Khari Stephenson saved a point for the Quakes thanks to a simply ridiculous goal that left the visiting Sounders stunned. The 35-yard-bomb is rightfully up for Goal of the Week - let's make sure we get him the win!
Apart from Khari's goal, there are match reports abound on the Quakes-Sounders 2-2 draw from Saturday. Goal.com, Center Line Soccer, and the Mercury News give a Bay Area-centric look at the match, while The Olympian gives a perspective from up north.
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We've been celebrating the Quakes 10 year anniversary since winning their first MLS Cup in 2001. Center Line Soccer has put together a video of EVERY goal from the 2001 season. Enjoy 22 minutes of Earthquakes glory!
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Make sure you check out Quakes Exclusive this week, as the feature interview will be with Simon Dawkins! This week's 90Plus segment will feature defender Bobby Burling. Stay tuned to SJEarthquakes.com for all the Quakes news heading into this weekend's match at home against Toronto FC.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Wondo Being Wondo
That's more like it. The Quakes opened up their road schedule with a 2-0 win over last year's MLS Cup finalists FC Dallas behind two goals from Chris Wondolowski. Wondolowski drew plaudits for his finishes, particularly the first, which is up for MLS Goal of the Week. Check out all the nominees here and be sure to vote for Wondo!
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FC Dallas captain was none too pleased post-game with giving up two early goals to San Jose:
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Lots to preview for the Quakes next match at home on Saturday against Seattle Sounders, be sure to check back midweek for more updates!
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FC Dallas captain was none too pleased post-game with giving up two early goals to San Jose:
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Lots to preview for the Quakes next match at home on Saturday against Seattle Sounders, be sure to check back midweek for more updates!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Left Out In The Rain
Still drying off here at The Core, but that doesn't stop us from giving you a round-up of all the news surrounding the Quakes tough 1-0 loss to Real Salt Lake over the weekend.
In other news, new gameday experience app Yorder was profiled in the San Francisco Chronicle over the weekend. Make sure you download that to get food and merchandise delivered directly to your seat at Buck Shaw!
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With the Quakes on the road in Dallas next weekend, be sure to check back with some reports and previews on the match!
- Matt Schwab of the Mercury News gives his take on the match.
- Our friends over at Center Line Soccer have a post-game podcast and photo gallery with some great pictures in that torrntial downpour over at Buck Shaw.
- Michael C. Lewis gives his take from RSL's perspective over at the Salt Lake Tribune.
In other news, new gameday experience app Yorder was profiled in the San Francisco Chronicle over the weekend. Make sure you download that to get food and merchandise delivered directly to your seat at Buck Shaw!
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With the Quakes on the road in Dallas next weekend, be sure to check back with some reports and previews on the match!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Countdown To Kickoff
The Quakes have officially finished their pre-season, which means there's just one week of practising left until the start of the 2011 MLS regular season. Their final tune-up came against the Portland Timbers during a closed-door scrimmage at Buck Shaw Stadium. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Chris Wondolowski getting on the scoresheet yet again, making it five matches in a row with a goal. Joe Nuxoll from Center Line Soccer was on hand to snap some pictures.
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MLS' Salary Cap Challenge fantasy game was just released, and definitely worth checking out. You only pick seven players and add up your points on a weekly basis. There's already a group created for Quakes fans!
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Also just annouced was the expansion of the Quakes pre-academy system. Tryouts for the U12 pre-academy development program are coming soon, and will also feature the opportunity for players interested in joining the U14 pre-academy pool. Tryouts will be held on March 16th, 23rd & 30th from 5:30-7:30pm at Lincoln High School in San Jose.
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In honor of the rapidly approaching First Kick 2011, why not end this update with a mantra for the team this coming weekend against Real Salt Lake: WINNING!
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MLS' Salary Cap Challenge fantasy game was just released, and definitely worth checking out. You only pick seven players and add up your points on a weekly basis. There's already a group created for Quakes fans!
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Also just annouced was the expansion of the Quakes pre-academy system. Tryouts for the U12 pre-academy development program are coming soon, and will also feature the opportunity for players interested in joining the U14 pre-academy pool. Tryouts will be held on March 16th, 23rd & 30th from 5:30-7:30pm at Lincoln High School in San Jose.
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In honor of the rapidly approaching First Kick 2011, why not end this update with a mantra for the team this coming weekend against Real Salt Lake: WINNING!
Monday, March 7, 2011
SLOw Monday Recap
The Quakes returned to San Jose with two more wins to add to their preseason tally, with he first team beating the Colorado Rapids 1-0 and a younger set of reserves and trialists defeating Cal Poly by the same score.
Wondo continues find the net, this time with a first half penalty fired straight down the middle to beat Matt Pickens.
In the scrimmage against Cal Poly (two 30-minute halves were played) trialist Matt Luzunaris finished a chance created by Bobby Convey to take down the hosting Cal Poly. Luzunaris also came on as a sub in the Rapids match, and showed well mixing it up with the Colorado centerbacks, and engaging in physical play holding up the ball.
Luzunaris has been trialling extensively with San Jose in the pre-season. The 21-year-old has already played in Germany and Austria, as well as a loan spell in Brazil with giants Botafogo. Visa restrictions did not allow to play with the Brazilian team, but he spent his time training with the first team.
Luzunaris also scored two goals against Cal-Berkeley during a pre-season scrimmage in February, and one in the exhibition against Colchester in England.
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Steven Lenhart underwent minor surgery in his knee after picking up a knock right before the team left their stay in England. Lenhart will be out for the season opener, but here's hoping that he isn't out much longer than that!
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Everyone's smartphones were out at Thursday's demolition ceremony, and there are some great photos and videos posted from the event around the web. The highlight for many was seeing a refigerator taken out of the building and completely demolished by the excavator. Listen to those "ooh"s and "aah"s!
