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. 

Popularity: 26%

Don’t worry, it hasn’t all gone quiet over here.  Despite another addition to the “L” column last week against D.C., I’ve learned to re-adjust expectations and find the silver lining, even in a 3-1 defeat.  There were a few passages of attractive attacking soccer on the part of the Quakes, reminiscent of past squads and all too rare this season.  The return of Guerrero definitely helps open up the attack and stretch defenses.  Unfortunately, San Jose fell victim to a couple of deflections and suffered from a patchwork back line.  All things considered, not a bad effort on the road against a surging opponent. 

Up next is Chicago as the Quakes continue to run the gauntlet of road games.  While the Fire are mired in a slump at the moment, a situation which San Jose is hoping to take full advantage of, they can burst back into form at any time.  For the first time in what seems like an eternity, the Quakes will have pretty much their full complement of starting players.  Riley, of course, will be serving his suspension for yet another red card.  Two red cards and an own goal add up to a nightmare season for the ex-Revolution player.  Hopefully, the rest of the Quakes will find some better fortune on Saturday.

Quakes/Fire Pregame Analysis

Goalkeepers: Busch is a solid keeper and has reminded everyone what he is capable of this season.  He is not likely to make mistakes, so the Quakes will have to generate some quality chances on their own.  Cannon was not at fault for the three goals against D.C., but has yet to recapture his dominant form. 

Advantage - Even

Fire Forwards vs. Quakes Defense: We will likely see Barrett up front, but the question is whether he will be the lone striker or paired with another player, perhaps Rolfe.  Barrett is a solid finisher in the box, but embarassingly missed a couple of easy chances against Chivas U.S.A.  The key is to cut off his service.  Fortunately, Garcia should be back for this game, and the Quakes have definitely missed his presence.  With Riley out, Hernandez will likely fill in at right back, meaning Cochrane will pair up in the middle despite his struggles this season.  Not watertight by any means, but the backline of Denton, Garcia, Cochrane, and Hernandez is probably the best we have with current personnel.

Advantage - Quakes

Quakes Forwards vs. Fire Defense: Johnson, now ever-present up front, will be paired either with Cunliffe or the returning Kamara.  Despite a good strike against Salt Lake (and a goal against D.C.), Cunliffe has not added much punch to the Quakes’ attack.  Its time to see what Kamara and Johnson can do together given more time, and it appears Kamara has more upside than Cunliffe.  Fire has a solid, if not spectacular, defense anchored by C.J. Brown.  This unit can be beaten, but only with better service from the midfield than we have seen from the Quakes so far.

Advantage - Fire

Midfield: The battle to watch in this game will on the flanks.  Guerrero and O’Brien vs. Mapp and Rolfe.  Guerrero has better defensive skills than Rolfe and can help to shut him down, as well as provide offense down the left.  O’Brien has done a good job of working hard in all areas of the field.  We may see a Gray-Corrales or Grabavoy-Corrales center duo against Chicago’s Thorrington, King, and Blanco.  I hope to see Gray use his size and distribution in the middle of the field.  I think that a Gray-Corrales pairing is a good experiment.  Gray and Corrales can both win the ball and distribute as well as go forward at times.  They fill the classic Yallop two holding midfielders system better than Grabavoy and Corrales can.  This is what is needed to shut down Blanco, which the Quakes did a good job of last time around. 

Advantage - Even

Coaching: Hamlett must now prove his managing chops by pulling Chicago out of their slump.  Facing off against an expansion side at home, now is his opportunity.  Yallop can feel a bit better having Garcia, Kamara, and Guerrero back.

Advantage - Quakes

Intangibles: All the talk has been about the Fire’s slump.  Harder to categorize is where the Quakes’ season is at currently.  Are they falling, rising, building, or stagnating?  I think most would agree that the Quakes needs a few more players to push higher in the standings, but I don’t think the Quakes are standing still despite some initial frustration on my part.  I see Yallop experimenting with different players and small modifications in play, exactly what he should be doing in an expansion situation.

Advantage - Quakes

Key Man: Kelly Gray

This assumes he gets the start, which I hope he does.  He had a couple of good chances against L.A., and I fully expect him to score a quality goal at some point this season, maybe even this game.  If Gray can develop a rhythm with Corrales, then the Quakes can turn the tide.

