Fan rushes field, throws punch at Quakes player

Chico State grad Wondo put the fan in headlock

An on-field brawl where a fan stormed the pitch during the San Jose Earthquakes friendly against reigning Liga MX champions Cruz Azul precluded a wave of violence surrounding the stadium after the game Thursday night in San Jose.

During the game, a fan donning a Cruz Azul jersey and a Lucha Libre mask stormed the field and appeared to assault Jack Skahan of the Earthquakes. Goalkeeper Daniel Vega tried to stop the fan as he approached, but the fan still was able to throw a punch.

Chris Wondolowski, the MLS all-time leading scorer, intervened in the on-field scuffle, putting the fan in a headlock to the ground before security was able to step in.

Police took the fan into custody and later released him pending further investigation. Authorities will determine if they will press charges against the fan, who they have not named publicly, after they speak with Skahan, who they have not yet interviewed.

After the game, one person was grazed by a bullet and multiple people were injured in fights when a melee broke out Thursday night near the stadium, authorities said.

San Jose police reported at least one shooting at PayPal Park and the surrounding parking lots. The gunshot wound victim’s injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

Officers arrested five people, including one person for firearms violations, San Jose police said on Twitter.

The Earthquakes said Thursday night that they were aware of the violence outside the stadium and working with police on the matter.

More than 40 officers responded to the stadium and declared an unlawful assembly.

Saturday’s friendly between Chivas de Guadalajara and Club Leon at PayPal Park has been postponed, the Earthquakes said in a statement Friday night.

The Earthquakes said “the safety and security of all guests at PayPal Park is and will remain the club’s top priority.”

The Earthquakes won Thursday’s friendly by a score of 2-0. Paul Marie and Cristian Espinoza both scored in the second half.

TONY AVELAR — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski (8) battles for the ball against Seattle Sounders midfielder Danny Leyva (75) during the second half of an MLS match on Sept. 29.