Top 8 Goal Celebrations in Quakes History

By: Ian | June 10th, 2008

Last week’s game against the Crew was enough to convince any Quakes fan that they had either had one too many or that they must have finally snapped under the pressure of an expansion season and lost their sanity. How else to explain a Quakes squad missing Garcia, Guerrero, and Kamara calmly disposing of Columbus and collecting three points on the road? I really thought I was hallucinating when I saw Corrales not only score his second goal of the season with a beautifully placed header, but combine with Ronnie O after the play for an equally inspired celebration that deserves to make the rounds of all the Quakes websites. All of which got me thinking. I’ve been a little hard on this team lately, mostly because humor is the tried and true method of survival when your club is bottom of the league, but its time for an uplifting tribute to the outstanding goal celebrations in Quakes history. Hey, I love a good countdown anyway.

#8: “The Big Bang” – Eric Wynalda

Not the most creative or inspiring goal celebration, but it was the first, thus meriting an honorary inclusion. After scoring the first goal in MLS history, Wynalda opts for the classic shirt removal, but only stops halfway, either through choice, fatigue, or getting mobbed by his teammates I have no idea.

#7: “Goal Envy” – John Doyle

Before his GM days, Doyle was a defender and captain for the San Jose Clash. Not content with those roles, however, I believe he had a secret desire to be a marauding forward. Exhibit A: he knocked in a few nice goals during his career. So what? So have a lot of defenders. Ah, but how about Exhibit B. how many defenders do you know punctuate a goal with an acrobatic, half-cartwheel, half-backflip celebration. He deserves marks for breaking the mold of the classic defender first pump upon scoring a goal.

#6: “Banishing the Dark Side” – Danny Califf

Speaking of defenders, I remember being a bit skeptical when we picked up Califf from the Scum in ‘05. It seemed like he had been there a little too long and might not be able to turn from the dark side, as other L.A. rejects have when exposed to the light of San Jose. My fears were completely unwarranted as not only did he help anchor one of the best defenses in MLS history, but he scored the winning goal against his old team on their second trip to Spartan that year. Not only that, but he ran towards the Casbah kissing the Quakes crest on his shirt. Can’t ask for a better exorcism than that. Game. Set. Match.

#5: “The Chicken Dance” – Dwayne DeRosario

This one needs no explanation. DeRo was always good for highlight reel goals and the unexpected, after which he would unleash his patented chicken dance. The most famous use was after the winning goal of MLS Cup 2001. Has been tainted a little by its use in an orange jersey.

#4: “Get on the Ground!” – Troy Dayak

Wow, defenders have come up with a lot of good goal celebrations it seems. In this case, Dayak’s goal against MIami in the 2001 playoffs was momentous and remarkable, but the celebration itself seemed rather ordinary at first (yes, you guessed it, a fist in the air). However, Dayak is the unwitting victim of a wrap tackle by his teammate halfway through and wrestled to the ground, soon finding himself on the bottom of a pile of Quakes. Classic.

#3: “Got Some Captain in You?” – Ramiro Corrales (assisted by Ronnie O’Brien)

Yes, I know, not as important as some of the other goals and celebrations on this list, and the new kid on the block, but I have to give it up for this one because of its creativity and humor. Corrales puts it in the net off an O’Brien free kick, then runs to O’Brien’s side to pull off a hands-on-the-hip, knee-raised Cap’n Morgan impression. I can only imagine the story and planning behind this one.

#2: “Super Ekelund” – Ronnie Ekelund

Probably my all-time favorite if not for the emotional resonance of #1. After putting the Quakes on top in MLS Cup 2003 through a laser of a free kick, Ekelund crosses his arms and raises his chin, cementing his status as a true Quakes superhero fit to be plastered on propaganda posters and inspiring murals for generations to come.

#1: “Just Like Heaven” – Rodrigo Faria

Yes, that goal. After the greatest comeback in MLS history, in the playoffs, against our most hated enemy, Faria seals the deal with a goldern goal in extra time. He then slides to the ground on his knees and lays back with his arms outsretched and face to the sky. The rain that was threatening all night began to fall and the Quakes players, coaches, and staff piled on him. On top of it all, he had just lost his father. His time with the Quakes may have been short, but he is an immortal part of the club’s history and gets the top spot in this countdown for the pure poetry of his celebration.