San Jose Can't Hang in Salt Lake

At Rice-Eccles Stadium, Real Salt Lake picked apart the defense of the San Jose Earthquakes early and often on its way to a convincing 4-0 victory in the U.S. Open Cup play-in game on Wednesday evening.

Kyle Beckerman had two first-half goals, Yura Movsisyan and Andy Williams finished off the scoring. The Earhtquakes played many of their non-starters in this match and it showed. To make matters worse, San Jose struggled to generate much momentum after losing Jay Ayres and Ryan Cochrane to injuries early in the first half. The two collided while battling for a high ball in the ninth minute. Ayres bloodied his nose in the collision and Cochrane had a bleeding laceration in his forehead. Both players remained down on the turf for nearly five minutes before being helped to the locker room. San Jose manager Frank Yallop was forced into the two early substitutions, bringing in Riley and Jason Hernandez.

On the Cochrane & Ayres injuries in the opening minutes of the game, coach Frank Yallop said “It shocked us a little; it was a pretty bad collision, to be honest. I was sitting close, it was loud and I think it disturbed a few of our players. We just have to see how they are. I think Jay Ayres is worse off than Ryan Cochrane, but they’re both pretty concussed and in the hospital at the moment, so hopefully they’ll be okay.” It was a cold night in Salt Lake and the wintry weather played a role, “It’s never an easy surface to play on, and I think Real Salt Lake played well on it, to be honest, and we didn’t play good at all. Late in the game [we] had a couple of chances, but I think the game was well and buried by then.”

Preston Burpo was in goal for the Quakes and made six saves on the evening. He felt the Earthquakes had blown their opportunity to compete in the tournament, “There’s not much to take out of it; it’s a knock-out game and we lost. You can talk about the weather, you can talk about the field, you can talk about a good crowd tonight. There’s nothing to take out of it quite honestly. At this point we’re out of the tournament. We had two chances at a trophy, this was one, and now we have league trophy to look at.”

So now the Quakes will try to regroup as they come home to play in their opener at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara on Saturday when they take on FC Dallas. We'll monitor the injury situation of Ryan Cochrane and see how this loss impacts the confidence of the team as they move forward.

Quakes Go Down to RSL in Open Cup Play-In Match

Scoring Summary: RSL -- Kyle Beckerman 1 (Matias Mantilla 1) 21 RSL -- Kyle Beckerman 2 (Andy Williams 1) 33 RSL -- Yura Movsisyan 1 (Matias Cordoba 1) 33 RSL -- Andy Williams 1 (Tino Nunez 1) 90

Real Salt Lake -- Chris Seitz; Tony Beltran, Jamison Olave, Matias Mantilla, Chris Wingert (Dustin Kirby 64); Andy Williams, Matias Cordoba (Javier Morales 58), Kenny Cutler, Kyle Beckerman (Captain) (Dema Kovalenko 45); Yura Movsisyan (Tino Nunez 75), Robbie Findley

Substitutes Not Used: Kyle Reynish, Kenny Duechar, David Horst

San Jose Earthquakes -- Preston Burpo; Adam Smarte, Ryan Cochrane (James Riley 14), Jay Ayres (Jason Hernandez 15), Eric Denton; Shea Salinas, Ramiro Corrales (Captain) (Ivan Guerrero 45), Joe Vide, Ryan Johnson; John Cunliffe, Peguero Jean Philippe (Ned Grabavoy 63).

Substitutes Not Used: Joe Cannon, Kei Kamara

San Jose Real Salt Lake total shots: 5 (John Cunliffe 2) 17 (Yura Movsisyan 5) shots on goal: 4 (John Cunliffe 2) 11 (Yura Movsisyan 3) fouls: 10 (Peguero Jean Philippe 2) 13 (Matias Mantilla 3) offsides: 3 (John Cunliffe 2) 5 (Yura Movsisyan 3) corner kicks: 3 (3 players wityh 1) 7 (Matias Cordoba 4) saves: 6 (Preston Burpo 6) 4 (Chris Seitz 4)

Misconduct Summary: SJ -- Eric Denton (caution; Professional Foul) 43 SJ -- Peguero Jean Philippe (caution; Diving, Exaggeration) 62

Referee: Yader Reyes Referee's Assistants: Tyler Ploeger, Feliciano Palomino 4th official: Alex Krelo Time of game: 1:53 Attendance: 10,761 Weather: Cloudy/Snow Showers and 46 degrees

Players and Coaches Reactions to Red Bulls Loss

The Quakes kept the game even until the 79th minute, but let a couple of goals in late. Frank Yallop felt good overall about their play but broke down in the second half saying “It was a bit of an off game for us. We didn’t create as much as we would have liked going forward. However, we did have some success stopping them and the game seemed to be a bit of a stalemate. I thought we could have come out of the game with a tie, but a couple of plays at the end and that is the game.” Regarding the second half he added “At halftime, I told the guys we needed to be prepared to a get a clean sheet in the second half. We didn’t seem to have enough to get the win today, but we need to come out of a game like this with a point.”

Defender Nick Garcia regretted not being able to secure a draw in New Jersey saying “On the road, you always want to get at least a point. We had played the Red Bulls in preseason and done quite well so we expected to play well tonight, but we came out slow. We didn’t possess the ball well enough to create the chances we needed to win the game.”

Forward Peguero Jean Philippe played his first game of the season for the Earthquakes after joining on load from Brondby and commented “It felt good to get out on the field again, but we lost the game, so it could have been better. We probably should have gotten a result tonight, but we have to move on and come out stronger next game.” In regards to the Quakes attack, “We tried to create some chances in the second half and get some crosses in. Today was just not our day and we need to keep working and find ways to get some goals.”

So from New Jersey the Quakes head to Salt Lake for a Wednesday match up as their play in game for the US Open Cup tourney. I'm guessing Frank Yallop may take a look at some other players and switch things up a bit. We'll see as we get closer to the game how things shake out. Following the Salt lake game, the Quakes will then head home for their first home game to be played at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara. The Quakes take on FC Dallas and than the Columbus Crew. After having four of their first five games on the road they will love having a couple of games in their newly renovated home field at home in Santa Clara.

Quakes Beaten by Red Bulls on the Road

The San Jose Earthquakes went down 2-0 to the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium. Mike Magee scored a penalty kick with 11 minutes to go and Jozy Altidore netted a goal in stoppage time to give the Red Bulls the win. Watching this game on Telemundo, one thing was clear in New Jersey at Giants Stadium, there were plenty on red seats attending the game with attendance being announced at 9.053.

