one rung below the play-off line with two games of the regular season left to play.