As a result of reaching our first Patreon goal, Quakes Epicenter caught up with Quakes supporter Dan (DanSports2 on Twitter) to hear more about when his love for the Quakes started, who he would sign if he was at the helm and more.
QE: How long have you been supporting the Quakes for?
Dan: I started following the Quakes during the Supporter Shield winning season of 2005. My home team, the Miami Fusion, had folded (and prior to that the Fort Lauderdale Strikers) and I was already planning a move to the Bay Area. It wasn’t easy following the Quakes remotely during that period, but Lalas and AEG made sure that wasn’t an issue…
QE: What has been your favorite moment at Avaya?
D: I’ll answer a little outside of the box and say the All-Star Game against Arsenal. It was great to have the entire league focusing on our new stadium-I think we get a bit left behind when it comes to national coverage (and understandably so considering our performances over the last several years), so it was nice to have everyone giving attention to the region even for a minute. I’d much prefer it become a regular thing due to the Quakes though.
QE: What made you a fan of the club?
D: Following the club was easy, but becoming a real fan didn’t happen until the first home match following the re-start in 2008. The intimacy and volume was enough to suck me in for good. The 2012 season was unreal though, that really cemented a team identity.
QE: If the club could sign any player who would you want them to bring?
D: I am unapologetically a fan of CBs who play with reckless abandon, so I’d say 2012-2013 Laurent Koscielny.
QE: What is one thing you would change about the club if you were in charge?
D: Honestly, I wish LOBINA was not there and I wish the main seating was field level rather than the box seats. I get what they were going for, but the atmosphere suffers for it. I really hope in time that the LOBINA end is closed off and the bar can somehow be shifted closer to Coleman. The game comes first-make that the priority for the fan game-day experience.
QE: What is one thing you would conserve if you were in charge of the club?
D: Wondo’s lifeforce.
QE: What’s your message to Earthquakes supporters?
D: Nothing other than that I hope we all have a shared sense of optimism for this season that can be felt by the new players and trainers. Last year can be something to really build off of, get in your seat and get loud.
I couldn’t refraіn from commenting. Exceptionally well written!