A Perfect Ending

By: Ian | October 26th, 2008

It was truly a great game last night, leaving a good feeling in the air that will get me through the offseason. All the disappointments of the past few weeks vanished, because the Quakes of our unbeaten streak were back, and next season looks to be promising. The players all looked loose and like they were having fun, which made a definite difference in the play. A few things I noticed from the game:

- Sealy looked uninterested and had his most anonymous game of the season. I guess he had his mind on Europe already. Thanks for the service Sealy, he did provide a big improvement over Kamara in that middle part of the season.

- Shea Salinas had his best game of the season by far. It is obvious that he is learning from Huckerby. He made several long runs and cut backs on that left side that were vintage Darren. Shea has always had the willingness to take defenders on, but now it seems he has learned a few more tricks to mix it up and fool defenders instead of doing the same approach over and over. I also think he is better on the left side than the right. It gives him an opportunity to make those cut backs which were giving the Toronto defense fits. His long run, putting the ball past one opponent on the flank, then making a cutback and beating two defenders, ultimately winning a penalty, was a perfect ending to the season for the team and for Shea. We need to keep this kid. I wasn’t convinced before, but I am now. He is going to be a star. I can still hear people singing in my head. Shea-Shea-Shea, Shea-Shea-Shea, Shea Salinas, Shea Salinas. (to the tune of Shake-Shake-Shake, Shake-Shake-Shake, Shake your booty). Remember it for next year.

- Ryan Johnson is my hero. I always knew it before but it was confirmed yesterday. He works hard every minute of every game, and there’s never any question of his dedication. What was a bit different yesterday was his willingness to use tricks as well as power to beat defenders. I don’t know if it was simply a matter of being relaxed and confident, or he’s learning some new things, but he made a wonderful run, feinted a pass, and then knocked the ball forward to attempt a side-footed shot which almost went in. Later he made a few shimmies and step-overs to beat defenders, which weren’t just for entertainment’s sake but were effective. We’ll need a forward to replace Sealy, but Johnson needs to be a starter next year.

- Alvarez was good last night, especially when he casually back-heeled a perfect pass that released Ronnie down the flank. I’m still unsure of his best position. He gets outmuscled up front sometimes, and I still think Ronnie and Darren are the best bets on the flanks. An attacking mid role is not out of the question, because he’s best when he has room to take on defenders, though that’s not really Yallop’s system.

- Wow, did we miss Corrales. Yesterday only reinforced the fact that Ramiro is absolutely key in the midfield. He wins balls, provides steady and accurate distribution, and provides good cover for the defense. I would go so far as to say that if he wouldn’t have been injured, we would be in the playoffs right now. I started off the season as someone who felt that Ramiro had always just been a standard Quakes squad player, to a great admirer of his role within the team and his abilities.

- We might’ve seen Lima’s last game in a Quakes uniform. I have a feeling based on his comments on Centerline Soccer, that he won’t be coming back. We’ll need a replacement for him next year.

- Loved the lap around the pitch by the players at the end.

All in all, it was a good season and we have a lot to look forward to next season. The last game is truly critical, for a mental reason if nothing else. If we had lost, there would’ve been a downcast mood throughout the offseason. This win instead inspires a mood of confidence that can be built upon.

Well, that’s all folks. Let me know what you thought about last night’s game.

Up next, look for my season awards, a rating of each player’s performance over the season, the best moments of the season, and then we’ll start talking about the expansion draft.

‘Til then, enjoy the win!