If I Were Manager:

              Johnson-Kamara

Guerrero-Gray-Corrales-O’Brien

Denton-Garcia-Cochrane-Hernandez

                        Cannon

Verdict: I could go either way on this match.  Part of me feels a bit optimistic having some of our first team players back.  At the same time, this feels like the game where Chicago could explode once again.  Forget the result, it’s time to look at the big picture.  Look for how the chemistry between Johnson and Kamara and Gray and Corrales work out.

Popularity: 20%

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. 

Popularity: 20%

Back in San Jose, and I must say, its good to be home. Unfortunately, the Quakes couldn’t say the same last Saturday, and once again find themselves on the road this week. They undoubtedly suffered from the absence of Guerrero, Kamara, and O’Brien, looking devoid of life in a 3-1 loss against Salt Lake. All credit is due to Real, however, as they did a good job of taking advantage of our weaknesses and the first two goals were real beauties. The one bright spot for the Quakes was Cunliffe’s goal, no more than a consolation prize, yet definitely in contention as our most aesthetically pleasing goal so far this season. It was enough to persuade many fans that it is now time for Cunliffe to get his shot up front. I wouldn’t mind seeing him get the nod over Kirovski, who seems destined to pursue mediocrity on yet another team.

Popularity: 19%

I apologize in advance ASR readers, but I won’t be able to dish out my usual helping of overly lengthy commentary and analysis this week. I’m in the Big Apple, or Red Bull land, whichever you prefer, and will have to limit myself to the nitty gritty. Ok, here goes, my thoughts in 60 seconds or less:


- Ryan Johnson is my new hero, keep him up front and starting always- How good did it feel to beat Houston and take the first step in exorcising some old demons?-


As reported on Center Line Soccer, the Quakes are at the bottom of the allocation list because of the signing of Peguero…- …which means we miss out on McBride (or compensation) or any other ex-MLS player-…all for a guy who will probably never play for the Quakes again- Maybe taking a risk on a guy with a history of knee injuries wasn’t the best move, then again Quakes fans were about to stage a riot at that point because they wanted a new striker immediately (I’m guilty as charged as well)- For Yallop and Doyle this season, it’s damned if you do, damned if you don’tOnto Real Salt Lake…


Quakes/Real Pregame Analysis


Goalkeepers: Will the Real Nick Rimando please stand up? I don’t know about this guy. Sometimes he pulls off great saves, other times he gives up the ghost without much effort. In that kind of situation, you test a keeper and test him early. On this episode of CannonWatch, not much new to report. He had a solid game and wasn’t asked to do too much. No chance on the Ching goal.Advantage - Quakes


Salt Lake Forwards vs. Quakes Defense: Deuchar and Findley are the classic big target man, speedy forward combo package. Problem is that that perfect partnership has yet to materialize for Salt Lake. The Quakes defense seems to be getting better with time, and Denton replacing Riley is probably a good move, at least for now until Riley settles down a bit. Deuchar can be a monster in the air, so I would have Garcia mark him close and challenge for every ball. Garcia won’t win many of those battles, but its enough to get in there and make it difficult for Deuchar. My biggest worry is actually Espindola. He’s quick, has a nice touch, makes good runs, and can score.Advantage - Quakes


Quakes Forwards vs. Salt Lake Defense: For the first time this season, Quakes fans got to see a San Jose forward who made actual runs, fought for every ball and often won. That forward was Ryan Johnson, an early-season acquisition which made most fans (including myself) say “who”? Its a bit too early to declare that he is the answer, but its definitely a possibility. Unfortunately Kei Kamara will miss this game due to being called up by Sierra Leone. Kamara and Johnson seemed to connect well at times. Most likely, Kirovski will start alongside Johnson, and Jovan remains a big question mark. The Salt Lake defense is decent, but not spectacular. If Kamara was starting this category would go to the Quakes.Advantage - Even


Midfield: Without Beckerman, Salt Lake would have only a pale shadow of a midfield. As it is, though, he provides a real threat through the middle. After last week’s display against Houston, I am pretty pleased with the Quakes’ midfield once again. However, the problem is that our best midfield player, Ivan Guerrero, is going to be missing the next three games due to international duty. His presence will be sorely missed. He was an offensive spark against Houston AND put on a great defensive performance as well. Who will replace him? Salinas could play there, or Johnson (though I would hate for him not to start up front), or Riley. Gray could also slot in the middle, moving Corrales out to the left wing.Advantage - Even


Coaching: The jury is still out on Jason Kreis. Far too early to call for his head quite yet, as everyone knows that the Salt Lake job is a massive reconstruction project. Yallop made his best move of the season so far when he put Johnson up front, first as a sub during the New England game, then, seeing his effectiveness, as a starter against Houston. Frank will now have to deal with international call-ups.Advantage - Quakes


