The Quakes early season surge died.  Starved of goals, the strong run of games succumbed to defensive errors.  If you want to recall the Quakes last two wins, your memory would have to go back to May. The Quakes have only won a single game this Summer.

Yet the new Quakes mettle still surfaces at times.  Less than a month ago the Quakes managed to draw both Tottenham Hotspur and the LA Galaxy, the two best teams they have played this year.  Luck and character, two things you can never have too much of, were required for both draws.  Luck and character never seem to carry any team too far by themselves.

Injuries are much to blame for the Quakes downturn.  The hard working Quakes players have been dropping like flies, a familiar theme from recent years, and the loss of Andres Luiz to knee injuries in June was particularly critical.  Luiz’midfield distribution is missed terribly.  The Quakes have scored only 5 goals in the 7 games during his absence.

If new signing Khari Stephenson plays Saturday perhaps those bad memories will start to fade.  Stephenson, at 6’1”, is a skilled and powerfully built midfielder who is expected to give the Quakes some authority in the middle of the pitch; he is likely to start if his ITC paperwork comes through in time.  I could get 100 volunteers to hand carry that paper work on the plane.

What about those Wizards?

It is not as if the Wizards are topping the league.  The Wizards, with only 20 points out of 18 games,  are slightly behind the Quakes at 23/17.  Still the Wizards appear to be on the upswing, unbeaten in their last five matches which included 3 wins.  One of those wins was against the Red Devils of Manchester United.  Can you imagine the talking Sir Alex Ferguson gave his United squad after that loss?  Why do they call them friendlies?

Kei Kamara is the hot striker for the Wizards, with 7 goals to his account this season.  Midfielder Ryan Smith has an equal number of assists as well as a goal.  Seven Wizards have scored at least one goal so far this season, the team having netted 15 times.

In comparison, the Quakes’ Chris Wondolowski has 6 goals to his credit, and Bobby Convey has 8 assists and a goal, with 11 Quakes having found the net for 20 goals thus far.  Similar numbers, but the Quakes numbers are just a bit better.

These two teams are in the same competitive ballpark, and the Wizards are a club the Quakes would expect to beat.  Still  statistics, character, and luck are not likely to carry the day.

Who is in back?

Perhaps the Quakes stand-out player of the season has been rookie Ike Opara, who became the rock of the Quakes back line and managed to get 3 goals as well.  Ike is out with a broken foot.

Jason Hernandez is expected to be available, as is new signing Tim Ward from Chicago, but Ramiro Corrales is reported to have a knee sprain and Chris Leitch is still out with a hip strain.  Expect Steve Beitashour and Bobby Burling to find their way back into the lineup out of necessity and hopefully healed enough.  It’ll be a backline without a lot of recent play together, at best.

What prospects then?

There is one thing you can be pretty sure of with a Frank Yallop team: the players are going to come and work, and that means both sides of the ball and up and down the pitch.  It has been interesting to watch Bobby Convey adopt that approach this season and you can see what a difference it makes in the amount he impacts the game.

On the other hand, toward the end of some Quakes matches you can sense the guys are cooked and it’s very tough to create a piece of magical skill when your muscles are verging on failure.  The Quakes do better getting the early goal than trying to get a late one.

Frank Yallop and the Quakes are calling this a must win game, and it certainly is from a fan and morale point of view: a home win is long overdue.  The Quakes will need some things to go their way in order to win.  Here are things that could make the difference:

• If this patchwork backline can gel and work as a unit to secure the backfield;
• If Stephenson can provide the hoped for midfield orchestration, or if some existing central midfielder like McDonald can step up to provide it;
• If one or more of the Quakes capable strikers can bring their scoring back online.  Ryan Johnson is overdue having scored only once this season, and of course Chris Wondolowski goals are things of beauty when they are coming, which hasn’t been much of late.

