San Jose Earthquakes successful season creates MLS Cup Final hosting conundrum

A historic weekend awaits the San Jose Earthquakes, and local media coverage has jumped on the story with gusto. Television camera crews have been flocking to the site of the new stadium to highlight Sunday's Guinness World Record groundbreaking ceremony. MLS Most Valuable Player shoo-in Chris Wondolowski grabs headlines as he pursues the all-time record for goals scored in a season. And if results go their way, the team could be celebrating the franchise's second ever Supporters' Shield before the sun sets on Sunday's festivities, bringing another championship to the Bay Area.

Even Quake, Rattle, and Goal is getting in on the action, as yesterday the blog was featured during the drive-time newscast of 88.5 FM KQED Radio. Clocking in at just under five minutes, the interview was a chance to share with a wide-ranging Northern California audience the latest news on the Earthquakes. The biggest question regarded where the team would host MLS Cup Final if the scenario presented itself -- reliable fortress Buck Shaw Stadium, glamorous showcase Stanford Stadium, or even ancestral home Spartan Stadium.

The answer is not clear-cut, as MLS has the final say and has logistical conditions of its own, but the choices are intriguing. The players and hard-core supporters want The Buck; the bandwagon fans needing tickets will opt for Stanford; the nostalgia lovers conjure up dreams of returning to Spartan. The decision should come down to which facility will ensure the Earthquakes a competitive advantage on their quest to win a third star above their crest -- the only factor worth considering.