This past week, the Earthquakes organization lost a founding member of its family. Mike Mesaros, a midfielder for the club in San Jose’s inaugural season in 1974, passed away in Seattle. He was 82 years old.
Mesaros, a native of Yugoslavia, came to the United States in 1967 with the sole purpose of developing the beautiful game in America. He came to The States after a glorified career with Belgrade giants FK Partizan in the 1950’s during the club’s "Golden Era." Following stints with NASL club's Los Angeles Toros and the Oakland Clippers, “Meske" landed in San Jose, laying the foundation for a proud culture of Earthquakes soccer that still stands today.