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Last but not least, the Quakes Academy teams were both in action this weekend in Southern California. The U16 team won both their matches, defeated Arsenal FC 1-0 and Real Salt Lake's U16s 2-1. The U18s were less fortunate, defeating Arsenal FC 4-0 but falling to their Real Salt Lake counterparts 2-0. The 20 match schedule in the USSF Development Academy Northwest Division will be going on throughout the year.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday Rewind: Homeward Bound
The Core is back!
And so are the Earthquakes, fresh off the plane from their 2nd consecutive pre-season trip to sister club Tottenham Hotspur. There was a lot going over the 10 days that the Quakes spent at Spurs Lodge, and here's some of the juicy bits that may have slipped through the cracks:
Bobby Burling and Jason Hernandez got to spend some time with former teammates Brad Guzan and Sacha Kljestan who are both playing for European based teams. Burling even brought home a couple gifts from his old friends. Kjestan had nothing but love for his ex-Chivas comrades. Burling also contributed to one of four Quakes blog posts over at the San Jose Mercury News website, talking about the team's three exhibition matches.
Rookie Anthony Ampaipitakwong, while enjoying his California king size bed, is just happy to have ESPN back in his life.
Burling wasn't the only Quake to get a chance to catch up with an old teammate. Stuart Holden, now a member of Bolton Wanderers, managed to find some time to catch up with the 2010 Golden Boot winner over coffee.
Looking at it from the other side of the pond, the Spurs website has a write up of "the Californians" trip to London.
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Over at ESPN, Scott French has a story on the unbelievable circumstances that led to Rafael Baca's trial with San Jose. Baca met Quakes assistant Ian Russell at the funeral of one of his former Loyola Marymount teammates, who died unexpectedly.
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Ives Galarcep tips Ike Opara to have a solid sophomore campaign, calling his effort last year "the makings of a Rookie of the Year season." Looking at the US Gold Cup roster, Galarcep says Bobby Convey can't be ignored as a left back option, and Chris Wondolowski should merit another look.
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Over at FanHouse, Brian Straus has a wonderful Q&A with MLS Commissioner Don Garber. Garber opens up about a variety of topics, including the new playoff format, David Beckham, and his role as commissioner.
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Last but not least, here's some video of one of the newest players to wear the black and blue, as Steven Lenhart scores an impressive diving header off a Ramiro Corrales cross against Birmingham City:
And so are the Earthquakes, fresh off the plane from their 2nd consecutive pre-season trip to sister club Tottenham Hotspur. There was a lot going over the 10 days that the Quakes spent at Spurs Lodge, and here's some of the juicy bits that may have slipped through the cracks:
Bobby Burling and Jason Hernandez got to spend some time with former teammates Brad Guzan and Sacha Kljestan who are both playing for European based teams. Burling even brought home a couple gifts from his old friends. Kjestan had nothing but love for his ex-Chivas comrades. Burling also contributed to one of four Quakes blog posts over at the San Jose Mercury News website, talking about the team's three exhibition matches.
Rookie Anthony Ampaipitakwong, while enjoying his California king size bed, is just happy to have ESPN back in his life.
Burling wasn't the only Quake to get a chance to catch up with an old teammate. Stuart Holden, now a member of Bolton Wanderers, managed to find some time to catch up with the 2010 Golden Boot winner over coffee.
Looking at it from the other side of the pond, the Spurs website has a write up of "the Californians" trip to London.
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Over at ESPN, Scott French has a story on the unbelievable circumstances that led to Rafael Baca's trial with San Jose. Baca met Quakes assistant Ian Russell at the funeral of one of his former Loyola Marymount teammates, who died unexpectedly.
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Ives Galarcep tips Ike Opara to have a solid sophomore campaign, calling his effort last year "the makings of a Rookie of the Year season." Looking at the US Gold Cup roster, Galarcep says Bobby Convey can't be ignored as a left back option, and Chris Wondolowski should merit another look.
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Over at FanHouse, Brian Straus has a wonderful Q&A with MLS Commissioner Don Garber. Garber opens up about a variety of topics, including the new playoff format, David Beckham, and his role as commissioner.
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Last but not least, here's some video of one of the newest players to wear the black and blue, as Steven Lenhart scores an impressive diving header off a Ramiro Corrales cross against Birmingham City:
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Shrader's Spin: Shuffling Lineup
My, Oh my, Oh my, Oh my.
Within hours of getting major a reinforcement up front the Quakes lose one of their two top-notch goalkeepers. Joe Cannon’s broken ankle came a day after the club signed European veteran Geovanni and three days after Cannon got his sixth shutout of the year, a 1-0 win over Kansas City.
‘Tis the way of life for the 2010 Earthquakes.
Jon Busch is back in goal this week, and until further notice. And one of these days Geovanni will be in the lineup – likely this week – quite possibly as a second forward. “He’s a bit like (Guillermo Barros) Schelotto,” says coach Frank Yallop, referring to the Columbus forward. “He’s a bit of a floater. He finds the ball in pockets and slides the ball to other players.”
“It shows that ownership is dedicated to the playoffs and winning a championship,” says Chris Wondolowski, who scored the goal against KC. “We appreciate it, because that’s what’s on the players minds, too.”
Geovanni is 30 years of age. He has spent most of his professional career playing in Europe, the last two seasons at Hull City in the EPL, before they were relegated. FC Barcelona is among the teams for which he has played.
“We’ve never had a player of his quality,” Yallop says. He talks about Huckerby, Lima and Andre Luiz in the same conversation, but by most accounts Geovanni is a cut above. The league’s 14th Designated Player should make a big impact on a team that is currently tied for 8th in the eight-team playoff chase in Major League Soccer.
For now the attack will have Bobby Convey only part time. He’ll have to make his timely offensive runs from the left back spot, filling in for the injured Ramiro Corrales.
“It’s difficult to get moved in the middle of the season,” Convey said. “But that’s what our team needed right now.” He says he can’t be as creative from the back because of his defensive responsibilities, which is too bad, “because this is probably the best season I’ve had in MLS.”
Convey remains the first choice on corner kicks, and other set pieces, which have been an important part of the Quakes attack this season. They’ve scored six times on corner kicks.
