There was a rousing atmosphere for Real Sociedad's first LaLiga World match

On their third day in California, Real Sociedad played the first match of their LaLiga World tour. The 18,000-capacity Avaya Stadium in San Jose was buzzing for the visit of the Basque outfit and there was an electric – and distinctly American – feel to the occasion, with the fans lapping up the football and feasting on the fare from the famous food trucks that formed part of a hive of activity outside the ground.

A special guest graced the Avaya Stadium: none other than Raul Gonzalez, LaLiga's country manager in the USA, who spent a little time with both teams and even received a gift from Real Sociedad at the interval. "Soccer is growing a lot. There was a great party atmosphere and everyone enjoyed the game," said Raul, who also presented Chris Wondolowski – the difference-maker with two goals for the hosts – with the Man of the Match award after the final whistle.

There was no shortage of intensity or competitiveness on the pitch. Alberto de la Bella's opener after 10 minutes was cancelled out by Wondolowski's equaliser on the brink of half-time. Many of the Basque side's youth players got a piece of the action and displayed their credentials in a bid to earn a first-team squad berth. Towards the end of the contest, the American striker popped up again to notch the decisive goal in a 2-1 win.

Despite Wondolowski recording a brace, all eyes were on Carlos Vela throughout, particularly with so many vocal Mexican supporters in attendance. Spain's national rugby sevens team also enjoyed the match and were photographed alongside La Real's starting XI. "Soccer is coming on leaps and bounds in the United States and it's very well organised. On top of that, it's brilliant to come here and transmit the values of LaLiga, the best league in the world," stated De la Bella after the game.

Real Sociedad's next test on their LaLiga World tour is against the Houston Dynamo at the BBVA Compass Stadium in the Space City on Wednesday 25 May.