What the Quakes cannot count on is the Wizards making it easy.  The Wizards have a playoff spot in mind and their recent surge in form makes it clear they intend to be there at season’s end.  The only way the Wizards or the Quakes are going to the playoffs is if they starting winning more games soon, and that’s a habit both teams are desperate to start on Saturday.

Injury Reports

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES — OUT: MF Andre Luiz (L knee surgery); FW Eduardo (R hip strain); DF Chris Leitch (L hip strain); DF Ike Opara (L foot fracture); DF Ramiro Corrales (L knee sprain); QUESTIONABLE: FW Scott Sealy (R quad strain); PROBABLE: MF Steven Beitashour (R hand fracture); DF Bobby Burling (R toe contusion)

KANSAS CITY WIZARDS — OUT: MF Zoltan Hercegfalvi (R knee sprain/torn ACL)

“It was a massive game for us, and we just lay down and died, to be honest,” Yallop reported.

In recent matches San Jose has made a point of coming out strong and trying to get the early goal.  A goal from Bobby Convey in the 2^nd minute against the Galaxy transformed that fixture, but the Quakes came out flat against the Sounders.

It was the Sounders who should have scored in the 2^nd minute, Busch saving a header from new Sounders’ Designated Player Nkufo.  It was worse than you might think, with 5 Quakes players in the back failing to mark even a single one of the 3 Sounders.  Nkufo erred by not knocking the ball to his teammate who was in acres of open space directly in front of goal.

It would not be the first time this season the Quakes have gotten by on the folly of their opponents, but they needed more on this night to get something out of the game.

Nyassi, working the right wing for the Sounders, had acres of space and sent another excellent cross in.  Montero got his head to it but only found the crossbar.

The Sounders error in the 14^th minute failing to defend a  long ball, could have been the lucky break the Quakes needed.  Cornell Glen ran onto it well, putting himself through one on one with the keeper.  Glen, unmarked and with the keeper sticking to his line, took his shot from 10 yards out at an awkward angle which had no chance.  Keller easily covered it.

The Sounders got their justly deserved goal in the 26^th minute.  In a fast paced build up, Montero ran into the box to head in a fine Nyassi cross.  It was a pace of play the Quakes simply did not look capable of keeping up with.  Montero was completely unmarked, as was Nyassi.  The Quakes defense looked confused.

“We were reacting to everything, rather than anticipating. There’s a big difference. You have to anticipate and be on the move and read plays, rather than wait and then react wherever the ball goes. It’s too late (then).” Yallop analyzed.  “We were very static and on our heels most of the game.”

There could be little argument that the Quakes were being severely out played, but perhaps Opara should have scored his header off a Convey freekick just before halftime.  If the Quakes were depending upon a brilliant moment to save them from a poor performance, it was not to come on the night.

The Quakes came out stronger in the second half.  Yallop brought on Johnson and Alvarez for Sealy and McDonald, and moved Gjertsen to center mid.  The Quakes looked more organized in possession going forward, but not lethal.  Seeking even more firepower, Yallop brought forward Wondolowski for defender Hernadez in the 74^th minute.

While there was always the chance the Quakes would get the tying goal, it never felt like it was coming.  A 35 yard rocket from midfield, the kind of shot Yallop has stated he is willing to freely give other teams, was one of the Quakes best efforts.  In all the Quakes managed only two shots on goal to the Sounders’ seven.  Yet the play looked worse than the statistics.

Yallop summed it up.

“I thought it was our worst performance this season, definitely, including Salt Lake,”

“From the opening whistle, we didn’t seem to have any real idea.”

The Quakes take on the Colorado Rapids at altitude next Saturday.

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Just last October the Quakes and Red Bulls shared the dubious distinction of being the worst sides in their respective divisions.  The Quakes struggled mightily for any form on the road, and let home games they should have won slip through their fingers.  The only side more hopeless was the New York Red Bulls who collected even fewer points.

Everything has changed with the new season, somehow.  The Quakes are showing steely determination and are winning games.  The Red Bulls are outplaying their opponents and top the Eastern Division with a stunning 5-1 record.   The Red Bulls have won 2 of their 3 away games.

