The San Jose Earthquakes gave a pregame show of support to assistant coach Benjamin Galindo before kickoff of their Group B opener against the Seattle Sounders in the MLS is Back Tournament on Friday.
San Jose announced Thursday that Galindo has been released from intensive care and is recovering at home with his familyafter suffering a cerebral stroke in Guadalajara, Mexico on May 28 that necessitated brain surgery. Galindo joined Matias Almyeda's staff ahead of the 2019 season.
"It’s a tough moment for us not to have Benja," said Almeyda in his press conference following the 0-0 draw. "Luckily Benja is a lot better. We spoke to him and he’s recovering. We’ll be waiting for him. He’s working for us from his home. It gives the group strength because it shows that if you fight you can do it. Fighting with love and passion you can get better.
"We’re currently living through a complicated moment around the world. This pandemic is claiming a lot of lives. I only ask the players to enjoy what they’re doing. Soccer is a game. It’s not something to be overly dramatic about. It’s to be enjoyed. And the players gave everything today because we wanted to give Benja a present. I think Benja is happy because the team played like we train. Soon we’ll have him with us, God willing."
