The San Jose Earthquakes will be well represented at the 2016 adidas ESP match Wednesday afternoon at 3 p.m. at Avaya Stadium as academy players Eric De La Cerda, Mario Anaya and Jordan Mazariegos will step onto the pitch alongside some of the best academy talent in the country. Ahead of their big game, we caught up with the 2001 born players to talk about what it means to represent San Jose in this celebrated fixture.
Eric De La Cerda, Goalkeeper
Overall thoughts on playing in the match…
“When I first got the email, I was just really happy. It was really exciting to get the news that I was being selected to play in this ESP match. I’ve seen in past years other players that have gone to the match and I’ve always wanted to be invited, so it’s an honor.
On getting notified about being selected…
“My family was really excited for me. It’s funny because I almost missed the email they sent me so they gave me a follow up phone call. My family was cheering for me. We even had a party for it, too.”
On approach to the game…
“I just want to keep it simple. I like to approach every game the same way. I want to play out of the back and every once in a while I want to hit a good through ball in behind for my forwards and wingers.”
On playing alongside fellow Quakes teammates…
“It’s pretty special to me knowing that two other of my guys will be with me representing the San Jose Earthquakes to show how good we are to the world.”
On who he wants to thank for getting to this point…
“I want to thank my coaches throughout my life for helping me through the bad and the good. I want to thank my family because they’ve always been thoughtful and they’ve always pushed me to be my best.”
Mario Anaya, Midfielder
Overall thoughts on playing in the match…
“I’m really excited. When I first got the email I couldn’t believe it. I was nervous because this match is the best in the nation. For me, I don’t see myself there yet but I’m continuing to strive for it.”
On what he’s looking forward to for the match…
“I look forward to just going out there and playing. I think thats what all of these guys look forward to. There’s a lot of competition and that’s what I like to be around. I want to keep it simple and hope to get forward here and there to get a goal.”
On training with adidas ESP…
“We’ve had a couple trainings ahead of the game just to go over a few things. We also played a few games of soccer tennis with the other ESP players so it’s been fun.”
On who he wants to thank for getting to this point…
“I just want to thank my three past coaches: Jeff Jenkins, Andres Louis Morela and my soon to be coach Paul [Holocher] because he had confidence in me playing up last year and I want to thank him for that.”
Jordan Mazariegos, Midfielder
Overall thoughts on playing in the match…
“I’m excited to be playing in the match. It’s an honor to be playing with these players from other academies and playing in the stadium like that.”
On who he wants to thank for getting to this point…
“I want to thank the San Jose Earthquakes for getting me to this point and my parents for always being there for me.”
