San Jose Earthquakes assistant coach Benjamin Galindo suffers stroke

News emerged on Thursday that San Jose Earthquakes assistant coach Benjamin Galindo suffered a stroke in Guadalajara and was in emergency surgery as a result, according to ESPN Deportes.

Galindo, 59, is in his second season as an assistant at the Quakes. The Mexican has an extensive coaching resumé, managing noted Liga MX clubs Chivas, Santos Laguna, Cruz Azul and Atlas, and winning a league title with Santos in 2012. Previously, Galindo played at a high level, featuring over 700 times for a series of Mexican clubs and earning 65 caps for the Mexican national team as a midfielder.

Galindo’s son, also named Benjamin Galindo, who played on loan from Chivas at San Jose’s USL affiliate Reno 1868 FC last year, tweeted out a message asking for support Thursday afternoon.

Following surgery, Galindo Jr. provided an update that they were optimistic Galindo Sr. would recover, but he will be closely monitored over the next 72 hours.

Quakes head coach Matias Almeyda sent out a tweet of support hoping for Galindo to be on the sideline to joyfully hug once again.

And the Earthquakes tweeted out a note of support for Galindo as well.

The club subsequently released a statement Thursday evening confirming the brain surgery, with a statement from GM Jesse Fioranelli.

“Benjamin is a beloved member of the Quakes family and means so much to the soccer community in North America,” said Fioranelli. “Our players and staff have the utmost respect for him as a coach and our entire organization admires him as a person. He truly embodies the Earthquakes spirit and we’re sending our thoughts and prayers to his family.”

Needless to say, here’s hoping Galindo is ok and can make a recovery. We’ll keep you posted on additional details if they emerge.

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