The Earthquakes created some scoring chances early but than faded throughout the first half. Ivan Guerrero had the first chance for the Quakes in the opening 15 minutes. Kei Kamara received a throw-in from Ronnie O’Brien on the left wing and Kamara then slipped a pass behind the defense for Guerrero. He appeared to have an opening inside the box, but Chris Leitch recovered to knock the ball away from Guerrero to end the threat.

Nick Garcia cleared two shots off of the goal line in this one. The first one was in the 38th minute, was a clearance of a Claudio Reyna shot to keep the game scoreless.

The Red Bulls took the lead in the 79th minute from the penalty spot with a goal from Mike Magee. Wolyniec found Jozy Altidore with a through ball and Altidore broke in with Ryan Cochrane defending. Cochrane fouled Altidore right at the edge of the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Magee then blasted a shot past Cannon, though Cannon appeared to have nicked the ball, but couldn't get enough of it to deflect it away.

Moments later, Kamara had a chance to equalize for San Jose. James Riley found Ivan Guerrero on the wing and the Honduran international sent a cross into the box for Kamara, who pushed a header to the near post. Red Bulls goalkeeper Jon Conway dove to his right to make the save to preserve the 1-0 advantage.

Garcia cleared another ball off the line in the waning moments of the game on a header by Wolyniec. With the ball bouncing in the box, Wolyniec jumped and headed the ball past a charging Cannon, but Garcia got back to clear the ball away for a second time.

Altidore netted a goal in the final seconds of the match off a pass from Wolyniec to complete the scoring. Wolyniec received the ball in the box and laid it off to Altidore, who tapped a shot off the post and in.

Scoring Summary NY – Magee (penalty kick), 79; NY – Altidore (Wolyniec), 95+.

Cautions/Ejections SJ – Hernandez (Yellow), 35; SJ – Corrales (Yellow), 61; SJ – Garcia (Yellow), 87.

Lineups SJ – GK Joe Cannon, D Jason Hernandez, D Ryan Cochrane, D Nick Garcia, D James Riley, M Ronnie O’Brien, M Ned Grabavoy (Peguero Jean Philippe, 67), M Ramiro Corrales, M Ivan Guerrero (Shea Salinas, 81), F Gavin Glinton (Joe Vide, 46), F Kei Kamara

Statistics: Shots 5; Shots on Goal 2; Saves 4 (Cannon 4); Fouls 17; Offsides 0; Corner Kicks 6

NY – GK Jon Conway, D Chris Leitch, D Jeff Parke, D Kevin Goldthwaite (Carlos Mendes, 75), M Luke Sassano, M Claudio Reyna, M Seth Stammler, M Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Mike Magee, 46), M Dave van den Bergh(Danleigh Borman, 72), F Jozy Altidore, F John Wolyniec

Statistics: Shots 19; Shots on Goal 8; Saves 2 (Conway 2); Fouls 13; Offsides 1; Corner Kicks 11

What did you think of the Earthquakes play in this road game?

Schrader and Dayak to Call EarthQuakes Games

The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the team has partnered with Comcast SportsNet Bay Area and Comcast SportsNet West to televise 15 live games on local television during the 2008 Major League Soccer season. Quakes games will air both on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area and Comcast SportsNet West with John Shrader and Troy Dayak calling the action from the booth.

“We are proud to partner with Comcast SportsNet to air 15 games locally in 2008,” said Earthquakes Executive Vice President David Alioto. “Combined with our national television broadcasts, we will have every Quakes game televised in 2008. We are also happy to welcome John Shrader back to the broadcast booth alongside Quakes legend Troy Dayak.”

The broadcasts kick off on Saturday, May 3 when the Earthquakes host FC Dallas in the Buck Shaw Stadium opener. The game begins at 7 p.m. PT and will air on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area. Overall, 11 home games and four road contests will be televised between the two stations. The first road telecast will be Wednesday, June 18 at Real Salt Lake on Comcast SportsNet West.

Shrader has been the voice of the Earthquakes (Clash) either on radio or television since 1996 and has worked in Bay Area broadcasting for over 25 years. He currently serves as the sideline reporter for the San Jose Sharks broadcasts on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, while also teaching journalism and media at San Jose State University and San Jose City College. Prior to his current duties, he spent 14 years at all-sports station KNBR 680 AM, where he hosted talk shows and covered the San Francisco 49ers. He has broadcast numerous events around the country, and spent time at two San Jose TV stations, KNTV and KICU. For nearly a decade Shrader was the voice of San Jose State athletics. Shrader broadcast the 2002 & 2003 MLS All-Star Games and the 2002 and 2003 MLS Cup Finals on the radio.

Dayak had one of the most decorated careers in Earthquakes history. The former defender played for eight seasons (1996-98, 2001-05) for the Quakes and helped the club win two MLS Cup Championships. He played in 129 games for San Jose during his career and scored nine goals and notched seven assists, playing mainly as a central defender and right back. His overtime goal in the 2001 MLS Cup Playoffs against the Miami Fusion sent the Quakes to their MLS Cup Final in team history. He also overcame career-threatening knee and back injuries in his career and was named the 2001 MLS Comeback Player of the Year. He has worked as a broadcaster on Earthquakes radio broadcasts and HDNet national telecasts.

Grabavoy Settling in at San Jose

At Earthquakes practice today, I chatted with Ned Grabavoy. Grabavoy obtained his first assist of the season when he fed Kei Kamara in the Rapids game this past weekend. With the Quakes playing strongly the last two games they were pushing hard to get a positive result that would help them in the standings and Grabavoy has been a big part of maintaining possession and creating those scoring opportunities against both the Fire and the Rapids. Ned commented on his keys for the upcoming games for the Earthquakes, "I think our team needs to keep training hard. We need to be competitive in training, guys need to push one another. From there, it's just a situation from game to game, going into every game there's going to be different objectives, different teams, different formations we're playing against and we just need to try to be on the same page when we play." Commenting on his assist from his through ball to Kamara "it felt good, being that we were up 1-0 we knew they would be pressing the issue and that goal kind of took some of the pressure off us and killed their momentum. We were very happy to get the three points in Colorado."

Besides creating some opportunities for others Grabavoy has been trying to look for his shot at times as well, "I need to be more aggressive around the goal. I try to work on those things in training. But we have four midfielders that can all play, they can score, they can play other guys in. So it's just a matter of playing with one another and when the open guy finds it, taking advantage of the opportunity." Grabavoy has been matched up most of the time with Ramiro Corrales in the center of the park and their chemistry has continued to grow. For Grabavoy, "we just make sure we're balanced, if I need to go back and be the holding midfielder than I have to do it. We're a partnership."