Intangibles: The Quakes will be coming off a high for once, but will have to deal with a few knocks to chemistry due to the absence of Guerrero and Kamara. Much will hinge on the play of the replacements. Salt Lake massacred the Quakes in their Open Cup match-up, though San Jose started half of its reserves and the two central defenders were brutally injured. Still, will Salt Lake feel any residual confidence going into this game?Advantage - Even


Key Man: Jovan KirovskiAssuming he gets his first start up front, he will need to prove himself quickly. Will he be the anonymous player putting on a half-hearted performance (which is what we have seen the past few seasons)? Or will he seize the chance to regain his mojo on an expansion team in need of help from every quarter? Ryan Johnson is good, but he can’t do it all by himself. Kirovski needs to step up if the Quakes are going to have any semblance of a viable attack.


Probable Lineup: Kirovski-Johnson

Riley-Corrales-Grabavoy-O’Brien

Denton-Garcia-Cochrane-Hernandez

Cannon

Verdict: One moment I’m giving all the categories to their opponents and predicting massacres, the next I’m giving the edge to the Quakes. It’s just been that type of season, and comes with the expansion territory I guess. Realistically, I expect another hard-fought ugly game similar to the match against the Red Bulls earlier this season.

Popularity: 51%

Hear that? That’s the sound of Quakes fans’ bubble bursting. There was a second there last Saturday, when we were up 1-0 against one of the top teams in the league, that it seemed like we had finally got our groove back. Playoffs here we come. Then Columbus pulled its best pool shark imitation, lulling us into a false sense of security for seventy minutes, then hitting us with three goals in about ten minutes. I think Robbie Rogers and Schelotto were just practicing for the next game by the end of it. As the match ended, I pretty much resigned myself to the fact that we do indeed suck, and as much as I didn’t want to admit it, hating every pundit who predicted San Jose to finish last, it seemed that they were probably right. Such is the game of soccer in all its cliched beauty, one minute you’re engulfed in euphoria, the next you’ve resigned yourself to a season of utter crap. Its what you have to do after all, a psychological defense mechanism. Expect the worst, and at least you’ll never be disappointed.

Popularity: 23%

…is give us a goal. The quest for a goal has become an obsession amongst Earthquakes fans. People are resorting to prayers for a striker savior who will rain down goals upon the Quakes faithful, others are resigning themselves to a season of drought in the hopes of faking out the soccer gods by some kind of reverse psychology. For myself, I am using that trendy technique of visualization. I see the one-touch passes. I see the Quakes approach the goal. A beautiful through ball to Kamara. Clinically placed in the back of the net. Or Peguero. Or Grabavoy. Whoever. It changes all the time in my visualization. The important thing is to see the goal in one’s mind and believe.

Popularity: 18%

Those who have been reading my blog regularly must have wondered where my post-game analysis was for the Quakes/Red Bulls game. I’ve been pretty diligent about doing a pre- and post- game analysis for every Quakes match, but I was so demoralized after the game in New York that i just couldn’t bring myself to sit down and write the obituary on an thoroughly ugly affair. In retrospect, it wasn’t the worst result in the world. Not many expected the Quakes to make it two in a row on the road, especially on that horrid turf. Three losses seems a terrible start to the season until you realize that the early portion of the Quakes schedule is heavily weighted towards the road. I guess it was the nature of the loss that led to dashed expectations: the Quakes failed to maintain the classy, ball-possession game they displayed against Colorado and Chicago. Its one thing to lose, its another to utterly capitulate. Then again, the Quakes seemed to be on their way to a valuable road point, holding off the Red Bulls attack, until Vide lost the ball in the middle of the park (God, I hope this kid has an upside), and Cochrane, looking set to be torched by the big bull himself, Altidore, sent him to the turf. Anyways…that match is done, and hope springs eternal, especially with the real home opener for the Quakes coming up. I know some of you out there may have believed that we already had our home opener against Chicago at McAfee stadium in Oakland, but it just isn’t true. Accept no substitutes, Buck Shaw is our real home for the next couple of years.

Popularity: 12%

How sweet it is to enjoy a win once again. My whole week has been a little brighter, and I’ve found myself smiling for no apparent reason in the middle of the day (which is probably disturbing to those around me). But in soccer, as with most things, joy doesn’t last forever. Another weekend means another match, and whether the next week will be bright or dark will be decided on Sunday.

Popularity: 14%