Yallop has been thrilled with Convey all season, in every way. “I told Bobby now to be the best attacking left back in the league,” he said. “Bobby has been good and professional at everything.”
“I had to (make the move), it’s something I was asked to do,” Convey says. “That’s what Frank wanted, so that’s what I’ve done.”
While the lineup continues to be shuffled, mostly because of injuries, Yallop says there is no doubting the commitment by ownership and General Manager John Doyle. Geovanni’s presence means this team is serious about the chase for its first playoff spot since a return to the league in 2008.
“To have a real, top notch European player at 30 years old coming in is a treat for our guys and it’ll be a treat for our fans,” Yallop says.
The goalies have been interchanged for different reasons, the midfield has been a work in progress, the backline reshuffled semi-regularly, the forwards have been inconsistent scorers, and yet, the team is above five-hundred, and chasing the post-season.
What might it be like if everybody were available all the time? Oh my, that would be a treat for the players and the fans - and the broadcasters would be pretty pleased, too.
Within hours of getting major a reinforcement up front the Quakes lose one of their two top-notch goalkeepers. Joe Cannon’s broken ankle came a day after the club signed European veteran Geovanni and three days after Cannon got his sixth shutout of the year, a 1-0 win over Kansas City.
‘Tis the way of life for the 2010 Earthquakes.
Jon Busch is back in goal this week, and until further notice. And one of these days Geovanni will be in the lineup – likely this week – quite possibly as a second forward. “He’s a bit like (Guillermo Barros) Schelotto,” says coach Frank Yallop, referring to the Columbus forward. “He’s a bit of a floater. He finds the ball in pockets and slides the ball to other players.”
“It shows that ownership is dedicated to the playoffs and winning a championship,” says Chris Wondolowski, who scored the goal against KC. “We appreciate it, because that’s what’s on the players minds, too.”
Geovanni is 30 years of age. He has spent most of his professional career playing in Europe, the last two seasons at Hull City in the EPL, before they were relegated. FC Barcelona is among the teams for which he has played.
“We’ve never had a player of his quality,” Yallop says. He talks about Huckerby, Lima and Andre Luiz in the same conversation, but by most accounts Geovanni is a cut above. The league’s 14th Designated Player should make a big impact on a team that is currently tied for 8th in the eight-team playoff chase in Major League Soccer.
For now the attack will have Bobby Convey only part time. He’ll have to make his timely offensive runs from the left back spot, filling in for the injured Ramiro Corrales.
“It’s difficult to get moved in the middle of the season,” Convey said. “But that’s what our team needed right now.” He says he can’t be as creative from the back because of his defensive responsibilities, which is too bad, “because this is probably the best season I’ve had in MLS.”
Convey remains the first choice on corner kicks, and other set pieces, which have been an important part of the Quakes attack this season. They’ve scored six times on corner kicks.
Yallop has been thrilled with Convey all season, in every way. “I told Bobby now to be the best attacking left back in the league,” he said. “Bobby has been good and professional at everything.”
“I had to (make the move), it’s something I was asked to do,” Convey says. “That’s what Frank wanted, so that’s what I’ve done.”
While the lineup continues to be shuffled, mostly because of injuries, Yallop says there is no doubting the commitment by ownership and General Manager John Doyle. Geovanni’s presence means this team is serious about the chase for its first playoff spot since a return to the league in 2008.
“To have a real, top notch European player at 30 years old coming in is a treat for our guys and it’ll be a treat for our fans,” Yallop says.
The goalies have been interchanged for different reasons, the midfield has been a work in progress, the backline reshuffled semi-regularly, the forwards have been inconsistent scorers, and yet, the team is above five-hundred, and chasing the post-season.
What might it be like if everybody were available all the time? Oh my, that would be a treat for the players and the fans - and the broadcasters would be pretty pleased, too.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Shrader's Spin: KC a Must Win?
It’s not often you hear coaches and players talk in August about a “must win” game.
That’s about all the Quakes are talking about this week.
“Yes, at this point in the season, every point matters,” said defender Jason Hernandez. “When we’re at home we can’t afford to lose any more points.”
The Quakes had three home shutouts early in the season, but have no wins at Buck Shaw since May 8.
“I just want three points on Saturday,” said coach Frank Yallop. “We have to win on Saturday.”
The Wizards bring a relatively hot team to town this weekend, unbeaten in four straight. However, in the meantime, the Quakes have more injuries to deal with; Ramiro Corrales the latest of them, a knee injury that could keep him out a least a month.
“It’s easy to have a pity party about who is not here,” Hernandez said. “But that’s not our job. Our job is to get results. And we’re looking for that on Saturday.”
After a 1-0 home loss to Seattle two weeks ago, Yallop said he thought the team was playing scared at home, a comment he again uttered this week.
“Well, I am never going to disagree with the coach,” Hernandez says. “Whatever he says, I agree with. It’s the point now for us to express ourselves.”
Yallop says the Quakes need to attack more, be more aggressive, take the game to the opponent, “maybe with a little more attacking lineup, we’ll see.”
Newly acquired Khari Stephenson will almost certainly be in the lineup. He spent the last five years playing in Scandinavia, first in Sweden and then Norway, but says they wanted more of a “runner." Stephenson says he's more of a “technical” player.
“I asked my agent to find me a place to play in MLS,” he says. And, Stephenson says, this should be a good fit for him. “I can make the pass, can hold the ball, and shoot with both feet.”
Stephenson, who has 31 caps for Jamaica, was drafted out of Williams College in 2004 and spent a short time in MLS with Chicago and Kansas City.
“He’s very composed on the ball,” Hernandez says. “He’ll be a strong presence in the middle. He reminds me a bit of (New England’s) Shalrie Joseph.” Stephenson is a 6-foot-1 midfielder who doesn’t mind playing physically. Hernandez says, “we’re looking forward to what he can do.”
Whoever is in the lineup, Yallop says, they will work hard and get the job done. It doesn’t matter for how long they’ve played together, if at all: “I have no doubts whoever we pick will be organized and dynamic.”