The Red Bulls tend to play with five midfielders so that will be something to watch as the Quakes four mids match up with the Red Bulls in the middle of the field. San Jose faced them in the Carolina Cup so they've matched up against them recently. Grabavoy says facing them gave them some exposure to the formation "it's going to have to be a team effort to defend against them. One guy is going to have to tuck in and maybe Gavin comes back a bit to help out."

So Ned Grabavoy and the Earthquakes are off the New Jersey on Friday. They practice Saturday in New jersey and then take on the Red Bulls on Sunday. What have you thought of Grabavoy's play in the last two games?

Pictures from Today's Practice

Jean Phillipe Peguero sighting

Kei Kamara working on finishing drills

Check back later for my interview with Ned Grabavoy

Buck Shaw Stadium Pictures

With the San Jose Earthquakes set to play their first first game at Buck Shaw Stadium at Santa Clara University here's how the stadium improvements are shaping up. The additional seating has been added on the side next to the parking garage. The field playing surface has been redone entirely. The portable state-of-the-art digital video board and sound system are going in at this time and things look to be generally on schedule for the upcoming game on Saturday, May 3. The Quakes held practice today on the new practice field that they also put in at the university which is an artificial turf field made in Italy by a company called Italgreen. In place of the rubber pellets found in most new artificial turfs, the new field uses the ecological alternative Geofill, the 100 perecent natural infill patented by Italgreen made mostly of vegetal fibers and minerals according to the company.

New Stands that were added


Field lines will be going down in the next few days

The existing stands and press box

Drainage improvements were made and the crown was taken out

Portable state-of-the-art digital video board and sound system still being added next to the current scoreboard

TFC Supporters Chants

Many San Jose Earthquakes fans are anticipating a wonderful atmosphere at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara where the Earthquakes will play most of their home games for the next few years. The newly renovated stadium will definitely provide an intimate atmosphere. The The San Jose supporters groups have done well over the years to sing their chants but they always seemed to be isolated from the rest of the crowd for the most part. Wouldn't it be great if the supporters groups were able to lead the entire stadium in chants at certain times of the game? The crowd at Toronto games has gained a reputation for being one of if not the most active in the league. Will the Earthquakes supporters be able to create a similar dynamic at Buck Shaw and get the entire stadium involved?

Here's an example of the TFC crowd in action.

Non-Roster Players on Reserve Squad

The following players played as guest players with the Earthquakes on Sunday against the Colorado Rapids reserve squad.

Javier Ayala-Hill - drafted in thre 2008 Supplemental Draft, Round 2 by Chivas USA. Played for Cal, went to high school at Menlo-Atherton HS and grew up in East Palo Alto.

Julian Nash - Nash was signed by the San Jose Earthquakes as a developmental player in March 2005 after an outstanding collegiate career at Creighton, and a stellar season in the USL Premier Development League where he scored 12 goals in 13 games for Chicago Fire Premier. He played 10 games for San Jose in 2005 and scored in his only start against Real Salt Lake October 8. He appeared in all 12 reserve games for San Jose, scoring four goals. Along with the rest of his Earthquakes teammates, he moved to Houston for the 2006 season. He played 6 games for Houston in 2006 and none in 2007.

Scott Campbell - Was drafted in the fourth round by the Colorado Rapids in the 2008 Supplemental draft. Played for University of North Carolina, went to high school at South Plantation High School, Fla.

Reserve Squad Ties Rapids on Sunday

The San Jose Earthquakes Reserves battled the Colorado Rapids Reserves to a 1-1 draw at Dick's Sporting Goods Park the day after the senior rosters went at it.

Kelly Gray would score the first of the game in the 80th minute. Kosuke Kimura played a ball to Gray on the flank. The San Jose native then cut inside and ripped a shot inside the far post to give Colorado the 1-0 lead.

San Jose would equalize in the 88th minute when Eric Denton took a free kick from just outside the penalty area and placed his shot just inside the far post.

Scoring Summary: COL - Gray (Kimura) 80 SJ - Denton (unassisted) 88

Lineups: Colorado Rapids Reserves - Chris Sharpe, Kelly Gray, Cesar Zambrano, Tim Ward, Jordan Harvey, Nico Colaluca (Herculez Gomez 58), Pablo Mastroeni (Brian Grazier 62), Mehdi Ballouchy (Raphael Gomes 70), Ciaran O'Brien, Jovan Kirovski (Tom McManus 58), Jacob Peterson (Kosuke Kimura 75)

Substitute not used: A.J. Kurtz

San Jose Earthquakes Reserves - Preston Burpo, Eric Denton, Jamil Roberts (Javier Ayala-Hill 70), Greg Curry, Ryan Johnson, Adam Sloustcher, Joe Vide, Adam Smarte, Matt Hatzke (Scott Campbell 59), Shea Salinas (Julian Nash 45), John Cunliffe

Substitutes not used: None

Misconduct Summary: COL - Mastroeni (Caution) 11 COL - Ward (Caution) 30 SJ - Smarte (Caution) 57 SJ - Roberts (Caution) 67 SJ - Campbell (Caution) 67 COL - Harvey (Caution) 88

San Jose Giving Trial to PDL Player of the Year

San Jose has been taking a look at Fresno Fuego striker Pablo Campos, last year's Player of the Year in the Premier Development League. The Earthquakes are apparently considering him for a development roster spot as a Generation Adidas player.

The 6' 3" Brazilian spent a couple of days last week in San Jose training with the Earthquakes. Real Salt Lake and Chivas USA also reportedly are interested in Campos, who last year played for the the Fuego.

Originally from Rio De Janeiro, Campos attended Fresno Pacific and earned NAIA All-American honors last season. Campos, finished second on the Sunbirds with 17 goals and 43 points on the season. In the year prior, he attended and played for Oklahoma Baptist University.

Campos has a history of celebrating his goals by impersonating various animals has had plenty of opportunities to pretend to be a goose or other exotic creatures over the last few years.

