Let the season previews begin…
By Jeff Carlisle · February 23, 2009
I’ve seen several comments from Quakes fans questioning the intelligence, sanity, and overall competence of a certain east coast reporter who dared to state that he didn’t think San Jose would make the playoffs this year. I guess I’ll be shipped off to the same insane asylum because I don’t think they’ll make it either.
You can read all about why in my Quakes season preview for ESPN.com. Granted, most previews aren’t worth the bytes they’re stored in. But in short, the team still has too many question marks surrounding its attack. True, they’ve been tearing it up in preseason, but San Jose was doing the same last year and look what happened. Do I think the team is better? Yes, but not enough to get past seven other teams in the race for a playoff spot.
It will be close mind you. I see San Jose capable of being better than Seattle, L.A., and Colorado. But out east, I think the pickings are even slimmer. Let’s assume for a moment that the Quakes will finish above Kansas City, Toronto, and New York (a big if considering how Toronto has upgraded their roster, although there are questions about their defense. New York will be decent as well.) That still leaves one more team they have to get past. D.C.? United will be better by simply being healthier. Then you’re faced with getting past Columbus, New England, or Chicago. Ain’t gonna happen.
The key could be getting past a team like Dallas, but should San Jose achieve that aim, that still leaves the Quakes finishing in fourth place, at best, in the West, at which point they have to beat out the aforementioned eastern clubs. Like I said, it will be close.
Of course, it’s early, and the summer transfer window always throws a monkey wrench or two into my prognostications. And Cam Weaver could turn out to be the second coming of Taylor Twellman. As the famed Howard Cosell once opined, “That’s why they play the game.”
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Cmon Jeff, be a little bit of a “homer” and say we’re going to win the Cup
I know your wrong.
Go quakes.
I’m encouraged by Aki and the attacking signings. One more defensive signing and I’ll call it, we’re making the playoffs.
Jeff, I love your website, your reporting on the Quakes and the way you listen to and pay attention your readers needs. I am going to have to question your bona fides here however. With everything the Quakes have done to improve themselves this year, added to the strong second half showing from last year and the relative non improvement of the other western division teams. I think the quakes barring any serious injuries stand a better than most chance making the playoff this year.
No problem Jeff! …maybe you can make it up to us by giving a “Why the Quakes should make the playoffs” piece here?
Can’t say I’m mad about this… I can’t blame you for being honest, but I hope you’re wrong, (then again maybe you do too).
Go Quakes
And at least were being considered close to playoffs rathers than one of the dead last teams lol
We have Frank Yallop. And Darren Huckerby. Not a chance we don’t make the playoffs. It’s more a matter of can we reach the Cup. And bonus, start making tournaments in the next years.
For me, I think it’s all about staying healthy. I think that last season we had a better chance if Ramiro wasn’t hurt down the stretch. So, if we are healthy and can eek out a few more points in the first half of the season (no 1-0 losses or 0-0 ties) I think we stand a much better chance.
I really don’t get the preseason comparisons from this year to last year. Last year had many more 1-0 no offense games. One of the Dynamo pre-season games was maybe the worst professional soccer game I’ve seen and had no offensive chances. So far our two MLS pre-season games showed a lot more potent attack, without still Convey and Aki. 6-0 Fuego vs a 1-0 or so against the Charlston Battery (last year)? What forwards in the MLS are really that great of caliber to be so negative about the Quake’s frontline? This aint no La Liga. I’d like to see a bit more talk about how unstoppable our midfield will be provided no big injuries occur. I am really happy that all these “writers” are lacking the faith, makes for another underrated, chip on the shoulder exciting season.
I have to agree with Jeff. On the one hand, we’ve done what we need to to improve. On the other hand, we’ve got a bunch of guys who are not proven in MLS.
Beyond that, there are 15 teams now in MLS. We need to be eighth or better to make the playoffs. It’s a much higher bar than it used to be.
Still, I’m optimistic. We have much more depth this season and we’re starting off with better forwards than last year and a generally more cohesive team.
Nevertheless, making the playoffs will be tough.
Go Quakes!!
- Mark
Convey, Huckerby, Aki, Joe, Johnson, Weaver, Arturo, Hernandez and Shea arent enough to get us into the playoffs?
I have to agree with you Jeff. Making the playoffs is going to become more difficult every year due to parity and expansion. San Jose might not make the playoffs.