San Jose Earthquakes rookie Fatai Alashe made history Sunday, as his 5th minute goal to give his team a 1-0 lead over the Chicago Fire marks the first goal in Avaya Stadium history.
An early corner kick for San Jose, delivered as an outswinger by designated player Matias Perez Garcia, fell to JJ Koval just outside the six-yard box. An often target for the Quakes on set pieces, Koval barely eluded the onrushing Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson before sending his header toward goal. The ball deflected off his teammate Ty Harden and back outside the mix.
But Chicago couldn't clear, and defender Clarence Goodson, making his first start of the season, redirected the ball back on target. And before it could get to the goal line, Alashe stepped into the play and headed the ball into an empty net.
Less than five minutes into the first-ever MLS regular season match at brand new Avaya Stadium and Alashe scores the first-ever goal of his MLS career.