SJ Player Ratings Versus Rapids - 4/18

Player Ratings
1 - Joe Cannon (GK) 6
3 - Nick Garcia 5
4 - James Riley 5
5 - Ryan Cochrane 5
7 - Ronnie O'Brien 7
9 - Gavin Glinton 5
11 - Ned Grabavoy 6
12 - Ramiro Corrales 6
16 - Kei Kamara 7
21 - Jason Hernandez 6
23 - Ivan Guerrero 6
Substitutes
6 - Joe Vide 56 in 5
15 - Shea Salinas 62 in 5
19 - Ryan Johnson 84 in 5

MLS Power Rankings - Week Four

Soccer Spin MLS Power Rankings
1. Kansas City (3-1-1). Impressive road win. Top team in the league right now.
2. Columbus (3-1-0). They're hot! Even winning on the road this week.
3. Chicago (2-1-1). Defense only let one in. But they lost by one at home.
4. FC Dallas (2-0-2). Two wins in a row now after two draws.
5. New England (2-2-1). Go the tying goal right after going down a man.
6. Colorado (2-2-0). Will the real Rapids please stand up? Los at home to the Quakes this week.
7. Toronto FC (2-2-0). Two wins in a row now.
8. Chivas USA (1-2-1). Injuries and suspensions are weighing them down.
9. Real Salt Lake (1-2-1). Couldn't get a result at TFC.
10. New York (1-1-1). Sweet goal from Altidore, but they couldn't convert another to win the game.
11. Houston (0-1-2). Played well but couldn't get the win over Beckham and Donovan.
12. San Jose (1-2-0). Looked great two weeks in a row, got first goals of the season and win of the season on the road even.
13. Los Angeles (1-2-1). Only got a draw at home against winless Dynamo.
14. DC United (1-3-0). Worst form in the league right now.

Earthquakes Get First Win!

The San Jose Earthquakes earned their first win of the 2008 season with a 2-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids on Saturday night at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Ronnie O’Brien netted the first goal of the game and Kei Kamara scored an insurance goal in the second half to give head coach Frank Yallop his first win since returning to the Quakes this season. The Quakes are now 1-2-0 on the season. The Quakes had the better run of play in the game getting off 6 shots on goal while the Rapids had 4 shots on goal. The defense held solid not letting the Rapids get on the scoreboard and the Quaqkes wrapped up their first victory on the road.

Frank Yallop commented on the game “We played well last week and didn’t get anything out of the game, so it was nice to get three points tonight after playing another good game. We played and won tonight in a difficult place to play. The wind was tough tonight, but we fought through that and got a win that should get us going.”

Yallop said the team played to win “We talked before the game about not sitting back. We want to go at teams and create opportunities. The guys then did a good job defensively once we got the lead and really earned the win.”

Kei Kamara got his first goal of the young season and commented “All the attacking players were feeling a bit of pressure because we were hearing that we couldn’t score goals, but we were able to break through with two tonight. We showed tonight that we can find the net. More goals are going to come.”

The second goal scorer of the game, Ronnie O'Brien said “It was a great win for us tonight. Last week we felt like we made some strides forward with how we played and tonight we finally got a win. We did what we had to do in the second half to kill off the game.” On their fist win of the season, Yallop said “I knew all along that we would be fine, but it is nice to get that first win so we don’t have to think about it. We can’t dwell on this one though because we have another tough one on the road next week we have to be ready for.”

San Jose next travels to New York to play the Red Bulls on Sunday, April 27 at Giants Stadium.

Scoring Summary

SJ – Ronnie O’Brien (unassisted), 43; Kei Kamara (Ned Grabavoy, Ronnie O’Brien), 61.

Lineups

SJ – GK Joe Cannon, D Jason Hernandez, D Ryan Cochrane, D Nick Garcia, D James Riley, M Ronnie O’Brien (Shea Salinas, 62nd), M Ned Grabavoy, M Ramiro Corrales (Ryan Johnson, 84th), M Ivan Guerrero, F Gavin Glinton (Joe Vide, 56th), F Kei Kamara

Statistics: Shots 10; Shots on Goal 6; Saves 4 (Cannon 4); Fouls 11; Offsides 2; Corner Kicks 3

COL – GK Bouna Coundoul, D Facundo Erpen, D Jose Burciaga Jr., D Stephen Keel, D Kosuke Kimura (Herculez Gomez, 46th), M Terry Cooke, M Christian Gomez, M Nick LaBrocca, M John DiRaimondo (Rafael Gomes, 46th), M Colin Clark, F Omar Cummings (Tom McManus, 69th)

Statistics: Shots 13; Shots on Goal 4; Saves 4 (Coundoul 4); Fouls 8; Offsides 3; Corner Kicks 2

Ronnie O'Brien Q & A

Ronnie O'Brien had a strong game last week against the Chicago Fire, swinging in crosses and getting some shots off on goal as well. This is what the Quakes hoped for when picking him up in the trade from Toronto FC. Soccer Spin sat down today and checked in with Ronnie on how the season is going so far.

SoccerSpin: How is the team morale after the first two games of the season?

Ronnie O'Brien: I think we're pretty good after Saturday. We felt we played well and should have gotten a result and didn't. I think the performance was something to be encouraged about now we have to take the n ext step and score some goals and win some games.

SS: What are your thoughts on the upcoming game with Colorado?

ROB: Colorado has a lot of new players and has started off pretty decent this year. Denver is never an easy place to play with the altitude.

SS: What contributions to the team do you feel you can best bring to the squad this season?

ROB: Just working really hard. I just hope that I can stay in there and work for 90 minutes and hopefully get on the ball and create opportunities for the team. Some weeks it's going to be great and some weeks it's not. As long as i keep working hard and keep doing what I'm doing hopefully it will all turn out good.

SS: How is the knee holding up?

ROB: It's pretty good. It's been a little tender today. It hasn't been sore in a about 5 or 6 weeks now, so its not too bad.

SS: After playing for Dallas, you've now been with two expansion teams. How do you compare the situation in Toronto with the one now in San Jose?

ROB: They're pretty similar actually. To be honest the only thing was out in Toronto they had the stadium already built out there and that's where we trained and played our games. When the stadium in Santa Clara is ready for us it will be perfect. For the most part it's enjoyable though being a part of an expansion team, I know some people will moan about it, but we have a good bunch of lads here and I think if we get it together and get over that hump of scoring some goals and winning some games i think we'll be alright this year. It's beautiful out here, there's not much you can complain about.

SS: How is it playing for Frank Yallop?

ROB: I'm a big fan of Frank, he's great. Frank is what we call a player's coach. He's pretty relaxed when he has to be and when he really wants stuff done he makes a point. He wants us to work hard, he says what he has to say but for the most part it's been really, really enjoyable to be here.

SS: Prior to MLS, when you were on loan at Dundee United and considering coming over to MLS how did that go down?

