SAN JOSE, Calif. – Four days hasn’t been enough time for Chris Wondolowski to grasp that, with 148 career goals, he now holds the all-time goals scored record in MLS. Even with time, it may never ever sink in.
“I think I’m going to have that imagery just sketched in my mind forever,” the San Jose Earthquakes captain said midweek with a subtle smile. “[It’s] such a great feeling. To be honest, I’ve kinda been floating the last couple of days. It’s been amazing getting some of the congrats and well wishes. It’s pretty cool to be linked up with some of the old teammates again, you know, kind of reconnected. It’s been pretty special by the people that reached out.”
Since setting a new career goals record in Week 12, Wondo has received numerous calls, texts and messages, with even global superstars such as David Beckham and baseball legend Barry Bonds reaching out. But when you ask the Quakes’ legend whose remarks left the biggest impression, it’s from those he’s shared the field with.
“Just random guys here and there, especially guys throughout the league,” the forward said. “Tim Howard, things like that. Those are pretty special guys that I’ve looked up to and consider friends. And so, it’s pretty cool to get a text from Landon (Donovan). Close friends, Bobby Burling, [Alan Gordon] and Sam Cronin, those guys are clowns, but I love them.”
Once described as the “elephant in the room” by Wondolowski himself, claiming the record has, predictably, shedded loads of weight off his shoulders. “I feel that now I can play with some freedom,” he said in regards to the topic.
Making a second consecutive start and getting significant playing time, however, is still in doubt. Head coach Matias Almeyda has yet to confirm that MLS’s new goal king in his XI for Sunday’s Week 13 match against Toronto FC (7:30 pm ET | TSN — Full TV & streaming info).
The decision will largely depend on Danny Hoesen’s recovery from a thigh injury, which occurred before last weekend’s 4-1 win over the Chicago Fire.
The Dutchman is making progress and made cross-country road trip according to a Quakes spokesperson. Regardless of how the scenario works out, Wondolowski, who claimed he’d “trade all 148 [goals] to lift a trophy as a captain,” is ready to add to his tally.
"I think Danny [Hoesen's] fitness is a part of it,” Wondolowski weighed in. “I consider Danny as one of the best strikers in this league. I think that rightfully that's his spot right now. So whatever I play, I'm open for it and ready to go if my number gets called.