And the players and coaches agree it’s a group that must provide a win.
That’s about all the Quakes are talking about this week.
“Yes, at this point in the season, every point matters,” said defender Jason Hernandez. “When we’re at home we can’t afford to lose any more points.”
The Quakes had three home shutouts early in the season, but have no wins at Buck Shaw since May 8.
“I just want three points on Saturday,” said coach Frank Yallop. “We have to win on Saturday.”
The Wizards bring a relatively hot team to town this weekend, unbeaten in four straight. However, in the meantime, the Quakes have more injuries to deal with; Ramiro Corrales the latest of them, a knee injury that could keep him out a least a month.
“It’s easy to have a pity party about who is not here,” Hernandez said. “But that’s not our job. Our job is to get results. And we’re looking for that on Saturday.”
After a 1-0 home loss to Seattle two weeks ago, Yallop said he thought the team was playing scared at home, a comment he again uttered this week.
“Well, I am never going to disagree with the coach,” Hernandez says. “Whatever he says, I agree with. It’s the point now for us to express ourselves.”
Yallop says the Quakes need to attack more, be more aggressive, take the game to the opponent, “maybe with a little more attacking lineup, we’ll see.”
Newly acquired Khari Stephenson will almost certainly be in the lineup. He spent the last five years playing in Scandinavia, first in Sweden and then Norway, but says they wanted more of a “runner." Stephenson says he's more of a “technical” player.
“I asked my agent to find me a place to play in MLS,” he says. And, Stephenson says, this should be a good fit for him. “I can make the pass, can hold the ball, and shoot with both feet.”
Stephenson, who has 31 caps for Jamaica, was drafted out of Williams College in 2004 and spent a short time in MLS with Chicago and Kansas City.
“He’s very composed on the ball,” Hernandez says. “He’ll be a strong presence in the middle. He reminds me a bit of (New England’s) Shalrie Joseph.” Stephenson is a 6-foot-1 midfielder who doesn’t mind playing physically. Hernandez says, “we’re looking forward to what he can do.”
Whoever is in the lineup, Yallop says, they will work hard and get the job done. It doesn’t matter for how long they’ve played together, if at all: “I have no doubts whoever we pick will be organized and dynamic.”
And the players and coaches agree it’s a group that must provide a win.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Shrader's Spin: Remembring Ronald Cerritos
This quiet kid with the infectious smile from El Salvador showed up with more ambition than pedigree. Almost unheard of outside San Salvador, Ronald Cerritos came to the Clash in 1997 on loan from a small club, ADET.
No wonder long-time Spanish-language voice of the Quakes Carlos Cesar Rivera, who like Cerritos came here from El Salvador, was surprised the kid was an MLS All-Star in his first year.
“He didn’t have a name in El Salvadoran football,” Rivera said. “He was really unknown.”
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
RONALD CERRITOS PHOTO GALLERY
Not for long. Cerritos scored 12 goals in 22 MLS games in his rookie year, including a goal in his debut against Los Angeles. It was a header from an Eddie Lewis cross.
“He was a little guy, but scored a lot in the box and a lot of header goals,” Rivera said.
He scored a lot of goals, period. Sixty-one of them in 148 games, and throw in 47 assists. He once had a goal or an assist in a league-record 11 straight games.
Not bad for a kid who wasn’t really a striker.
“He was brought in to play on the right side of the midfield,” said Earthquakes General Manager John Doyle, a former teammate of Cerritos.
“He made deceptive runs – he was not the fastest player, but he was quick and he
was deceptive,” Doyle said. “And he found ways to get the ball into the back of the net.”
In his first go-around in San Jose, five seasons, from 1997 to 2001, Cerritos led the team in goal scoring for every year he was fully healthy, including 15 goals in 1999.
He came to San Jose at a time when the club was not winning much, Doyle says, “so it was nice to see him help us win the title in 2001.”
Cerritos wasn’t always too sure of himself in his early days. He was shy. He wasn’t confident speaking in English; he didn’t have the resume of either of his celebrated countrymen in the league, Mauricio Cienfuegos or Raul Diaz Arce. Though there is a large Salvadoran community in the Bay Area – estimated at 200,000 – Cerritos wasn’t comfortable selling himself or the game in public, even to his compatriots.
And that may be a reason why he flew under the radar during a lot of his years in Major League Soccer. But wherever he was flying and whatever radar he was on, Ronald Cerritos scored goals.
“He had good instincts,” Doyle said. “He was good physically. His impact on this team was big.”
Cerritos returned for the 2005 season, but there were so many options on a team that would end the season with the best record in the league. Despite a smaller role, he still had six goals and nine assists.
“If you had a Clash-Quakes Dream Team,” says Rivera. “Ronald would certainly be on it, with Landon (Donovan), Doyle, Bravo and others.” Rivera says he thinks Cerritos is the best Latin American player the team has ever had.
Doyle is happy the club is recognizing Cerritos. And what’s more, Doyle has a little extra reason to like the club’s all-time leading scorer. When Doyle was the assistant for Dominic Kinnear in 2005, the head coach was sick one night in New York, and couldn’t make the game. “Ronald scored the goal in a 1-0 win,” he said. “I’m undefeated as a head coach thanks s to Ronald.”
That would bring a smile to the kid’s face.
No wonder long-time Spanish-language voice of the Quakes Carlos Cesar Rivera, who like Cerritos came here from El Salvador, was surprised the kid was an MLS All-Star in his first year.
“He didn’t have a name in El Salvadoran football,” Rivera said. “He was really unknown.”
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
RONALD CERRITOS PHOTO GALLERY
Not for long. Cerritos scored 12 goals in 22 MLS games in his rookie year, including a goal in his debut against Los Angeles. It was a header from an Eddie Lewis cross.
“He was a little guy, but scored a lot in the box and a lot of header goals,” Rivera said.
He scored a lot of goals, period. Sixty-one of them in 148 games, and throw in 47 assists. He once had a goal or an assist in a league-record 11 straight games.
Not bad for a kid who wasn’t really a striker.
