And the newest signing is…

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.

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