Tribute to Cerritos

By: Ian | 10 Comments

The signing of Ramon Sanchez has me pleased as punch.  Finally, the Quakes have signed a central midfielder, the position we desperately need help at, with international experience as captain of the El Salvador national team.  I am overcome with wishful thinking at this point, but I am hoping he replicates the form and impact of one of my favorite San Jose players of all time, another Salvadorean player, Ronald Cerritos.  With that in mind, here’s a YouTube tribute to Cerritos.

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Friday Blog Tour

By: Ian | 27 Comments

It’s been awhile since I posted, so I thought it appropriate to examine the Quakes landscape through a little tour of the blogs and news out there.  The Quakes are up against the Stormin’ Mormons tonight (RSL), and need to start picking up some results on the road if we’re going to get anything out of this season.  My prediction?  1-1.

* First, the Big Kahuna itself, the Quakes official website is reporting that Yallop will be tweaking the line-up a bit, with Corrales moving to left back and McDonald and Ribeiro manning the central midfield.  I pushed for Corrales at left back earlier in the season, but it seems a bit strange timing to make the move now with Zaher putting in some solid performances.  It does show that Yallop sees that Corrales has been struggling in that central midfield, but is not willing to simply bench him.  McDonald should be an improvement in the midfield, with a lot more athleticism and bite than either Elliott or Corrales can offer. Ribeiro still has to prove that he is not just an USL reject.

* Centerline Soccer is busy as always.  They comment on McDonald finally getting the nod in midfield, while pointing out that a pairing of McD and Ribeiro might not provide the needed creativity or invention to generate some attack.  Given the poor performance of our central midfield this season both offensively and defensively, I’ll settle for some steel and bite and actually getting in the opposition’s way now and then.  We’ll deal with the creativity once the transfer window opens.  They also report on Huckerby’s status, who will sit out this game in order to fully recover from that nagging quad injury.  It sucks to be without the Hucks, but we do need him to be healthy for the rest of the season.  This looks to be his last season as a Quake, and it would be a shame for him to sit out most of it.

* Whenever an aging European star even hints that they might possibly think about perhaps playing at some point in the MLS, it raises hopes to unrealistic heights.  The most recent example is Pavel Nedved, whose mere mention of a desire to play in the MLS set hearts aflutter.  I wouldn’t bank on him coming to the Quakes or any other MLS club, however.  It is most likely just another groundless flirtation to add some more negotiating leverage to Nedved’s cause.

* If you haven’t yet read the excerpt from Grant Wahl’s upcoming book, “The Beckham Experiment”, do it now.  I mean it, clink on this link right now, whether you’re at work, in summer school, or wherever and feast your eyes on some juicy gossip about that scummy team down south.  Grin with joy as Judas himself tears into Goldenballs with all he can muster.  Wow, to be a fly on the wall on Beckham’s first day back in the L.A. locker room.  ”So, Becks, do any light reading on the plane over?”

* Check out Alex Davidson’s (my co-host for Under the Blue Banner) blog about the recent USMNT upset of Spain.  While you’re at it, start following Under the Blue Banner on twitter.  This Sunday’s show will be on at 10:30 a.m. due to the Gold Cup games that afternoon.

* Finally, in that same glorious tradition of shameless self-promotion, head on over to World Soccer Reader, to hear my take on Bobby Convey’s troubled time in San Jose.

That’s it for now folks.  Don’t drift away, head back to this blog next week for some more Earthquakes fun.  Go Quakes!

Category: It's the Blogroll... betch

Tags: Blogroll, It's the Blogroll... betch, MLS, Quakes, San Jose Earthquakes

Five Fears from the Shrink’s Couch

By: Ian | Add Comments

The ball bulges the back of the net and I throw my hands up in disgust, but the half-heartedness of the gesture betrays my true feelings.  Not disappointment or anger, not even pain.  Instead it was that bitter resignation which takes up shop in a fan’s heart around the time he realizes that his club is hopeless.  For some supporters, that resignation is perennial, it congeals into a thick layer of cynicism gilded with black humor, the only defense mechanism of the eternally disappointed.  They have no choice really, it is either that or walk away from the team altogether, which is undoubtedly the saner of the two choices.  Honestly, I can only imagine the existential plight of a Detroit Lions fan sitting there witnessing defeat number sixteen and knowing all the while that he will be renewing his season tickets next year.  Subjecting oneself to such torture and mind-numbing mediocrity for the sake of such a nebulous idea as “your team” is either the height of nobility or utter madness.   

