Look Back At: Chris Wondolowski | OneFootball

Time to enter the Wayback Machine and turn the spotlight onto Chris Wondolowski, a name synonymous with two things: the San Jose Earthquakes and scoring goals!

Early Life

Chris Wondolowski (aka Wondo) was born on January 28, 1983, in Danville, California. Fun fact, the author lived in Danville for a few years. Growing up in a sports-loving family, he developed an early passion for soccer, playing for local clubs Mustang Soccer Association and Diablo Valley Soccer Club. His natural talent on the field became evident during his high school years at De La Salle High School, where he was a standout player. Wondolowski went on to attend Chico State University in upstate California (and a notorious party school). He played three seasons for the Wildcats, scoring 39 goals over 84 games and catching the eye of scouts despite Chico’s tiny footprint in the college soccer world.

The Dynamo Years

Wondolowski began his Major League Soccer (MLS) journey when he was selected by the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2005 MLS Supplemental Draft. The Earthquakes would relocate to Houston later that year and become the Dynamo, bringing Wondo along. Though primarily used as a substitute (he played 37 games and scored four times), he contributed to the Dynamo’s back-to-back MLS Cup victories in 2006 and 2007. Being a part of these early successes laid the foundation for what would become a stellar career, as Wondolowski honed his skills and prepared for bigger opportunities.

Back to the Quakes

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Wondo returned to the San Jose Earthquakes in 2009 when they re-entered the MLS, a move that would define his legacy. Over the next decade, he emerged as one of the most prolific goal-scorers in MLS history. His defining season came in 2012 when he won the MLS Golden Boot after scoring 27 goals, tying the league’s single-season record at the time. That year, he was also named the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), a testament to his incredible impact on the field.

Wondolowski’s consistent form and on-field leadership remained undimmed during his stint in San Jose, where he made 402 appearances in 13 seasons. On May 18, 2019 he scored four goals against the Chicago Fire, becoming the all-time leading goal-scorer in MLS history, surpassing Landon Donovan’s previous record of 145 goals. His last goal came on the final day of the 2021 season against FC Dallas. He announced his retirement later that day. He tallied an astonishing 171 league goals (167 for San Jose), a feat that cements legendary status in the game and still stands today.

International Duty

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He represented the U.S. Men’s National Team on 35 occasions, scoring 11 goals and participating in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Sadly, his international career lacked the consistency and excellence of his club career. It had its ups, such as when they won the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup. But it also had its downs, particularly when he missed a sitter against Belgium moments before the end of regulation. The US would lose in extra time. Regardless, Wondo would give 100% every time he touched the pitch for the U.S.

Records, Honors, Achievements