ROB: Originally it was just for 3-4 months on a loan. I didn't really want to go on another loan while i was contracted with Juventus. MLS said if you want to come over, we'll give you a contract and it was just one of those things that I decided to come over here and give it a go.

SS: Have you been able to find some time to play some golf out here yet?

ROB: Well, I've played a couple of times, but to be honest, I haven't had time to play that much this year. It's one of those things where I'm concentrating on playing right now and keeping myself healthy so the golfing has been a bit on the backburner for now.

Getting to know Ian Russell, the Asst Coach!

I chatted at practice today with Ian Russell, one of the Assistant Coaches for the San Jose Earthquakes, about his transition into the coaching ranks of MLS. Russell spent six seasons playing for the San Jose Earthquakes after being drafted in 2000. During his six years in the league, he scored five goals and notched 20 assists.

The Seattle, Washington native played in 145 games with San Jose and won two MLS Cups in 2001 and 2003. Russell also played three games in 2007 with the Los Angeles Galaxy under Coach Frank Yallop.

SoccerSpin: Ian, how has the transition into coaching gone for you so far?

Ian Russell: Good, while I was still playing I was already involved in coaching U18, U19 teams. I enjoy coaching, I've played for Frank for a long time so I know the drills he likes and how he likes to play so it's been pretty smooth.

SS: What are your roles and responsibilities on the coaching staff?

IR: Besides coaching the reserve team, I do the warmup for all practices and games. I watch a ton of video to scout our upcoming opponents. As a coaching staff we all discuss potential trades, Frank asks for a lot of input from myeself and Ronnie (Ekelund), which is good because I think he values our opinions.

SS: You played for the Earthquakes for a number of years obviously, how does it feel to be back with them now?

IR: When I found out they were getting a team back here in San Jose, I was still playing for the Galaxy at the time for Frank last year and I thought maybe there was a chance I could play with the team here, but being asked to be on the coaching staff it was even better being able to be a part of the coaching staff. When he asked me to coach for him I was all over it.

SS: How is it working with the guys on the team so far?

IR: It's great! I know a lot of these guys from playing with them. it's good. When we pick the team, it's obviously based on the ability to play, but it's also based on getting good character guys. So it makes my job easier, I don't have a lot of guys moaning and showing attitude problems. If we see that, they're not going to last around here.

SS: What are your thoughts on the matchup with Colorado this weekend?

IR: It will be tough. We need to get a win or a tie or even a goal to get us started. But we created chances last game. We should have won that game. The defense was good, the attack was good until the final execution. So we've worked a lot of crossing and shooting this week so hopefully that carries over.

SS: Thanks for your time Ian, we really appreciate it.

Pictures From Today's Practice Session

The Earthquakes are preparing to take on the Rapids this Saturday and here are some pictures of the scrimmage and than finishing drills they were running at the close of practice. The good news is that they were finishing well in practice today and hopeful it would carry over into the game this weekend. There are no injury concerns for the team currently. Look for a pretty similar if not the exact same starting lineup as last week's match versus Chicago. They will fly out to Denver tomorrow.

Scrimmaging
More Scrimmaging
Salinas
Guerrero
Corrales
Kamara
Riley

Commish Talks Up MLS

Here's a recent interview MLS Commissioner Don Garber did with Bloomberg News:

SJ - Colorado Injury Reports

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES

No injuries reported.

COLORADO RAPIDS

OUT FW Conor Casey (L knee), DF Ugo Ihemelu (R hip), DF Mike Petke (R foot); GK Justin Hughes (L groin).

PROBABLE MF Pablo Mastroeni (R quadriceps); MF Christian Gomez (R quadriceps).

Quakes Grab Peguero on Loan

Jean Phillipe Peguero has been added to the Earthquakes on loan for this season from Danish club Brondby. At the completion of the season, San Jose will have the option to purchase his contract which would include one more year, through the 2009 season.

Peguero has been recovering from torn knee ligaments for the last year or so, but lately has been playing regularly with Brondby’s reserves and practicing with the first team. He looks to be back to full health at this point. Once he undergoes a physical by the team the deal will be finalized. The Haitian striker is not expected to be available in time for this week's match against Colorado, one of Peguero's former teams.

San Jose was able to claim Peguero since they were first on the allocation list. They will now slide to the bottom of the order.

San Jose Pursuing Peguero

The San Jose Earthquakes are pursuing Brondby and Haitian international forward Jean-Philippe Peguero. Peguero played in MLS for both the Colorado Rapids and the New York Red Bulls, before being sold to Brondby in 2006. He was injured in his trhid game for them when he ruptured both the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his right knee.

Aparently, Peguero is healthy now and has been playing in reserve matches for Brondby. Peguero scored 20 goals in 58 MLS regular season games and one goal in five playoff appearances while with New York and Colorado.

Here's video of a hat trick he scored for the Metrostars versus Chivas USA. All three goals are very different from each other.



Here's a video of Peguero displaying his juggling skills for the children:



Do you recall Peguero from his former MLS days? Is he the forward the Quakes have been missing?

MLS Power Rankings - Week Three

Soccer Spin MLS Power Rankings
1. Chicago (2-0-1). Defense has been best so far. Busch saved the day against Quakes.
2. Kansas City (2-1-1). Team looks strong early, considering the number of changes they made that's impressive.
3. FC Dallas (1-0-2). First win after two draws. Hot start though as usual.
4. Colorado (2-1-0). Rapids have been hot early this season.
5. Chivas USA (1-1-1). Missing Suarez really hurt their Defense that bad?
6. Columbus (2-1-0). Team gelling.
7. Houston (0-1-2). Defense was better, not hitting the net yet though.
8. New England (2-2-0). Battling injuries, can't compete consistently.
9. Real Salt Lake (1-1-1). Confidence booster from stomping on DC.
10. New York (1-1-0). Very up and down so far as well.
11. Toronto FC (1-2-0). Adding players finally and starting to come around?
12. DC United (1-2-0). Looking very poor, battling injuries and crowded early schedule.
13. Los Angeles (1-2-0). Lost to Toronto at home! Squandered many chances.
14. San Jose (0-2-0). Needs to win or tie a game to get out of the hole at this point.

Earthquakes Negotiating With Zinha?

Word is that Frank Yallop and the Earthquakes say they are currently negotiating with the 31 year old playmaker. Antônio Naelson Matias (born May 23, 1976 in Sao Paulo), also known simply as Zinha, is a Brazilian-Mexican football player, who is currently playing as midfielder for Club Toluca, where he is called "El Toñito".