  Fortunately, for Quakes fans, the situation is not quite so dire.  We have tasted success and the pinnacle of glory, not once but twice.  Perhaps, this makes it even harder for us to accept failure than supporters with empty trophy cabinets (I’m talking about you, Colorado and New York).  Still, the first five years of our existence as an MLS franchise thickened our skins, when it looked as if we would be the eternal laughing-stock of the league.  We learned to endure watching Clash soccer, not enjoy it.  We learned to prepare for losses before the ball was even kicked.  But even for the eternal losers, there is always a small kernel of hope, one that is kept deep inside and never breathed aloud even as a joke.  Even after a hundredth losing season, there would still be a glimmer of belief that this season would finally be the one to change it all.  For Quakes fans, that hope was finally realized with the arrival of Yallop and a new crop of players.  Success became expected.  Then the ultimate heartbreak, which only a chosen crop of fans has had the misfortune to endure: the supporter’s version of death, to have your team moved.  We have come back from the dead, endured countless heartbreaks, all of which can give you more psychological complexes than a lifetime of broken marriages.  With that said, I will sit on the shrink’s couch and relate the top five fears that are plaguing me at the moment:

 

5. Huckerby leaving

 

Norwich may have been relegated, but Huckerby would undoubtedly prefer League One (the English third division) over the pub team he is currently on.  Besides which, such things matter very little to a player like Huckerby whose loyalty outstrips any such concerns.  If we had a decent squad that was making progress towards the playoffs, then I think Hucks would be tempted to stay a little longer in San Jose, but as it is, I don’t think anyone could blame him for escaping this train wreck when his contract expires.  It is a shame that we haven’t been able to see an 100% fit Huckerby so far this season.  Hopefully we’ll get to see him soon and get our last taste before he leaves.  

 

4. Joe Cannon getting dumped on

 

This has already begun, as some fans have begun to do the unthinkable: question The Joe.  While there have been a couple of mistakes (most glaring of which was the third Chicago goal which should have been saved), I think what many fail to realize is that lack of confidence is contagious.  When the defense in front of a keeper is shaky and lacking belief, then this has the inevitable effect of inspiring indecision and nerves in the keeper himself.  In my humble opinion, Joe has not “lost it”.  He has demonstrated many times this season, that his reflexes and shot-stopping are still of a high quality.  To me the problem is all psychological at this point.  Put a quality defense and a midfield who can shield in front of Cannon, and you’ll see the old Joe back.  Take away Joe and we probably wouldn’t even have the Houston win.

 

3. Finishing below L.A. once again

 

As all supporters know, there is one thing which is indeed worse than a losing season, and that is finishing below your hated rival.  To finish below the Scum always induces a bit of nausea, and bragging rights are the currency of all rivalries.  Last year, we could use the expansion label as an excuse, but we have no such luxury this time around.  

 

2. Picking up the Wooden Spoon yet again

 

As things stand right now, this one looks like a damn near certainty.  For those who don’t know, the Wooden Spoon is the “prize” given to the team who finishes dead last in the league.  We picked up one last year, as well as in 1997 and 2000 (widely regarded as our worst season ever).  At this rate, 2009 may end up as the new benchmark of failure for the Quakes.  No other club in the the league has more than one, and we are in serious danger of picking up number four.  At stake is the true identity of this team.  Are we the feisty and gutsy team of 2001-2005, or was that just a blip in the history of a losing club?  