Many of the players are the same as the prior season for both the Red Bulls and the Quakes, yet the soccer has changed.  The Red Bulls are a different team under new coach Hans Backe, and they are already on the road toward the playoffs.

The Quakes looked even worse than last year in their first game of the season.  Real Salt Lake walked over the Quakes so hard in the season opener at Buck Shaw that you had to wonder if the fans would come back.

Then something happened in the locker room.  The Quakes attitude and their play changed for the better.  It became crisper, more assured, and good fortune has followed.  The ball now bounces better for the Quakes, they get lucky, and even some referee calls go their way.

How will these two teams match up on Saturday?

The Red Bulls should be able to dominate the midfield, and threaten with good combination play.  They’ll be dangerous from dead ball situations, and Juan Pablo Angel, on four goals already, is someone to watch.

The Quakes should be strong at the back where their coordination and determination is worlds better than last year, but they may get overrun in the middle of the pitch and are vulnerable just atop the back four.  The Quakes are unlikely to attack up the middle like the Red Bulls can, but instead will play the edges and the quick release down field, hoping to nip a goal and then defend stoutly.

The Quakes, with Joe Cannon in magic mood and the ball bouncing favorably, are capable of shutting out the Red Bulls this year, but avoiding a PK will be essential.  Look for the Quakes to play the same line-up they fielded against the Rapids, unless there are last minute fitness issues.  Arturo Alvarez and Steve Beitashour are recovering from injury and are not expected to be available.  Yallop feels the talent in his squad is deep and though he could make a tactical change, the working rule seems to be if a line-up wins their match, they start the next.

Prediction?

Soccer fortune has smiled on both clubs this early season, but in this game it will have to choose a side.   The Red Bulls would appear to be on a stronger run of form, but like the Rapids, some of their success has hinged on getting penalties.  The Quakes for their part have benefited from some pivotal calls that went their way.  Both teams have new found belief, but one team’s belief is going to get shaken up a bit Saturday.

If the Quakes get a goal behind they will fight to the end, but fighting and winning are two different matters.  I expect a cagey opening to the game, and the first team to score to win the match.

Unless luck or the referees decide it otherwise.

If the Quakes seemed confident, the fans could be forgiven if they kept one eye on the center referee all night.  The Quakes had victory in both of last season’s games against the Rapids taken away by a injury time penalty kick.  Connor Casey scored both those penalties, and had notched another three penalties already this season before coming to San Jose.

”We played them twice last year and they were fortunate to get two draws,” Jason Hernandez put it diplomatically.

The script seemed set when Connor Casey had two touches within the first minute of play, the second a glancing header that went wide.  With starter Ike Opara unavailable, Bobby Burling started alongside Hernadez in the back, and he was going to have to spend a lot of time up close and personal with Casey over the course of the match.  It was a match up that was not initially reassuring.   Chris Leitch started in place of Steve Beitashour.

The Quakes quickly got a look at goal in the second minute with Ryan Johnson racing downfield to onto a long ball from Chris Leitch.  Johnson accelerated past his defender, but was barely able to get a touch on the ball a yard from Rapids keeper Matt Pickens who covered it well.

That was the best Quakes chance for 30 minutes as they were able to move the ball downfield with some sweet and confident one-touch passing combinations. but they unable to fashion a decent chance out of all the movement.

Colorado for their part looked quite confident in possession, and was creating problems with Omar Cummings pace and mobility.  However, it was Casey’s strength that looked the real threat, and Colorado that looked more likely to score off crosses into the area.

The game all changed in a heartbeat as Colorado started to assert themselves just after the half hour mark.

An unfortunate backwards header from the Quakes midfield landed nicely for Casey, and Bobby Burling went to ground trying to tackle the ball away, leaving Casey unmarked in the penalty area, ball at his feet and only Cannon to beat.  Casey fired into the side netting, his left foot betraying him, and the Quakes were let off the hook.