Naelson stands at 5 ft 4 in and weighs 147 lb and is often the shortest player on the field. Zinha was recently called up for the Mexican national team under coach Hugo Sanchez for the friendly against United States on February 6 2008. He is Currently the team captain of Toluca.

Here's a video of Zinha scoring against Iran in the World Cup 2006.



What do you think of this possible addition to the Quakes? Is this the type of player they need?

SJ Player Ratings versus Fire - 4/12

Player Ratings
1 - Joe Cannon (GK) 6
3 - Nick Garcia 6
4 - James Riley 5
5 - Ryan Cochrane 5
7 - Ronnie O'Brien 5
9 - Gavin Glinton 5
11 - Ned Grabavoy 79 out 5
12 - Ramiro Corrales 4
16 - Kei Kamara 5
21 - Jason Hernandez 85 out 5
23 - Ivan Guerrero 59 out 4
Substitutes
15 - Shea Salinas 59 in 5
19 - Ryan Johnson 79 in NR
20 - John Cunliffe 85 in NR

Quakes Lose at Home 1-0 to Fire

On a beautiful day at Mcafee Coliseum in Oakland the San Jose Earthquakes hosted their first MLS game since they returned to the league after their two year hiatus. The Quakes which outplayed the Chicago Fire on the day couldn't outscore them however and it cost them a tie or at least a victory.

20,038 were in attendance and thoroughly enjoyed seeing their Earthquake team back in action even quite a bit of their trademark play that won them two MLS championships. They pressured the ball defensively often keeping the Fire deep in their own end. They held possession much better than in their first game down in LA. They hustled all over the field for ninety minutes and created numerous scoring chances but couldn't convert any of them. The most painful of the misses occurred in the last minute of the game when they hit the crossbar once, the post another time and missed from about 3 yards out right over the top of the open goal. Shea Salinas had the open shot on goal in the last minute of the game, but he blasted it over the top as fans held their heads in amazement.

San Jose Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop,felt good about the game overall though “Obviously the point of soccer is winning, but I am very pleased and proud of the way the guys played today. I think that for us to come out and play that well on both sides of the ball, we should have gotten something out of the game.”

Yallop like the increase in scoring chances they created. “We increased the number of good chances today from last week and that was encouraging. The energy was great, the commitment to play well was there, and we are a new team that is building and learning. We did enough to get something out of that match not only a draw, but in the chances we had we should have scored at least two goals, but it wasn’t meant to be.”

The Earthquakes returned to the Bay Area though. Yallop said “It was great to be back here. You get a lump in your throat when you see the guys coming out onto the field. The fans were great today and they were behind the team. They saw a team that tried hard and played well and that is what they want.”

Chicago Fire head coach Dennis Hamlett, also commented on the game “We knew coming here was going to be a difficult game. As a group we defended well today, we got our three points and now we’ll move forward. San Jose is a good team. We said prior to the game they are an expansion team on paper but they have enough players with experience.”

What did you like most about the Quakes first home game this season?

MLS Power Rankings - 4/10

Soccer Spin MLS Rankings Power

1. Chivas USA
2. New England Revolution
3. Kansas City
4. Chicago Fire
5. D.C. United
6. Houston
7. New York Red Bulls
8. Los Angeles Galaxy
9. Columbus Crew
10. Colorado Rapids
11. FC Dallas
12. San Jose Earthquakes
13. Real Salt Lake
14. Toronto FC


What are your thoughts?

Earthquakes Opening Day Festivities All Lined up!

We're counting down the days to the return of the San Jose Earthquakes to the Bay Area with their first home game this Saturday in Oakland. The Quakes will take on the Chicago Fire and everyone is excited for the upcoming game. This game will have plenty of pre-game activities. Here is a taste of what will be going down:

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The day’s activities will kick off with an Earthquakes video on the big screen at the stadium, followed by the return of “Q”, the team mascot. Two hundred kids from American Youth Soccer Organization will also form a human tunnel onto the field through which the players and coaches will enter.

Members of Soccer Silicon Valley will then return the team’s two MLS Cup trophies to Earthquakes owner Lew Wolff on the field. The trophies spent the past two years at the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Following the presentation, Red Bull sky divers will land at midfield to present the game ball to Earthquakes Representatives.

The national anthem will be performed by Latin singing sensation Manuel Romero, a Milpitas native, who has performed anthems for professional teams around the Bay Area. The Valley Christian High School (San Jose) graduate has also performed with symphonies and at mariachi festivals around the country.

Opening day activities will also include a pre-game Fan Zone that will be located in between McAfee Coliseum and Oracle Arena. The first 10,000 fans will receive free commemorative posters, presented by Comcast and at halftime the Bay Oaks Youth Soccer U-8 Clubs will play mini soccer matches.

The San Jose Earthquakes are a Major League Soccer expansion team. Season tickets for the 2008 Earthquakes season are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (408) 556-7700. Individual tickets are also on sale and can be purchased by calling 1-800-225-2277 or online at sjearthquakes.com.

Nice Raises for Deserving Players

As the Earthquakes built their team they targeted highly talented, low paid players who were good values. The initial players they brought on were mainly role players, players with good attitudes in the locker room, hard workers on the field. Some of those players had expired contracts which were due to be renegotiated however. In the case of Clarence Goodson, even though he was offered a very good raise he decided it was his desire to go play overseas instead of joining the Quakes. Others joined the Quakes and in the process received very nice raises because their play on the field showed they deserved it. Here are two of the best examples, both are starters for the team at this time.

Ryan Cochrane - 158% raise, from $51,149 to $132,000

Ned Grabavoy - 100% raise, from $45,050.25 to $90,000

Being that these players were forecasted to be starters on the team, had proven MLS talent, proven that they were hard workers on the field and had a solid team first attitude these salaries seem right in line. As is often the case, when players first come into the league they sign four year contracts with built in raises, say starting from $33,000 to four years later only being at $45,000. So their next opportunity to build their salary is with that next contract. From the Quakes perspective, they know a lot about these players and know they are getting good value for their money.

What do you think of their new salaries?

SJ Earthquake Player Salaries

Here are the salaries for players that were signed as of the first MLS game of the season. The recently signed players weren't processed in time to be included on the list.

Who do you feel is the most overpaid and underpaid on the list?