 

1. Frank Yallop getting the axe

 

At this point, more and more Quakes fans are losing faith in Frank and calling for his head despite it being only eight games into the season.  Yet such a reaction is somewhat understandable given that from all appearances it looks as if we have actually regressed from last year, an almost unforgivable season in a club’s sophomore season after the obligatory putrid expansion year (obligatory unless you’re Seattle that is).  Still, I refuse to give up on Frank.  He came into San Jose and transformed a team with no prospects and no future into a championship club and a perennial contender.  The magic of those years lives long in the memory, and it is perhaps sentimentality, if nothing else, which makes me refuse to lose faith in Yallop.  But I think there is some practical content to my feelings as well.  Despite the raised expectations and dashed hopes of this season, Yallop’s tenure at this point still only consists of one full season and eight games.  It took three years for Sigi Schmid to build a championship team out of Columbus, and people were calling for his head in seasons one and two.  Patience and stability are key in building a team from scratch, and I’m not convinced that the benefits from changing coaches outweigh the harm of introducing a culture of instability once again to the club.  More than anything, it would be a blow to everything I know and hold dear as a Quakes fan to see such a key and beloved figure in Quakes history as Frank Yallop be unceremoniously canned.  I am actually shocked a bit at how easy it is for some fans to toss him aside.

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New Quakes Radio Show and Podcast

By: Ian | 5 Comments

Alright everyone, this is a project that I have been kicking around for awhile, and now it’s finally come to fruition.  I  would like to proudly announce the creation of internet radio’s first live show and podcast dedicated solely to your San Jose Earthquakes. The show is called Under the Blue Banner, and will be airing live every Sunday at 2:00 P.M. It is produced and hosted by myself and fellow Quakes fan and commentator, Alex. Go to www.blogtalkradio.com/underthebluebanner to listen to the show live, listen to past episodes, or see the schedule of upcoming episodes. The first episode aired today and is up on the page for your listening enjoyment. You will also be able to download them through ITunes. 

We want fan participation. Please e-mail the show at underthebluebanner@gmail.com with comments, questions, topics you want us to discuss, ideas, hate mail, etc. There is also a call-in line, so you can call us during the show and talk it up with us. The line for next show will be (347) 326-9238. Long distance charges apply, so don’t blame us for large phone bills! 

So next show is Sunday, March 15 at 2:00 P.M. Please tune in or set your ITunes to subscribe to it. Thanks!

Category: Shameless Self-promotion

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In Yallop We Trust

By: Ian | 2 Comments

Don’t know how many of you all out there got a chance to see Frank Yallop on FSC’s Fox Football Phone-In Monday night, but it’s worth talking about for several reasons.  First off, I have to say that I’m a regular viewer of the show and enjoy the content, for the most part.  However, I was disappointed that despite a very meaty segment with Yallop, practically the entire second hour as a matter of fact, we heard very little about Frank’s thoughts regarding the Earthquakes.  Instead, most of the questions, both from the hosts and the callers, either dealt with Yallop’s thoughts on the Champions League/EPL or the MLS in general. Now, I understand the need to appeal to a wide audience, who wouldn’t necessarily want to hear an hour of talk about the Quakes, as much as that would make us all giggle with happiness like little school children. But when you have a manager on the show, there needs to be a certain level of interest in the team he represents.  At least with Dominic Kinnear the week before, there was discussion about the De Rosario trade, who would replace him, etc.  I know that the ins and outs of a team in MLS don’t stimulate the same level of excitement as Champions League fixtures, but more focus on Yallop the Earthquakes manager, not Yallop the manager in general would be nice.  Ok, end rant.  

It was interesting to hear Yallop talk about his decisions in the famous 5-4 aggregate playoff victory over L.A., and how he approaches making changes for the playoffs.  In both cases, it very much seems as if Yallop seems to be more of an instinctual manager, though a bit of that may just be his obvious humility.  He said that, for the most part, he makes such decisions based on what seems right at the time, and it’s more of a gut feeling type of tactical decision-making.

 

QUAKES NOTES FOR THE WEEK:

- Unfortunately, Aki Riihilahti failed his physical so he will not be joining the Quakes.  While on one hand, it does save me from looking up the spelling of his name a hundred times throughout the upcoming season, it is definitely a shame that this transfer didn’t pan out.  By all accounts, Aki is a solid player and, almost as importantly, a real asset to the dressing room atmosphere.  Good luck to him wherever he ends up.

