If you build it, they will come.
When the Earthquakes opened Avaya Stadium at the beginning of the 2015 season, that’s what the supporters did. From all stretches of Northern California and beyond, they packed the seats in the state-of-the-art stadium 18,000 strong every match. Led by mascot Q and the supporters’ groups, they chanted and cheered, creating a rumble that rivaled the sounds of the airplanes departing and arriving across the street.
And the team has given them plenty to cheer about. Since opening the doors to their new home, the Earthquakes have gone 12-3-6 at Avaya Stadium, including an undefeated record so far this season (5-0-1). They have scored 23 goals over that span and were only held off the scoreboard in four total matches.
Feeding off the energy of the capacity crowd, many Earthquakes players have thrived at Avaya Stadium. Midfielder Fatai Alashe scored three of his four career goals in front of the home crowd, including the stadium’s inaugural goal during it’s opening match last season against the Chicago Fire.
“We seem to come out firing whenever we play here,” said Alashe. “I think that has a lot to do with the fans, the atmosphere and just being able to be at home.”
Amidst the fans' roars, there has also been silence at the stadium, thanks in large part to goalkeeper David Bingham. Bingham has been lights out in net for the Quakes at home, amassing an impressive 0.57 goals against average while shutting out their opponents 11 times in his 21 appearances.
Saturday’s match marks one of the Earthquakes’ toughest tests at Avaya Stadium to date. FC Dallas has had some of the most success in the league on the road this season, notching an MLS-leading three wins while scoring 10 goals on opposing turf.
“We know that the support of the fans is very important for us,” said defender Andres Imperiale. “We haven’t lost yet here and we’ve collected a lot of points. We have a difficult game in front of us and it’s very important that they come to support us.”
