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. 

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.