- It looks as if Simon Elliott may have been officially signed after a lengthy trial with the Quakes.  Elliott will most likely serve as veteran depth at the central midfield position.  He provides experience and solid skills, if not blinding pace.  

- Chris Leitch has been acquired from the New York Red Bulls to compete for the right back spot.  Whether it will be him, youngster Jamil Roberts, or Jason Hernandez who will nab the starting job is yet to be seen.  

- Keep a close eye on the Beckham saga.  I for one am hoping he stays at Milan at least until July, if only because this would likely mean that one of the games against L.A. would be moved to Buck Shaw from Oakland.  

- Looks like our old friend Landycakes will be returning to the Galaxy after all.  Get your best chants and songs ready!

Category: Offseason Chat

Tags: Offseason Chat

Quakes Shape Up

By: Ian | 3 Comments

The past week has been fruitful for the Quakes as the team steadily takes shape for the new season.  According to Centerline Soccer, Aki Riihilahti is the newest signing.  He is a holding midfielder with Premiership experience (at Crystal Palace), with his most recent action coming in the Swedish league.  At 32 years of age, he should provide some veteran grit and composure in the center of the field, though there are some question marks about his ability to stay injury-free.  What it does do is allow Corrales to move to the left back spot, which is the upgrade over Denton that I have been pushing for (sorry, Eric).  In other news, the Quakes are having a torrid start to the preseason, defeating Seattle and Houston before decimating the Fresno Fuego 6-0.  Now calm down everyone, preseason means absolutely nothing in any sport, but it does seem as if our old friend Ryan Johnson has grabbed a starting spot and is refusing to let it go, with Cam Weaver as his most likely partner.  While Weaver will be the de facto set-up man, both Johnson and Weaver possess strength and are good in the air, which will give us an aerial dimension and presence up front which was sorely lacking last year.  Rookie forward Amarikwa has done enough to earn a contract, and will provide a nice burst of pace off the bench.  Or at least, that’s the idea.  With Pablo Campos offering another option at forward, it looks as if Cunliffe’s days at the club are numbered.  

Here is the most likely formation for the Quakes if the season started today (based on what the coaching staff and John Doyle have said thus far):

               Weaver-Johnson

Huckerby-Riihilahti-Convey-Alvarez

Corrales-Garcia-Cochrane-Hernandez

                      Cannon

Not too shabby.  Our biggest strength is clearly our midfield, with the forward line having the most question marks, as they have yet to be truly battle tested.  The defense looks to be fairly solid, but the right back position is still up in the air.

 

Category: Offseason Chat

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A look back on the ‘08 season with Youtube

By: Ian | 1 Comment

Pretty good recap of last season.  It is sad to see O’brien’s moments, since he did have some of the best highlights of the season.  I was really looking forward to a full season with O’Brien and Huckerby on the wings.  Ah well.  I also think it’s funny to see the complete absence of Kamara in the highlights.  Not too hard since I don’t really count shooting at the corner flag a highlight, but his goal against Colorado was completely cut so that all we see is the ball rolling into the goal and none of his contribution to it.  Classic.  

Category: Offseason Chat

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Here Comes Convey

By: Ian | 2 Comments

Well, it’s official now.  Bobby Convey is the newest member of the Quakes.  As I said before, after initially being a little underwhelmed, I now think it’ll be a good signing.  He’s only 25, meaning that he potentially could be a solid member of the team for years to come.  Convey has national team experience, and he is versatile, able to play on the left wing, at leftback, or in an attacking midfield role, which seems the most likely based on what Doyle and Yallop have been saying.  Though his recent injury has made many skeptical, let’s not forget that he did help lead Reading to promotion not too long ago, and he does possess better passing skills than anyone else we could put in the a-mid position.  Another plus is that when Huckerby leaves or retires, we have someone who can fill that position right away.  Still, this all presumes that his best years are ahead of him and that he isn’t one of those players who simply burnt out early, a fate of many other teen prodigies in soccer.  I don’t think so though.  Definitely, biggest signing for us so far this offseason.  He won’t set the world on fire, but there’s something to be said for a solid, reliable contributor in this league.  Oh, and did I mention we’ll finally have a quality set-piece taker?