Name	2008 Base Salary	2008 Guaranteed Compensation
Burpo Preston	$ 55,116.18	$ 55,116.18
Cannon Joe	$ 213,000.00	$ 213,000.00
Cochrane Ryan	$ 132,000.00	$ 133,250.00
Corrales Ramiro	$ 190,000.00	$ 202,500.00
Cunliffe John	$ 35,500.00	$ 50,500.00
Garcia Nick	$ 137,812.00	$ 142,812.00
Glinton Gavin	$ 60,000.00	$ 60,000.00
Grabavoy Ned	$ 90,000.00	$ 90,000.00
Guerrero Ivan	$ 140,000.00	$ 147,000.00
Hernandez Jason	$ 47,250.00	$ 47,875.00
Kamara Kei	$ 47,850.00	$ 57,850.00
O'Brien Ronnie	$ 240,000.00	$ 258,750.00
Riley James	$ 33,000.00	$ 33,000.00
Salinas Shea	$ 33,000.00	$ 33,000.00
Vide Joe	$ 33,000.00	$ 33,000.00

San Jose Not Sharp Enough in 2-0 Loss to Galaxy

The San Jose Earthquakes opened the 2008 season at the Home Depot Center and loss 2-0 on goals by David Beckham and Landon Donovan. The Earthquakes were overall just not sharp enough to challenge the Galaxy on this night. The Quakes turned over the ball too many times with sloppy passes and didn't look like they were in synch. Things started out looking good for the Quakes when Ryan Cochrane placed a Ronnie O'Brien free kick into the back of the net. The goal was disallowed though as it was ruled offsides by the linesman. In reviewing the replay Cochrane looked to be even with the last Galaxy player which was Donovan. Since they were even there was no offsides, but this is a challenging call for linesman to make when it happens so fast. John Harkes commented on the ESPN broadcast that Cochrane wasn't offsides in his opinion. If the linesman hadn't blown the call how would it have changed the game? It's very hard to say, perhaps the Galaxy still would have scored two goals and won it 2-1. Or perhaps the Quakes would have boosted their confidence with the lead and played it differently. Thats the way it goes though. Through the midfield and especially up front the Quakes couldn't hold possession until late in the game. They couldn't create enough scoring chances and were out shot by the Galaxy 16-3. The Galaxy could have scored several others, but the scrambling defense of the Quakes held them from adding to the total. The Earthquakes should not panic, it's very early in the season. Several quality teams got blown out as well on the road early in this young season. The MLS defending champion Houston Dynamo lost 3-0 last week in New England. The Galaxy lost 4-0 last week to the Rapids and the Revolution lost 4-0 in Chicago earlier today. Bottom line, it's not easy to win on the road, especially for an expansion team in their first regular season game on the road. This first game, players and coaches said, can be chalked up to a lack of experience playing together. "Guys that don't play together, you can assemble incredible players and it's tough to play," Quakes 'keeper Joe Cannon said. "For us, tonight the pace of the game was a little step up from the preseason games we've been in. It was kind of a baptism by fire. But it's a learning process. We kind of came out a little timid," he said. "The goals we gave away were just mistakes. You have to give them credit. They came out with a lot more energy than we did in the first half. It's always tough to play against teams in their home openers." The Quakes must sharpen up their possession, play faster and figure out how to create more opportunities going forward. When the Quakes are at home next week for their first home match, things should go much better.
Player Ratings
* 1 - Joe Cannon (GK) 5
* 3 - Nick Garcia 5
* 4 - James Riley 4
* 5 - Ryan Cochrane 4
* 7 - Ronnie O'Brien 5
* 11 - Ned Grabavoy 85 out 4
* 12 - Ramiro Corrales 5
* 15 - Shea Salinas 57 out 4
* yellow card16 - Kei Kamara 4
* 21 - Jason Hernandez 5
* 23 - Ivan Guerrero 69 out 4
Substitutes
* 9 - Gavin Glinton 57 in 5
* 19 - Ryan Johnson 85 in NR
* 20 - John Cunliffe 69 in 4

San Jose Announces Signing of Eric Denton

The San Jose Earthquakes announced today the team has signed defender Eric Denton. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. The former Santa Clara University All-American returns to the Bay Area to continue his professional career after an impressive preseason with the Quakes. “Eric is a veteran player who has an excellent left foot,” said Earthquakes General Manager John Doyle. “He has had a strong MLS career and he provides good depth for us in the squad. It is nice to bring Eric back to where he played his college soccer.” Denton signs with the Earthquakes after a solid preseason in which he helped the team post a 5-1-2 record against professional competition. He provides the team a solid option on the left side. The Falls Church, Vir. native has had a solid MLS career that began in 2000 with D.C. United. He has appeared in 160 games with 148 starts, while scoring five goals and notching 19 assists from 2000-2006. He did not play in 2007. Denton, 30, most recently played for the Colorado Rapids, appearing in 53 games in 2005 and 2006 and helping the team reach back-to-back Western Conference Finals. He notched one goal and seven assists playing mostly as a left back for the Rapids. His five assists in 2005 were a career high. From 2002-04, he excelled for the Columbus Crew after being selected in the 2002 MLS Dispersal Draft by the Crew. He was named the team’s Defender of the Year in 2003 after starting 25 games and scoring two goals and recording one assist. The following season, he helped the Crew to one of the club’s best seasons in club history, as they finished the year with an 18-game unbeaten streak to win the MLS Supporter’s Shield. A two-time All-American at Santa Clara, he appeared in 83 games for the Broncos. He led the team to the 1999 NCAA Championship Game before losing to Indiana University.

