Minnesota United midfielder Ozzie Alonso distinguished himself during 10 seasons in Seattle by winning big and earning All-Star honors four times.
He added one more small distinction to his legacy Saturday when, 13 minutes into the home opener against New York City FC, he became the first to score a goal in new Allianz Field.
Alonso did so on a powerful volley from 8 yards out directly in front of the goal after an NYCFC defender had headed away Angelo Rodriguez's scoring attempt.
"I saw the ball and I hit it well and people start screaming," said Alonso, a defensive midfielder in most other instances. "Means a lot. I never thought I'd score first goal in new stadium. I'm very happy for the goal, but we've got to keep going."
He delivered it with authority and pace five minutes after he also became the first player in Allianz Field history to get a yellow card.
"And it was a class goal," teammate Brent Kallman said. "What a finish, perfect technique. Yeah, I was a little jealous."
Quintero returns
After he considered keeping the same lineup that won last week at the New York Red Bulls, United coach Adrian Heath inserted star Darwin Quintero into the starting lineup after he missed last week's game because of a groin injury. Heath started Romario Ibarra just behind Rodriguez in a 3-4-2-1 formation with longtime Loon Miguel Ibarra out for such a historic game because of a hamstring injury.
Quintero played into the 78th minute before Abu Danladi subbed for him.