Category: Offseason Chat, Player News

Tags: Offseason Chat, Player News

And the newest signing is…

By: Ian | Add Comments

Pablo Campos.  If that name doesn’t ring a bell, you’re not alone.  He played for the Fresno Fuego before heading for Sweden last season.  Here’s the Fresno Bee article.  Campos was a fairly prodigious scorer with the Fuego, but then again that was at PDL level (for those who don’t know, the PDL is the fourth tier of competition in the U.S., and is the top level of amateur play).  Like Cam Weave, he is another relatively unknown quantity, and another tall, strong forward.  Chances are that Weaver, Campos, and the draftee Amarikwa will not all be successful, but Yallop and Doyle are hedging their bets that one will be a revelation.  Already in the forward mix we have Ryan Johnson, who we know is solid, Somma whose potential is apparent, and Glinton and Cunliffe will now have to fight for their spots tooth and nail.  If you go by the names on our striker list, it looks pretty weak and easy to write off, but Yallop and Doyle appear to be playing it smart by trying to uncover a hidden gem instead of opening up holes by trading for a star MLS forward, or breaking the bank signing a foreign DP player.  Competition for places instead of relying on one established player seems to be the strategy.  A bit risky, but surely worth a shot.  

On a side note, it’s interesting that the emphasis has been on size and power up front.  Other than Brian Ching, this was never a notable facet of the successful Quakes teams.  Donovan and Jamil Walker led the Quakes in the 2003 playoffs, both small and quick players.  Cerritos paired with Donovan in the 2001 edition (another small player).  However, Yallop is clearly not attempting to relive the past but building a team that can compete in the present reality.  A strong forward (or two) in the box will keep defenses honest.  Without a viable target, it would be too easy (and safer) for teams to simply channel Huckerby and Alvarez to the wings where their crosses would hold very little danger.  A target forward means that defenders now have to choose between leaving space for a dangerous cross or allow Huckerby and Alvarez to cut inside, which is when they are at their most dangerous.  I don’t envy a defense that has to make that choice.

Category: Offseason Chat

Tags: Offseason Chat

Weekend Round-up

By: Ian | 9 Comments

As the season gets closer and closer, the news is flying fast and furious.  I wouldn’t have it any other way.  Isn’t that we live for as Quakes supporters?  Any juicy morsel of information that might give us hope for a championship run, or for that matter an excuse to fly off on yet another rant.  Anyway, here’s what’s going down in Quakeland.

* Cam Weaver Watch: Yes, let’s all be honest, we know very little about this kid except for a few glimpses from his Sounders days and some not-too-helpful statistics.  So Centerline Soccer is on top of it as usual with a report from Friday’s practice.  Sounds like we might finally have a player with the strength to hold onto the ball up front and maybe even get on the end of a cross or two. If he really is a cross between Ching and Jaqua, I just hope he didn’t inherit a pissy attitude and a vulnerability to injury from Papa Ching.  

* Galaxy games to Buck Shaw?: Who’s with me in getting a petition started?  With Becks finally confirming what everyone already knew, that he would rather trade in Posh for Alexi than play for the Galaxy again, let’s bring the rivalry home to Buck Shaw.  It will be so much better in the intimacy of our real home stadium, where we can get our paws, or at least our best insults, on the Scum.  As this SF gate article explains, the shared ownership of the A’s and Quakes enables the move to be made fairly easily though there are no plans to do so as yet.  

* The Nominations are In…: Speaking of Becks, with his departure, so goes the ever popular “We don’t give a f*@# about Beckham” chants.  Judas (aka Landycakes) is also desperate to leave the Galaxy behind.  So which MLS player earns the title of new Quakes public enemy number one?  My top pick right now is Eddie Robinson.

* Random Stuff: The Byers signing fell through.  Ah well, hard to miss an unknown quantity such as he was.  Somma has been signed to a senior contract and Quakes management seems to be pretty high on him.  He could well be a key player for us in the future.  

Category: Offseason Chat

Tags: Offseason Chat