“He was brought in to play on the right side of the midfield,” said Earthquakes General Manager John Doyle, a former teammate of Cerritos.
“He made deceptive runs – he was not the fastest player, but he was quick and he
was deceptive,” Doyle said. “And he found ways to get the ball into the back of the net.”
In his first go-around in San Jose, five seasons, from 1997 to 2001, Cerritos led the team in goal scoring for every year he was fully healthy, including 15 goals in 1999.
He came to San Jose at a time when the club was not winning much, Doyle says, “so it was nice to see him help us win the title in 2001.”
Cerritos wasn’t always too sure of himself in his early days. He was shy. He wasn’t confident speaking in English; he didn’t have the resume of either of his celebrated countrymen in the league, Mauricio Cienfuegos or Raul Diaz Arce. Though there is a large Salvadoran community in the Bay Area – estimated at 200,000 – Cerritos wasn’t comfortable selling himself or the game in public, even to his compatriots.
And that may be a reason why he flew under the radar during a lot of his years in Major League Soccer. But wherever he was flying and whatever radar he was on, Ronald Cerritos scored goals.
“He had good instincts,” Doyle said. “He was good physically. His impact on this team was big.”
Cerritos returned for the 2005 season, but there were so many options on a team that would end the season with the best record in the league. Despite a smaller role, he still had six goals and nine assists.
“If you had a Clash-Quakes Dream Team,” says Rivera. “Ronald would certainly be on it, with Landon (Donovan), Doyle, Bravo and others.” Rivera says he thinks Cerritos is the best Latin American player the team has ever had.
Doyle is happy the club is recognizing Cerritos. And what’s more, Doyle has a little extra reason to like the club’s all-time leading scorer. When Doyle was the assistant for Dominic Kinnear in 2005, the head coach was sick one night in New York, and couldn’t make the game. “Ronald scored the goal in a 1-0 win,” he said. “I’m undefeated as a head coach thanks s to Ronald.”
That would bring a smile to the kid’s face.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Share Your 2010 FIFA World Cup Memory
Landon Donovan’s goal against Algeria in the 2010 FIFA World Cup was one of the greatest moments in U.S. Soccer history (VIDEO) and sparked dramatic reactions from fans across the United States that were captured via video in bars and living rooms across the country.
More than 2.8 million people have watched “The World’s Reaction to Landon Donovan’s Game Winning Goal,” video on YouTube which compiled those reactions from fans. Watching the video from South Africa, the team was blown away by the reaction and response of the fans.
Now, the U.S. players want to know exactly what that moment meant to you.
How did you react? Where were you? The U.S. players want to know.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Shrader's Spin: Tie with Galaxy is Bittersweet
The taste of a tie in Tinsel Town got a little sweeter in the hours after the Quakes 2-2 game in the Home Depot Center. When Landon Donovan scored in the 90th minute Thursday night, the Galaxy nabbed a point and took two out of the pockets of the Quakes, who twice had leads they couldn’t hold.
But, getting a point from the Galaxy isn’t such a bad thing, said most of the players afterward. Kinda. Sorta.
“It’s always nice to get a point from such a quality side,” said Brandon McDonald, who scored the goal that put the Quakes up 2-1. But… ”it’s always a punch in the gut when you’re up 2-1 and they score a goal late.”
Bobby Convey scored the other goal, a 2nd-minute shot that helped set the tone for this one. “Yes, I have mixed emotions,” he said of the draw, and getting a point in a tough venue. “It just shows how competitive we are this year. It’s a lot different than last year.”
How different than last year? One win and eight points on the road in 2009. So far in 2010: Three wins and 12 points away from home.
With three of the next four at home, it’s time for the Quakes to pick up the pace in Buck Shaw where they are just 3-2-2 this season.
FINALLY….AN ALL-STAR
Convey scored on the same day he got the call from the league office that he would be headed to the All-Star Game next week, replacing injured Jonathan Bornstein.
It's the first time the Quakes will be represented since their return to MLS in 2008.
He says he was mostly disappointed that the team had not received some recognition, “I don’t need someone else to tell me I’m an All-Star.”
“I feel like I play how I play and people can see what I do and make their own conclusion,” Convey said. “I try to do as well as I can and work as hard as I can. It’s nice to be mentioned as an All-Star and with the best players in the league.”
Convey has been among the most consistent players on this team this year. I think most of the players would throw Ramiro Corrales into that conversation as well.
The MLS All-Stars play Manchester United July 28 in Houston’s Reliant Stadium.
FUN FACTS TO KNOW AND TELL
Brandon McDonald has three career MLS goals, and all of them have been scored at the Home Depot Center. He scored once as a member of the Galaxy and scored the others in LA as an Earthquake, against Chivas USA in 2009 and the Thursday night goal against the Galaxy.
But, getting a point from the Galaxy isn’t such a bad thing, said most of the players afterward. Kinda. Sorta.
“It’s always nice to get a point from such a quality side,” said Brandon McDonald, who scored the goal that put the Quakes up 2-1. But… ”it’s always a punch in the gut when you’re up 2-1 and they score a goal late.”
Bobby Convey scored the other goal, a 2nd-minute shot that helped set the tone for this one. “Yes, I have mixed emotions,” he said of the draw, and getting a point in a tough venue. “It just shows how competitive we are this year. It’s a lot different than last year.”
How different than last year? One win and eight points on the road in 2009. So far in 2010: Three wins and 12 points away from home.
With three of the next four at home, it’s time for the Quakes to pick up the pace in Buck Shaw where they are just 3-2-2 this season.
FINALLY….AN ALL-STAR
Convey scored on the same day he got the call from the league office that he would be headed to the All-Star Game next week, replacing injured Jonathan Bornstein.
It's the first time the Quakes will be represented since their return to MLS in 2008.
He says he was mostly disappointed that the team had not received some recognition, “I don’t need someone else to tell me I’m an All-Star.”
“I feel like I play how I play and people can see what I do and make their own conclusion,” Convey said. “I try to do as well as I can and work as hard as I can. It’s nice to be mentioned as an All-Star and with the best players in the league.”
