USA Today via Reuters
Oct 23, 2021; San Jose, California, USA; Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau (16) secures a loose ball in front of San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski (8) during the second half at PayPal Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 23, 2021; San Jose, California, USA; Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau (16) secures a loose ball in front of San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski (8) during the second half at PayPal Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
The Major League Soccer competition has improved leaps and bounds to be one of the best leagues in the world. With David Beckham owning Inter Miami, the league drew lots of fans across the world, while many talented players joined franchises. Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi are some of the great names featuring in the league.
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However, one guy who has been a mainstay in the league for a long time is Chris Wondolowski. Sadly, with one final goal, San Jose Earthquakes over the weekend, Chris announced his retirement from MLS.
Fans react as Chris Wondolowski retires
The US striker scored 171 goals in the MLS and is the top scorer in the league’s history. Likewise, he is the only player to score 10 or more goals in 10 consecutive seasons of MLS. Despite not being a pacy hitman, Wondolowski’s off-the-movement and anticipation skills helped him to score tons of goals. Blessed with immaculate finishing abilities, fans know his goal-scoring exploits in the MLS. He has also scored 11 goals for USMNT and, is a legend of the game.
Hence, his retirement news caused a huge upset amongst fans as emotional goodbyes took over the internet.
ICYMI, Chris Wondolowski announced his retirement after today's 1-1 draw between FC Dallas and San Jose Earthquakes. Wondolowski scored his all-time MLS high 171st and final goal today. 8 goals in his 17-season career came against FC Dallas. A class act and a league legend.
— Mark Followill (@MFollowill) November 8, 2021
17 seasons
417 matches
171 goals
MLS all-time leading scorerChris Wondolowski announces his retirement 👏
(via @MLS)pic.twitter.com/sCdYfwJAEV
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 8, 2021
After 17 seasons in @MLS, including 14 seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes, Chris Wondolowski has announced his retirement from soccer.
Thank you for everything, Wondo. #WondoForever ∞ pic.twitter.com/msvID2k2Z0
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) November 8, 2021
He proved everyone wrong.
He captured the hearts of so many.
There will never be another.
Chris Wondolowski. Thank you.#WondoForever ∞ pic.twitter.com/gGMAEGECX6
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) November 8, 2021
Always a team player, but never short on individual accolades.
Chris Wondolowski’s name is etched in history. pic.twitter.com/T0RsKmvGAg
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 8, 2021
After the game against FC Dallas, he spoke to the crowd and opened up on how he believes how the organization has a bright future ahead.
“This organization is going to do big things in the future. Thank you to the fans. I can’t thank you guys enough,” said Wondolowski.
He appeared in his ninth game this season and scored the goal for his side in the 1-1 draw. He is a five-time MLS All-Star while being the league MVP in 2012. Notably, he was also a part of the US Men’s soccer team in 2014 as they entertained the nation with terrific performances.
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Wondolowski had an incredible career
“Instead of doing this in a press conference I want to do this in front of you guys … this is the last ride” Chris Wondolowski tells #Quakes74 fans. pic.twitter.com/18TVC6LZXO
— Jon Arnold (@ArnoldcommaJon) November 8, 2021
Of course it's Wondo!
The captain Chris Wondolowski puts @SJEarthquakes ahead 1-0. #SJvDAL // #DecisionDay pic.twitter.com/CejP6lY59o
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 8, 2021
Chris Wondolowski officially hangs up his boots. He had a legendary career with 171 goals in 413 MLS appearances, becoming an all time leading scorer in the league. He also had 11 goals in 35 USMNT matches. pic.twitter.com/2HIgOK0r21
— Jack De Larrinaga (@JackDeLarrinaga) November 8, 2021
A salute to Chris Wondolowski, proof that in sports, anything is possible.
No one worked any harder. https://t.co/trT55MndZA— Maximiliano Bretos (@MaxBretosSports) November 8, 2021
Chris Wondolowski leaves the game having put together an inspiring, record-setting career.
Spent his 1st 6 seasons in MLS on the bench, never scoring more than 3 goals in a season.
He never gave up though & worked himself into becoming a goal machine & Hall of Famer.
Bravo 👏🏼 https://t.co/VkOZlSA48f
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) November 8, 2021
One of my favorite sports games I’ve ever attended and not because of the result, but because I witnessed Chris Wondolowski’s last game to wrap up an incredible career. One of the San Francisco Bay Area’s own, Wondo forever. #VamosSJ
— Ivan Ornelas (@IvanOrnelas2) November 8, 2021
Today is Chris Wondolowski’s last ever time in his legendary career stepping on the pitch as a player. Goes without saying, of course, that I’ve taken my son’s college entire college fund & put it on a Wondo anytime goalscorer
— 4-time JCL Ludi Frisbee champion (@dparks97) November 7, 2021
Bay really about to lose Buster Posey and Chris Wondolowski in the same week. Patrick Marleau doesn’t even play anymore…
It really is an end of an era
— Klay Thompson's Burner (@iKlayThompson) November 4, 2021
Buster Posey retired, Chris Wondolowski retires whats happening with Bay area legends 😭
— 🇸🇻 Josue Hernandez 🇸🇻 (@09Bladimir09) November 8, 2021
Interviewed #chriswondolowski just the once. Charming, humble, unassuming – off the field – and yet ultra competitive on it. He wasn't blessed with lightning speed. He wasn't the strongest, or the tallest, but he was probably the most intelligent striker @MLS has ever seen.
— Richard Fleming🎙️ (@FlemingSport) November 8, 2021
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Enjoy retirement Chris Wondolowski, you have done so much for your club and this league. Was never fun playing against you as you’d always find a way to score. Best goal scorer of the MLS. What an achievement 👍🏼
— R. (@RiadhThe9) November 8, 2021
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The love and admiration of fans for Chris is a reminder of what a legend he is. Undoubtedly, the MLS was blessed to host a player of his caliber. Sad but grateful, here’s wishing Wondo a happy retirement.
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