A midweek matchup for the Quakes is on the cards tomorrow night.  This will be a brief preview, for several reasons.  One, because two games in one week strains my finely honed analytical skills (nah, only joking, I’m just a bit lazy is all).  Two, I’m still suffering from a bad post-humiliation hangover induced by Saturday’s debacle against our arch-rivals.  You can view my thoughts about that game here.  Three, because I’m finding it hard to get all jazzed up about another game against Salt Lake on that field of theirs.  Once upon a time, it would have been impossible to hear the statement, “Salt Lake has our number” and not laugh, but now it’s sadly true.  We have been beaten twice by them this season, once in an Open Cup match-up and once in regular league play.  Can we finally break the hex? 

 Quakes/Salt Lake Pregame Analysis

Goalkeepers: It pains me to say this, but Cannon is not the keeper he once was.  Hopefully, that’s just a temporary state of affairs. 

Advantage - Even

Salt Lake Forwards vs. Quakes Defense: Findley is quality and, as he proved last time, will burn us for a goal if he’s given any amount of space.  I think Hernandez and Garcia is our best central duo right now.  Unfortunately, Cochrane continued his mistake-prone tendencies against L.A., costing us dearly.  However, he’ll get the nod again since Garcia is still recovering from injury.  I’ve actually grown to appreciate Denton’s tenacity and stability; I was not a big fan at first. 

Advantage - Salt Lake

Quakes Forwards vs. Salt Lake Defense: Salt Lake’s defense does not look impressive at first.  The only name that leaps out for recognition is Borchers.  However, they have only let in five goals at home so far this season.  Our Johnson-Cunliffe combination, so promising at first, couldn’t score against one of the worst defenses in the league.  I still like Johnson, but he needs help.

Advantage - Salt Lake

Midfield: Hallelujah, Guerrero is back from national team duty!  One of my personal favorites on the squad, he is a big boost to our chances and quality, both defensively and offensively.  It looks like Gray will be relegated to the bench, which is unfortunate.  I would prefer Gray and Corrales in the middle to Grabavoy’s presence there.  O’Brien looks to start despite the turf.  With our first choice midfield back, we should have a chance, but Salt Lake’s unit is nothing to sneeze at either.  All eyes on Beckerman, but Morales can contribute, and Kovalenko has done his part so far this year. 

Advantage - Even

Coaching: I imagine this season is tougher than even Yallop imagined.  He needs to keep his players riding that rollercoaster.  Inconsistency sucks, but it’s to be expected from an expansion squad.  What we don’t need is a lengthy slump.  Get ‘em ready Frank, this season is all about your motivational skills. 

Advantage - Quakes

Intangibles: It’s true, the Quakes cannot perform on artificial surfaces.  I understand that it makes things difficult, but it never stopped the Quakes squads of the past.  It’s time to step up and finally learn from all those crappy performances on carpet.  How much will Saturday’s game be weighing on the minds of Quakes players?  Will it light a fire or hang over their heads?

Advantage - Salt Lake

Key Man: Ivan Guerrero

You’re just getting back to the squad, Ivan, and your team is in a bad place mentally with a long road trip ahead.  What are you going to do?  I expect him to give the team a bit of energy and spirit, and another dimension of attack.

If I Were Manager:

         Cunliffe-Johnson

Guerrero-Corrales-Gray-O’Brien

Denton-Cochrane-Hernandez-Riley

                    Cannon

Verdict: Hold your breath, and hope for the best.  When I give the advantages to the Quakes, they lose.  When I give them to the other team, we win.  Let’s see if that pattern holds.