Convey has been among the most consistent players on this team this year. I think most of the players would throw Ramiro Corrales into that conversation as well.
The MLS All-Stars play Manchester United July 28 in Houston’s Reliant Stadium.
FUN FACTS TO KNOW AND TELL
Brandon McDonald has three career MLS goals, and all of them have been scored at the Home Depot Center. He scored once as a member of the Galaxy and scored the others in LA as an Earthquake, against Chivas USA in 2009 and the Thursday night goal against the Galaxy.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
27-game-ban for Choking Referee
Paraguayan soccer player Jose Pedroso received a 27-game suspension after putting his MMA skills to work on a referee during a Chilean second-division match. Pedroso went for the rear-naked choke hold, perhaps hoping that an impending yellow for a reckless challenge would disappear if the center ref tapped out.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Shrader's Spin: Busch the MOTM
Dramatic game-winning goals make the highlights, the goal-scorer gets heroic pats on the back and the headlines will flash his name.
In Philadelphia Arturo Alvarez got the game-winning goal, it went in the stats and he got the headline mentions, but anybody who watched the game knows that the number one hero of the Quakes 2-1 win at PPL Park was goalkeeper Jon Busch. It was Busch who made that last-minute game-winner possible.
“If not for him it would have been a different story,” Alvarez said. “We have to give it up to Busch for keeping us in the game.”
The sixth and most important second half save for Busch came just three minutes before Alvarez’s stoppage time winner. He took a point-blank, sure-fire goal away from Sebastian Le Toux.
“I just did my job,” Busch said in his typical team-first kind of awe-shucks manner. “At the end of the day that’s what I get paid to do. I get paid to make saves and catch crosses. Some games are busy and some games aren’t busy. I’m glad I could help this team and we got three points tonight.”
“As we always say, that’s why he’s there, that’s why the goalkeeper is there,” said coach Frank Yallop. “Jon didn’t panic and he looked good at everything he did.”
And what looks good is Busch’s 1-0-2 record as a starter and his 0.67 goals-against average. Take into consideration the 0-0 game at Salt Lake that certainly could have gone the Quakes way and the disappointing come-from-ahead tie at home against D.C. United and things might be different.
Frank Yallop on Saturday’s game with Tottenham Hotspur:
“We’ll play it like we’re playing any game. Whether we play 90 minutes for everybody, I don’t know. I’d like to get most of my guys on the field because I think playing against an opposition like that is a joy.
“I’d like to get some of my young guys some experience. Maybe we’ll talk to (Spurs Coach) Harry (Redknapp) and see what they’re going to do. We want to win the game and we want to entertain the crowd. We want to make sure Tottenham come in and play well and that we play well. It is a friendly, but it will be nice to get some guys experience.”
The Quakes now have identical home and road records (3-2-2). Yallop on why they’re playing much better on the road this year:
“They’re buying into the game plan. We try to tell them it’s okay to not have the ball a lot away from home as long as you’re defending well. We feel our road plan is great, we just have to get better at home. Maybe the injuries haven’t allowed us to be as good at home.”
In Philadelphia Arturo Alvarez got the game-winning goal, it went in the stats and he got the headline mentions, but anybody who watched the game knows that the number one hero of the Quakes 2-1 win at PPL Park was goalkeeper Jon Busch. It was Busch who made that last-minute game-winner possible.
“If not for him it would have been a different story,” Alvarez said. “We have to give it up to Busch for keeping us in the game.”
The sixth and most important second half save for Busch came just three minutes before Alvarez’s stoppage time winner. He took a point-blank, sure-fire goal away from Sebastian Le Toux.
“I just did my job,” Busch said in his typical team-first kind of awe-shucks manner. “At the end of the day that’s what I get paid to do. I get paid to make saves and catch crosses. Some games are busy and some games aren’t busy. I’m glad I could help this team and we got three points tonight.”
“As we always say, that’s why he’s there, that’s why the goalkeeper is there,” said coach Frank Yallop. “Jon didn’t panic and he looked good at everything he did.”
And what looks good is Busch’s 1-0-2 record as a starter and his 0.67 goals-against average. Take into consideration the 0-0 game at Salt Lake that certainly could have gone the Quakes way and the disappointing come-from-ahead tie at home against D.C. United and things might be different.
Frank Yallop on Saturday’s game with Tottenham Hotspur:
“We’ll play it like we’re playing any game. Whether we play 90 minutes for everybody, I don’t know. I’d like to get most of my guys on the field because I think playing against an opposition like that is a joy.
“I’d like to get some of my young guys some experience. Maybe we’ll talk to (Spurs Coach) Harry (Redknapp) and see what they’re going to do. We want to win the game and we want to entertain the crowd. We want to make sure Tottenham come in and play well and that we play well. It is a friendly, but it will be nice to get some guys experience.”
The Quakes now have identical home and road records (3-2-2). Yallop on why they’re playing much better on the road this year:
“They’re buying into the game plan. We try to tell them it’s okay to not have the ball a lot away from home as long as you’re defending well. We feel our road plan is great, we just have to get better at home. Maybe the injuries haven’t allowed us to be as good at home.”
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
In the News - Must Clicks
Need more evidence that US soccer is on the rise? Bob Bradley is a finalist for the Fulham FC head coaching vacancy. If selected, Bradley would become the first American coach in Europe.
On the American soccer on the rise note, AC Milan is eying Clint Dempsey. Could we see Dempsey teaming with Oguchi Onyewu in the Serie A?:
More marketing bucks spent by Nike to promote the World Cup, this time in an ode to the USMNT via the youth of America.
Have ye little faith? Apparently the Dutch Football Federation didn't believe in its Oranje - at least not enough to book a hotel through the final. Anybody have a free reservation in Johannesburg?
On the American soccer on the rise note, AC Milan is eying Clint Dempsey. Could we see Dempsey teaming with Oguchi Onyewu in the Serie A?:
More marketing bucks spent by Nike to promote the World Cup, this time in an ode to the USMNT via the youth of America.
