More (gn)news with Gary Gnu

By: Melissa | May 27th, 2008

It seems the Quakes weren’t going to let a silly little thing like the holiday weekend slow them down. There is quite a bit of news out today that should hopefully give the fans a few more reasons to stay positive about the team throughout the week.

Amir Lowery and Dan Benton signed with the team. Lowery is a defender recently from the Wizards and Benton signs on as our backup goalkeeper. Benton was the guy who filled in for Cannon and Burpo for a short while during preseason. If I remember correctly, he did quite well and he’s a local guy. Local love is in the hizzy.

Peguero Jean Philippe was placed on the season-ending injury list effectively ending his loan from the Danish team Brondby. Turns out, the knee swelled up again and is not healing. But because Jean Phillipe didn’t stick around for very long, the Quakes do not move to the bottom of the MLS allocation list. Go figure.

Ivan Guerrero was just called up to the Honduran National team. He will likely miss the next three games. Ok, this bit of news might not make fans particularly happy but I do wonder, who will start in his place? Shea Salinas is the only guy coming to mind here unless Ryan Johnson doesn’t keep the striker spot he had against Houston. Thoughts?

Kelly Gray is really really really really happy to be back in San Jose. And I’m happy for him. My guess is he’ll maybe compete for Ramiro Corrales’ spot which may cause Corrales to perhaps occupy a winger position? It does seem our team is lacking a little bit in attacking midfielders right now. I’m just wondering who may unconventionally pick up that slack in the short term. Thinking outside the box here.

Rolando Fonseca is the new trialist in training this week. He’s 33 and Costa Rica’s all time leading goal scorer. Quakes fans love goal scorers – especially ones without busted knees.

And with a sad sad heart I report that there are now zero Bay Area teams competing in this year’s Open Cup. Despite having pretty darn stellar seasons so far, both the San Jose Frogs and the San Francisco Seals got squeezed out of the lead by the Los Angeles Legends (on goal differentials) who won the spot to represent our PDL division in the competition. This may not help in the happy fans department either, unfortunately. But if it’s any consolation, the Seals currently sit at first place in the Southwest Division (11pts) with the Frogs at second (10pts).