In his first match in San Jose since being traded by the Earthquakes, Mauricio Wright scored New England’s tying goal 16 seconds into stoppage time.
SOCCER AMERICA: What was it like playing in Spartan Stadium in a different jersey?
MAURICIO WRIGHT: It was difficult because the crowd supported me always, every single game I played here. They treated me so, so good that I have something deep in my heart for the fans here in San Jose. But to be a professional, I have to play 100 percent always.
SA: After you scored to tie the game, what were you thinking, feeling?
MW: This is what I say many times when I played for San Jose in San Jose – no problem. It’s a great team, it’s difficult to beat here because you play with a lot of confidence. … That goal is for my little boy Shandon. He is only 2 months, he was born here in San Jose and he was in the stadium. He gave me a kiss when I go to the field in the second half. It’s for the fans, also. This is strange, but I want to give something to the fans here in San Jose.
SA: Can you describe how your role is different now than it was with San Jose?
MW: I play the same. … The most important thing for me is that Brian Quinn and Fernando Clavijo, those coaches give me a lot confidence. They say, “OK, we know you are a defender, when you take the ball, play the way you play.” It’s too late to try to change my style of play.
SA: Why did your shirt underneath say ‘I love Costa Rica’ instead of ‘I love Boston’?
MW: It’s my country and a lot of fans from Costa Rica every single time come to the stadium here when I play, so I have to show something to them.
SA: But you saw what Clint Mathis’ shirt said …
MW: Clint Mathis is different. Maybe he feels a little bit not good for L.A. because of the trade, but I don’t feel that. I am in the same family. San Jose and the Revolution have the same owner and I feel like I am playing for the same family.
by Soccer America associate editor Will Kuhns