Have ye little faith? Apparently the Dutch Football Federation didn't believe in its Oranje - at least not enough to book a hotel through the final. Anybody have a free reservation in Johannesburg?
Saturday, July 3, 2010
The Boys in Blue are Back
The San Jose Earthquakes brought back a piece of history on Saturday, the iconic blue jersey.
Kelly Gray: Finally Over the US Loss
Now that I am finally coming out of the depression that was induced by the US losing to Ghana, I thought it was about time that I got back to the issue at hand.
But before I do, I thought I would share a few thoughts on the US team’s World Cup experience. The first word that comes to mind is: Fail.
I know that the US had some success, but if you look at this World Cup in the grand scheme, it was a failure. This was a year US Soccer had a reasonable chance of getting to the semi-finals and they fell short.
Ok, enough about that. On to bigger and better things.
The quarterfinals have been very interesting. Uruguay was a bit of a surprise, as was Paraguay and Ghana, but all of the teams showed that they deserved to be there.
Surprisingly, the team that looked like they didn’t belong were Argentina. Germany absolutely handed it to them this morning and made their claim as the best team in the World Cup. Right now, it would be hard to argue that anyone is better than Germany.
The Netherlands are undefeated after a 2-1 victory over World Cup favorites Brazil and have to be considered a favorites to get past Uruguay and to each the final.
Now let’s talk players.
I would argue that the two greatest players in the World Cup so far have been Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany and Wesley Sneijder of Netherlands. Both players have led their teams through each game with glimpses of flair and athleticism.
I have also been very impressed with David Villa, Andres Iniesta, Diego Forlan and Miroslav Klose. All of those players have made significant contributions with either goals or leadership on the field.
It should be interesting to see what happens when the World Cup is over. I wonder if any of these players will be making big money moves?
Stay tuned for more of my opinions and as always be sure to follow me on Twitter at @kelg22 and check my personal blog TheTotalFootballer. You can also email me at thetotalfootballer@gmail.com.
USA!!!!
But before I do, I thought I would share a few thoughts on the US team’s World Cup experience. The first word that comes to mind is: Fail.
I know that the US had some success, but if you look at this World Cup in the grand scheme, it was a failure. This was a year US Soccer had a reasonable chance of getting to the semi-finals and they fell short.
Ok, enough about that. On to bigger and better things.
The quarterfinals have been very interesting. Uruguay was a bit of a surprise, as was Paraguay and Ghana, but all of the teams showed that they deserved to be there.
Surprisingly, the team that looked like they didn’t belong were Argentina. Germany absolutely handed it to them this morning and made their claim as the best team in the World Cup. Right now, it would be hard to argue that anyone is better than Germany.
The Netherlands are undefeated after a 2-1 victory over World Cup favorites Brazil and have to be considered a favorites to get past Uruguay and to each the final.
Now let’s talk players.
I would argue that the two greatest players in the World Cup so far have been Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany and Wesley Sneijder of Netherlands. Both players have led their teams through each game with glimpses of flair and athleticism.
I have also been very impressed with David Villa, Andres Iniesta, Diego Forlan and Miroslav Klose. All of those players have made significant contributions with either goals or leadership on the field.
It should be interesting to see what happens when the World Cup is over. I wonder if any of these players will be making big money moves?
Stay tuned for more of my opinions and as always be sure to follow me on Twitter at @kelg22 and check my personal blog TheTotalFootballer. You can also email me at thetotalfootballer@gmail.com.
USA!!!!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Intersting Articles about US Soccer
The debate rages on - Will Bob Bradley be back? This and more in the following articles. Feel free to add your opinions by leaving a comment...call me crazy but I've got a feeling Bradley will be looking for work sometime soon after reading through the pertinent literature.
The New York Times says US soccer needs a Kobe Bryant (Thank you Captain Obvious. The article is essentially a celebrity viewpoint on how to grow soccer in America ala Mr. Bryant, which makes for an interesting read)
Found this on Kelly Gray's TheTotalFootballer.net - Does US Soccer want Bob Bradley back?
Who says baseball is boring? With TVs tuned to the World Cup, fans in Kansas City entertained themselves while watching the Royals.
Jeff Carlisle looks ahead to which players might have a shot at the 2014 roster (Carlisle is apparently an Ike Opara fan. Good news for Quakes Nation).
Sunil Gulati isn't a happy camper. Bye bye Bradley?
The New York Times says US soccer needs a Kobe Bryant (Thank you Captain Obvious. The article is essentially a celebrity viewpoint on how to grow soccer in America ala Mr. Bryant, which makes for an interesting read)
Found this on Kelly Gray's TheTotalFootballer.net - Does US Soccer want Bob Bradley back?
Who says baseball is boring? With TVs tuned to the World Cup, fans in Kansas City entertained themselves while watching the Royals.
Jeff Carlisle looks ahead to which players might have a shot at the 2014 roster (Carlisle is apparently an Ike Opara fan. Good news for Quakes Nation).
Sunil Gulati isn't a happy camper. Bye bye Bradley?
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Kelly Gray: Exciting Tournament for the USA
I am writing this as I watch the US vs. Ghana game. I am so nervous about the game that I had to pull out my computer and start writing. I thought that I would take a bit of a different approach to this entry and write as the game goes on.
So far I am really impressed with the difference that Mo Edu and Benny Feilhaber have made on the game. Dempsey is taking a beating, but keeps bouncing up and creating problems the Ghanaian defense. Michael Bradley might be the most important player on this US squad. His late runs out of midfield throw off even the stingiest of defenses.
*****
We are in the 77th minute now and the game has slowed a little. I need to change the subject or I am going to go crazy.
Ok lets talk about Uruguay vs. South Korea. Uruguay, for being a really small country, has been a surprise to me. I mean, I think we all knew that Diego Forlan was a great player, but that is it right? I guess not. Clearly they have some serious talent. Watch out for them in the semis.