The Quakes were immediately under heavy pressure in the midfield from the resulting goal kick, and the next four touches defined the game.  A sliding tackle from Andre Luiz saved possession, Ramiro Corrales cleared with a long ball downfield, and Ryan Johnson appeared to get a half touch to send the ball on.  Chris Wondolowski raced onto the bouncing ball and struck it left footed just inside the penalty area for a bell ringer that bounced up and down off the cross bar and into goal.

“Tonight was a typical Wondo goal that we see everyday in practice,” Coach Yallop said after the match. “He can really hit a ball.”

1-0 Quakes, and Colorado let the dogs out.

The ball was sent into big Casey again who headed tamely, went down and protested for a PK, but nothing was given.  Moments later  Casey laid off the ball off for a shot that went wide.  A couple corners were then  sent in to Casey and he failed to win the header on the first, Burling prevailing.  On the second Casey found himself completely unmarked in the area.  In his shock Casey mis-touched the ball and lost possession on his best scoring opportunity.

Finally Rapids Wells Thompson, who had been threatening all half on the left, tried an excellent strike from just outside the area.  Quakes keeper Cannon was able to stop it and scramble to cover the rebound.  The Quakes saw out the half under pressure, but without conceding.

Yallop commented on the team’s growing confidence after match end.

“We saw good defending, good shape, and good team play which helped to keep their chances down despite them having good ball possession. We’re starting to play well next to each other and trust each other, which is important.”

As play resumed in the second half it was clear San Jose could not be comfortable with a one goal lead.  Joey Gjertsen almost found a way through, but was blocked from point blank range by Pickens.  Then Omar Cummings’ fast counter attack stretched the Quakes and Mastroeni struck from 40 yards, going just wide.  The Rapids played a freekick short and set up a strong outside shot from Danny Earls on target just inside the left post, but Cannon made another save.

“They didn’t see too many good looks at the goal.” Joe Cannon noted after the game, “It was a total team effort, it was good to see.”

The Quakes Supporters section was remarkably loud and boisterous throughout the match and they got a look at Brad Ring and Eduardo who were subbed on in the 60th minute as the Quakes looked to see out the match.

It looked like Casey and Cummings magic would elude them this night, barring a little help from the referees.  Conor Casey waved his arms in protest again from the turf, but the officials were not having it.

San Jose almost gifted the game with a couple poor passbacks, under-estimating Casey’s pace.  Joe Cannon’s resolve and a bit of luck saved them.

At 70 minutes ex-Quake Qunicy Amarikwa came on for Cummings and started to create new problems with his ball skill and speed.  Amarikwa almost stole a draw in stoppage time with a superbly timed run beating the Quakes offside trap, but the high bouncing ball was impossible to get a foot to.

On this night the Quakes would grind out the 1-0 win that Yallop extolled the virtues of last season.

Yallop again.

“It was a fantastic result. We didn’t play particularly well, but it was a great three points. We’ve had a few days where we did play well and lost so to win today was very rewarding for us as a team.”

Chris Wondolowski summed it up after greeting fans.

“It wasn’t the best game that we played all year, but it was a workman-like game. To be honest, it was one of the proudest wins I have had.”

Match Facts

Scoring:
SJ — Chris Wondolowski 3 (Ryan Johnson 2, Ramiro Corrales 1) 33

Lineups:
Colorado Rapids — Matt Pickens, Drew Moor, Kosuke Kimura, Marvell Wynne, Danny Earls (Julien Baudet 61), Mehdi Ballouchy, Jeff Larentowicz (Claudio Lopez 77), Pablo Mastroeni, Wells Thompson, Conor Casey, Omar Cummings (Quincy Amarikwa 70).

San Jose Earthquakes — Joe Cannon, Chris Leitch, Ramiro Corrales (Justin Morrow 84), Jason Hernandez, Bobby Burling, Joey Gjertsen, Andre Luiz (Brad Ring 59), Brandon McDonald, Bobby Convey, Ryan Johnson (Eduardo 59), Chris Wondolowski.