Nick Garcia's Thoughts as the Quakes Kickoff the Season

SS - Nick, are you getting settled in San Jose after the move out from Kansas City?
NG - Well, so far, so good. I finally have an apartment as of about two weeks ago, four hotels later and many a preseason trip. I'm getting used to everything out here, the training, stuff on the field and off the field. From that regard things are going pretty well. I was pretty active back in KC with several community service groups. One of the biggest one was one called CASA which is a Child Advocacy group and they had a gala out here in Santa Clara last weekend and myself and some of the people from the office attended. My wife and I enjoy giving back to the community and being involved with the community, it's not for everyone, but it's something we enjoy so that's how we do it.
SS - What do you attribute the key factors to the defense being pretty solid during preseason matches?
NG - I think we have a group of guys who have been in the league long enough to know what it takes to have a stingy defense, know how to win games. We work really hard and we're willing to do the brunt of the defending work for everybody else. Not to say that the midfield and forwards don't defend, but thats our job first and foremost and we take pride in keeping the other team off the scoreboard. For us, I think if we can do that our chances of winning games will be pretty good this season.
SS - You had a very good partnership in central defense with Jimmy Conrad, how do you feel that's developing with Ryan Cochrane?
NG - I think it's going great. I have a lot of respect for Ryan, obviously he's done well in Houston and it shows in his commitment everyday in practice and in the games. I think we take the same mindset when we play, we have to be stingy, we have to work hard. Whether it's Joe Cannon behind us, or Jason Hernandez and James Riley next to us, those guys are also putting in the work and are hungry to get out there and prove to the naysayers that we are for real and we're not just some regular expansion team that everybody else can stomp on.
What do you think of all the MLS Season predictions that are showing the Quakes as the 14th best team in the league?
NG - Sure, I love it! Let those who know everything say the most. I think we like it. No one expects much from us, there's not a lot of pressure on us. Our hopes and aspirations are to make it to the playoffs and to surprise and fool a lot of people. Let people think what they want right now. We know as a team we're for real and we're here to prove it.
Who are some of the younger players on the team that have impressed you most throughout preseason preparations?
NG - For me, Matt Hatzke. He's a kid out of Santa Clara University who has done extremely well for us. I would hope to see that he gets some experience in some games throughout the year. Shea Salinas is an obvious answer for us as well.
Of the various coaches you've played for in your career, how do you feel about Frank Yallop so far?
NG - For me, I'd put him up there with the best of them. He's a great player's coach. He manages the player's well. He leaves it up to us to a certain extent to take responsibility for what we do. He's definitely the brains behind the machine, but at the same time he allows us to have some individual characteristics that maybe other coaches would be more hands on with.
SS - What are your thoughts on the match-up with the Galaxy this Thursday?
NG - I'm looking forward to it. Even though they got beat 4 - nothing, I don't think it's an indication of how they are gong to be this season. It's their first game, they were on the road, other issues were also probably at hand. But for us it's our first game as a reborn team and we're going to go into LA expecting at least a tie if not a win.

Roster Signings to Fill Out Roster as Season Approaches

With the season starting soon, the Earthquakes are signing players to fill out the roster. Most of these players have been training with them for most of the preseason, it's just that they hadn't signed contracts yet while player evaluations were ongoing. General Manager John Doyle confirmed that they have signed veteran defender Eric Denton to a senior roster spot. Denton has played for D.C. United, Tampa Bay, Columbus, and Colorado over his nine years. He’ll be able to play at either outside back position. They have also signed four players to developmental slots. This includes Jay Ayres, Jamil Roberts, Greg Curry, Matt Hatzke and Dan Benton. Midfielder/forward Adam Smarte should be signing soon once some visa issues are finalized. Ryan Johnson is also targeted by the Quakes for a developmental roster spot once the Quakes finalize compensating Chicago for his services. He has previously played ten MLS games between his stints at Chicago and Salt Lake.

Quakes Trialing England International Michael Ricketts

Former EPL stalwart Michael Ricketts is training with the Quakes currently and looking to revive his career. Ricketts turned professional at 18 years old with Walsall. He's now 29 years old and has one cap for England. He last played for Oldham Athletic scoring 7 goals in 20 appearances. He was released by Oldham in January and is available on a free transfer. The 6 foot 1 inch forward has bounced around the second division in England in recent years battling various injuries. His best years were with Bolton when he scored 24 goals in 2000, 15 in 2001. John Doyle says the Quakes are not expecting him to come straight into the first squad, but see how he looks initially in the reserve squad though he would obviously be in a senior roster spot. Overall career totals Apps As sub Goals Yellow Red Total (Club) 260 (126) 66 33 1 League 226 (111) 56 28 0 FA Cup 13 (5) 4 2 0 League Cup 17 (9) 5 3 0 European/Others 4 (1) 1 0 1

Ryan Johnson Update

At practice today John Doyle mentioned that midfielder/forward Ryan Johnson is a player the team would like to sign to a developmental contract if they can work out a deal with Chicago for his rights. Even though he last played for Salt Lake in MLS Chicago apparently holds his rights. Johnson played in the recent reserve squad match last week against the Portland Pilots. Two other players the Quakes were also looking at have not worked out as well according to Doyle. Both Dwight Barnett and Jeff Rollin are no longer with the team.

Quakes Trialing Three Young Attackers

Three new players are in camp with the Earthquakes. All three were able to play in the recent reserve squad match against the Portland Pilots. The Pilots won the match 1-0 even though the Quakes reserve squad outshot them 13-4. Ryan Johnson - MF/F Johnson is a forward out of Oregon State who was drafted in 2006 by Real Salt Lake and played in seven games, starting one of them. In 2007 he played three games for Chicago. He spent part of 2007 overseas on a contract with Swedish side Östers before returning to play indoors with the New Jersey Ironmen in the MISL. He has made one appearance for the Jamaican national team in 2006. Dwight Barnett - F Former Lynn University star soccer player Dwight Barnett was selected by the Chicago Fire in the 2008 Major League Soccer Superdraft and then later released. Barnett, the 10th pick of the third round and 38th overall, was the first NCAA Division II player chosen and becomes the second Lynn men’s soccer player in program history to be drafted in the MLS. At Lynn, Barnett scored 26 goals and tallied 16 assists for 68 points in 36 games over two seasons. Jeff Rollin - F No additional info available at this time.

Quakes Wrap Up Preseason With Good Results

Preseason Ends With Success The San Jose Earthquakes finished the preseason with a seven-game unbeaten streak after losing their first match 1-0 to the Houston Dynamo. The Quakes went 5-0-2 in their final seven matches, including four straight wins to close out the preseason. The Quakes captured the Carolina Challenge Cup for the second time in club history with wins over Toronto FC, Charleston Battery and New York Red Bulls. The team also won the title in 2005. Preseason Schedule and Results (5-1-2) Feb. 13 – 1-0 loss vs. Houston Dynamo at PAL Stadium in San Jose, Calif. Feb. 16 – 0-0 tie vs. Houston Dynamo at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco, Calif. Feb. 22 – 2-1 win vs. Columbus Crew (Kamara (2) at Alex G. Spanos Stadium in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Feb. 24 – 0-0 tie vs. D.C. United at Alex G. Spanos Stadium in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Mar. 15 – 1-0 win vs. Toronto FC (Hernandez) at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, S.C. Mar. 19 – 2-1 win vs. Charleston Battery (Kamara, Glinton) at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, S.C. Mar. 19 – 3-0 win vs. New York Red Bulls (Kamara, Glinton, Own Goal) at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, S.C. Mar. 28 – 2-1 win at Portland Timbers (Kamara, Salinas) at Clive Charles Soccer Complex in Portland, Ore.