*****
84th minute now and Jozy was so close to finishing his chance. The US attack is heating up a bit and I think that if we have to go to extra time our superior fitness level and our “never say die” attitude will see us prevail. Of course I say all of that assuming that we don’t make any glaring mistakes defensively.
*****
Full time. Ok time to go to extra time. Bob Bradley has always been known for being a fitness fanatic. This is where all those extra fitness days will hopefully pay off.
*****
NO !!! What is the deal? Why do we have such a problem realizing that the game has started? We always give up a goal early. Now we will really see what we are made of.
*****
Halftime in extra time. Ok Boys. 15 minutes to get a goal. We can do it! Lets have a good start to the second half.
Ghana is playing very patient football. They are just trying to connect passes and kill the game off.
*****
10 minutes left. I don’t like how the Ghana players are faking injuries just to kill more time. Just be honest and try to beat us fair and square. And now a sub taking his sweet time to get off the field. Come on Ghana. How about some class.
*****
Game Over.
Well it was a good run and now the United States realizes that soccer is here to stay. I’m unbelievably proud of our boys and am excited for the future of US Soccer.
Stay tuned for more of my opinions and as always be sure to follow me on twitter at @kelg22 and check my personal blog TheTotalFootballer. You can also email me at thetotalfootballer@gmail.com.
USA!!!!
So far I am really impressed with the difference that Mo Edu and Benny Feilhaber have made on the game. Dempsey is taking a beating, but keeps bouncing up and creating problems the Ghanaian defense. Michael Bradley might be the most important player on this US squad. His late runs out of midfield throw off even the stingiest of defenses.
*****
We are in the 77th minute now and the game has slowed a little. I need to change the subject or I am going to go crazy.
Ok lets talk about Uruguay vs. South Korea. Uruguay, for being a really small country, has been a surprise to me. I mean, I think we all knew that Diego Forlan was a great player, but that is it right? I guess not. Clearly they have some serious talent. Watch out for them in the semis.
*****
84th minute now and Jozy was so close to finishing his chance. The US attack is heating up a bit and I think that if we have to go to extra time our superior fitness level and our “never say die” attitude will see us prevail. Of course I say all of that assuming that we don’t make any glaring mistakes defensively.
*****
Full time. Ok time to go to extra time. Bob Bradley has always been known for being a fitness fanatic. This is where all those extra fitness days will hopefully pay off.
*****
NO !!! What is the deal? Why do we have such a problem realizing that the game has started? We always give up a goal early. Now we will really see what we are made of.
*****
Halftime in extra time. Ok Boys. 15 minutes to get a goal. We can do it! Lets have a good start to the second half.
Ghana is playing very patient football. They are just trying to connect passes and kill the game off.
*****
10 minutes left. I don’t like how the Ghana players are faking injuries just to kill more time. Just be honest and try to beat us fair and square. And now a sub taking his sweet time to get off the field. Come on Ghana. How about some class.
*****
Game Over.
Well it was a good run and now the United States realizes that soccer is here to stay. I’m unbelievably proud of our boys and am excited for the future of US Soccer.
Stay tuned for more of my opinions and as always be sure to follow me on twitter at @kelg22 and check my personal blog TheTotalFootballer. You can also email me at thetotalfootballer@gmail.com.
USA!!!!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Kelly Gray: USA! USA! USA!
Now that's what I’m talking about. LD Stepped up and really showed that he is one of the best players in the world. The whole team really impressed me.
It seemed like Algeria kind of gave up and just wanted to stop the US from going through. That being the case, I am glad that we handed it to them.
And what is going on with these refs? I mean come on! Another goal called back for offsides when it was very clear that that wasn’t the case. I think people just have it out for our boys!
After watching all of the games thus far I am thinking that Holland are the frontrunners right now. They cruised to an easy win against Cameroon today, leaving the Orange undefeated thus far. I was really impressed with some of there play and the fact that they got Robben back today is a huge boost for them.
Defending champs Italy are out? And runners up France too? What is going on?
I have to say I am glad that France crumbled. They were all acting like little children and I was glad to see that it translated to the field.
Italy put up a good fight against Slovakia and came close to advancing, but I think in the end they just weren’t able to put the ball in the net, and, in this game, that is all that matters.
OK, on to what is really important…US vs. Ghana. I think this is a great matchup for our boys. I think that the US are looking forward to some payback for the last World Cup and coming off that dramatic win over Algeria, their confidence will be sky high.
Individually, our players are more talented and i's just a question of if we can put the right performance together.
I can’t wait for Saturday and will be wearing my red, white and blue!
Stay tuned for more of my opinions and as always be sure to follow me on twitter at @kelg22 and check my personal blog TheTotalFootballer. You can also email me at thetotalfootballer@gmail.com.
USA!!!!
It seemed like Algeria kind of gave up and just wanted to stop the US from going through. That being the case, I am glad that we handed it to them.
And what is going on with these refs? I mean come on! Another goal called back for offsides when it was very clear that that wasn’t the case. I think people just have it out for our boys!
After watching all of the games thus far I am thinking that Holland are the frontrunners right now. They cruised to an easy win against Cameroon today, leaving the Orange undefeated thus far. I was really impressed with some of there play and the fact that they got Robben back today is a huge boost for them.
Defending champs Italy are out? And runners up France too? What is going on?
I have to say I am glad that France crumbled. They were all acting like little children and I was glad to see that it translated to the field.
Italy put up a good fight against Slovakia and came close to advancing, but I think in the end they just weren’t able to put the ball in the net, and, in this game, that is all that matters.
OK, on to what is really important…US vs. Ghana. I think this is a great matchup for our boys. I think that the US are looking forward to some payback for the last World Cup and coming off that dramatic win over Algeria, their confidence will be sky high.
Individually, our players are more talented and i's just a question of if we can put the right performance together.
I can’t wait for Saturday and will be wearing my red, white and blue!
Stay tuned for more of my opinions and as always be sure to follow me on twitter at @kelg22 and check my personal blog TheTotalFootballer. You can also email me at thetotalfootballer@gmail.com.
USA!!!!
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