Discipline:
SJ — Chris Leitch (caution; Reckless Foul) 87
SJ — Bobby Convey (caution; Dissent) 93+
COL — Wells Thompson (caution; Reckless Foul) 94+

Referee: Baldomero Toledo
Referee’s Assistants: -Frank Anderson; Jeff Muschik
4th Official: Tyler Ploeger
Attendance: 8,674
Time of Game: 1:52
Weather: Sunny-and-75-degrees

Can the Quakes rebound from their 3-2 loss to Chivas?  Last weekend the Quakes demonstrated their fighting spirit better than they showed any control of the midfield, and Chivas took the game to them.  Even with an improved defense this year, the Quakes have work to do.

The Quakes need goals

It may be old news, but the Quakes need more goals, and at this point the Quakes’ rookie defenders have scored as many goals as the Quakes’ forwards.

You can’t blame Chris Wondolowski  for lack of production, though, as he  has managed two goals in two starts.  The Quakes other top scorer?  Rookie defender Ike Opara has matched Wondo’s work, scoring twice with headers off set plays.   Rookie defender Steve Beitashour has scored as well.

This is in sharp contrast to forwards Johnson, Alvarez, Glen and Eduardo who can only boast of a single goal between them so far, an opportunistic finish by Alvarez.  Still, it is very early season, and injuries have impacted all but Johnson, who is the most likely starter for Saturday.  No word from the Quakes, yet, as to whether Scott Sealy is match fit and ready to make an impact.

If there is an attacking deficit, it cannot be entirely blamed on the forwards.  The Quakes need to have good possession and incisive and creative build-up play to unlock the Rapids’ defense which has allowed only one goal per game on average this season.  While the midfield is working on that, they might also want to watch for the outside rocket with which teams have been punishing the Quakes.

How about those Rapids?

The Rapids have scored five goals over the last two games, but have they found their attacking form?  Connor Casey, the Rapids top scorer, has 3 goals from 4 starts, but he has scored all his goals from the penalty spot.  Casey, who some are tipping as a target forward for the US World Cup squad,  is likely to be a handful with or without the ball any time he is in the 18 yard box.  Casey’s strength should provide an entertaining test for Jason Hernandez and Ike Opara who are feeling their oats with some real defensive espirit de corps.

Omar Cummings, who delivered 12 assist and 9 goals for the Rapids last year, has already scored twice in four starts this year, and is a key player the Quakes will need to neutralize.  Behind him we can expect to see Jeff Larentowicz and or Pablo Mastroeni work to cause problems through the midfield.

The Rapids squad looks strong and winning, which makes it a little unlikely we’ll see our old favorite Qunicy Amarikwa get much if any playing time.

Keys to a Winning Effort

The Quakes stronger performances to date have been marked by a fighting spirit, solid team defending, opportunistic attacking, and much better coordination of play than in the past.  What else do they need to do?

Control – They need to control not only the midfield, but also the game.  There are times to be patient and let the game come to them rather than beating themselves up against the rock that the other teams defense can be, but it takes confidence.

Finishing – It only takes a single chance to win a game, whereas a thousand chances without a quality finish wins nothing.  The Quakes need to not only finish their chances, they need to know they can finish their chances; that changes everything in how they can approach the game.

Deny the brilliant – A confident opponent needs only a split second and a yard of space to change the game, and this must be denied both within the penalty area and beyond.  Those strafing outside shots only make for great highlight reels when they don’t go into the back of your net.

Prediction?

The result is all there to battle for Saturday, a fortune teller’s nightmare.  Winning this game will tell us something new about this year’s Quakes, something their fans want to hear: that the Quakes really are a team on the rise, a likely playoff team.  The Quakes will want to win at home just that little bit more, but the Rapids will expect to take all three points on the road.  And Connor Casey will want to send a message to Bob Bradley about booking him a plane ticket to South Africa.

I predict the referee is going to be pointing to the penalty spot.