After what has seemed like an eternity without a home game for this Quakes fan, it would be hard to imagine anything that could distract from tomorrow’s contest against Colorado. That is until the news filtered out yesterday that Darren Huckerby was coming to the Quakes. After a frustrating start to the season marked by offensive impotence, anything and anyone who promises excitement and goals is like a long awaited savior. While it is unknown whether Huckerby will line up in his usual left midfield spot or finally fill the hole up front, either way he promises to bring pace, creativity, and, let’s face it, attractiveness to what has been an ugly brand of soccer so far.
But the column today isn’t about Huckerby, because oh yes, there is finally a home game again tomorrow. All in all, the Quakes’ long road trip is a reason more for hope than despair. While we only picked up two points in the last four games, our play against Chicago warranted a win, and we should have earned a draw against Chivas. There were plenty of signs that the midfield is beginning to settle into a rhythm, that the defense is eliminating the frequency of mistakes (minus Riley red cards), and chances are starting to come more frequently. Unfortunately, we still can’t finish those chances. With the addition of Huckerby and a couple of other new signings, the Quakes should be able to earn some wins and possibly challenge for a play-off spot, especially with the second half of the schedule leaning towards home games.
We got our first win of the season on the road against Colorado, can we repeat our success?
Quakes/Rapids Pregame Analysis
Goalkeepers: I have been a bit critical of Cannon’s play in the past couple of months, but he looks to have finally recaptured his old form. He made quite a few great saves during this road trip, helping keep every game close. Coundoul sometimes makes things harder for himself than they have to be. He has the physical skills, but the mental aspect and positioning is sometimes lacking.
Advantage - Quakes
Rapids Forwards vs. Quakes Defense: We will likely see McManus paired with either Conor Casey or Omar Cummings, more likely the latter. McManus-Cummings is a classic target man and speedster combination. The Quakes have been better this year at dealing with the big strong forwards than the ones with pace. Colorado’s wide players are good and help stretch defenses, leaving space for the quick feet of Cummings to take advantage of. Garcia should be solid, but with Cochrane likely making his return, can he finally eliminate his mistakes? I’m a bit skeptical.
Advantage - Even
Midfield: Definitely Colorado’s strength. Cooke and Clark are dangerous from the flanks, LaBrocca is solid as the defensive mid, and Gomez and Ballouchy both can provide an offensive spark from the middle. Corrales and Gray are the best options in the middle of the park for the Quakes, providing a better defensive edge than you would have with Grabavoy playing. O’Brien and Guerrero will be the offensive channels as usual. The key is for Corrales and Gray to make solid challenges, track back, and distribute the ball quickly to the flanks and forwards, as they will have little time on the ball.
Advantage - Rapids
Quakes Forwards vs. Rapids Defense: Oh Kamara. How I’ve supported you throughout the season when others called for your head, and claimed you were a bench player at best. I really wanted to believe in you, but after painful misses against Chivas and Chicago, it looks like your day is done. Johnson will likely stay up top due to his work rate and strength, but Kamara will soon be replaced, possibly by Huckerby. The Rapids defense is solid, but potentially vulnerable. Ihemelu is quick and strong. Mastroeni can be a monster if he tries, which is no guarantee. I say go after him and see if he wants to play or not. Erpen can be beaten; we did it last time.
Advantage - Rapids
Coaching: Yallop will be relieved to finally be able to add a few more pieces to the puzzle during the transfer window. His personnel choices will determine the fate of this team. No pressure. He needs to end the season on a positive note, playoffs or not, in order to build a foundation for next year. You would think this season would be Clavijo’s last chance, but he always seems to stick around.
Advantage - Quakes
Intangibles: The Quakes will finally have a home game, but have yet to establish the Shaw as a fortress (not that they’ve been given much of a chance). A win here would be a start. The Rapids seem to be mired in yet another inconsistent season after a promising start. Will this stagnation be too much psychologically?
Advantage - Quakes
Key Man - Ramiro Corrales
Yes you, Ramiro. For your entire Quakes’ career, you have most often been the butt of jokes. Field Goal Corrales, Miss It Like Corrales, etc. But the past two games we have seen a whole new side of you. You have been like a demon, making good passes, charging up and down the field, tackling, and rattling beautiful shots off the frame. It seems like you are on a mission to pull the Quakes up by their soccer laces. Make it so, Ramiro. After all, the spotlight will soon be on Huckerby, so do your best now.
If I Were Manager:
Johnson-Kamara
Guerrero-Gray-Corrales-O’Brien
Denton-Garcia-Hernandez-Riley
Cannon
Verdict: I’ve got a good feeling about this one for once. Must be that Huckerby magic floating through the air.
