UPDATE: The entire MLS community can rejoice, as the San Jose Earthquakes announced Thursday that assistant coach Benjamin Galindo has been released from intensive care and is recovering at home with his family.
Galindo suffered a cerebral stroke in Guadalajara, Mexico on May 28, necessitating brain surgery. He joined head coach Matias Almeyda's coaching staff ahead of the 2019 season.
Update: June 8, 3:00 pm ET
San Jose Earthquakes assistant coach Benjamin Galindo is awake, alert and speaking to family after awaking Sunday from a medically induced coma.
"He has become increasingly alert and begun speaking to family members while remaining hospitalized in Guadalajara," the club said in a statement. "We appreciate everyone’s patience and respectfulness of the privacy that the Galindo family has requested."
Originally Published:May 29, 1:00 pm ET
San Jose Earthquakes 59-year-old assistant coach Benjamin Galindo underwent brain surgery after reportedly suffering a stroke in Guadalajara, Mexico, where he was visiting family. Galindo remains hospitalized, according to an update provided by the club.
The former Mexican national team player and World Cup veteran is a member of the Earthquakes coaching staff led by Matias Almeyda, who took over the reins of the MLS squad ahead of the 2019 MLS season.
Almeyda was among the first to publicly share his well wishes for a recovery ("I'm waiting for you here to give you another hug like this one"):
Galindo's son shared the following message following the surgery: "We want to let you know that the operation went well and we are very optimistic. But we have to monitor closely how things evolve over the next 72 hours."
San Jose issued the following statement from GM Jesse Fioranelli:
"Benjamin is a beloved member of the Quakes family and means so much to the soccer community in North America," said Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli. "Our players and staff have the utmost respect for him as a coach and our entire organization admires him as a person. He truly embodies the Earthquakes spirit and we're sending our thoughts and prayers to his family."
Galindo, who led multiple Liga MX clubs as head coach in his native Mexico, joined Almeyda and the Earthquakes in the lead-up to the 2019 MLS season.
