New podcast features Yallop and more
By Editor · March 5, 2010
The Earthquakes departed for 10 days of training in London on Thursday, but before then we caught up with head coach Frank Yallop for an interview. Also in this episode is our first-ever triangular table discussion, as Robert Jonas joins hosts Jay Hipps and Keiran Downie to discuss the preseason. Photo: John Todd, isiphotos.com/centerlinesoccer.com. Read more…
Johnson, Gjertsen, and Yallop featured on new CLS podcast
By Editor · February 26, 2010
This week, your hosts Jay Hipps and Robert Jonas have interviews with Ryan Johnson (above), Joey Gjertsen, and head coach Frank Yallop of the Earthquakes as well as the latest news on the never-ending negotiations between the MLS Players Union and the league on a new collective bargaining agreement. Regular co-host Keiran Downie is away on assignment this week, possibly in the Ukraine to discover the correct pronunciation of “Shaktar Donetsk,” which apparently sounds like “Waxtap.” Photo: John Todd, isiphotos.com/centerlinesoccer.com. Read more…
Mexico smashes Bolivia, 5-0, in kickoff to World Cup tune-up tour
By Robert Jonas · February 25, 2010
Mexico striker Javier Hernández bagged a pair of goals in his first start for El Tri. Photo: Joe Nuxoll, centerlinesoccer.com.
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - In a coming out party for striker Javier Hernandez, Mexico demolished Bolivia 5-0 Wednesday night at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. A rising star with Chivas de Guadalajara in his country’s top domestic league, Hernandez scored two goals in the first half to lead Mexico to the easy victory.
Hernandez earned just his second cap with El Tri in this his first start, while the double opened his international scoring account. And despite being substituted at the half, it was an impressive effort for the 21-year-old, who is still considered a long shot to make Mexico’s roster for the upcoming World Cup.
Hernandez was joined on the scoring sheet by midfielder Braulio Luna and forward Pablo Barrera, who each scored in the first half as Mexico took a 4-0 lead into the break. Paul Aguilar, who also recorded two assists on the night, added a second-half goal to complete the scoring. Read more…
MLS fires back at criticism regarding CBA talks
By Jeff Carlisle · February 20, 2010
MLS Commissioner Don Garber faces an increasingly tense situation as labor negotiations continue. Photo: Howard C. Smith, isiphotos.com
One day after MLS players voiced their frustration over how negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining agreement were going, the league responded on Saturday. Read more…
CBA talks turn sour
By Jeff Carlisle · February 19, 2010
Earthquakes goalkeeper Joe Cannon says the players are ready to strike, if the situation demands it. Photo: Kelley Cox, isiphotos.com
After months of quiet negotiations on a new Collective Bargaining agreement, talks between Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Union have apparently come to a standstill, Center Line Soccer has learned. Read more…
Montoya, Yallop, Watson and Cannon on this week’s podcast
By Jay Hipps · February 5, 2010
Marta is coming to town and the latest edition of the Center Line Soccer podcast features FC Gold Pride head coach Albertin Montoya, seen above at the recent WPS draft with team owner Nancy NeSmith, talking about the arrival of the four-time reigning FIFA World Player of the Year. Also joining your hosts Jay Hipps and Keiran Downie are head coach Frank Yallop, his new assistant Mark Watson, and goalkeeper Joe Cannon of the San Jose Earthquakes. Photo: Howard C. Smith, isiphotos.com. Read more…
FCGP GM Ilisa Kessler on Marta acquisition:
“This is tremendous for us”
By Jay Hipps · February 4, 2010
Reigning FIFA World Player of the Year Marta will take the field for FC Gold Pride this season, providing what team general manager Ilisa Kessler calls “a tremendous opportunity.” Photo: John Todd, isiphotos.com
It’s been a remarkable 10 days for FC Gold Pride general manager Ilisa Kessler. At the beginning of last week, she learned that the Los Angeles Sol, a star-filled side that had the best regular-season record in Women’s Professional Soccer in 2009, would be disbanded after a group of potential investors pulled out at the last minute. The Sol’s departure was publicly announced last Thursday, along with league plans to distribute that team’s players via a dispersal draft, with FC Gold Pride taking the third pick.
Over the course of the next week, what started as a tentative interest in Marta, the four-time reigning FIFA World Player of the Year, turned into a firm resolve to add the Brazilian to the Bay Area side. This morning, that goal was achieved. Center Line Soccer caught up with Kessler this afternoon, shortly after the end of the draft. Read more…
Hernandez, Yallop, Doyle on first CLS podcast of 2010
By Editor · January 30, 2010
Earthquakes defender Jason Hernandez has been working hard in the off-season to rehabilitate his left leg after breaking his ankle late last season. Photo: Kelley Cox, isiphotos.com.
Center Line Soccer’s podcast is back! We kick off the new year with interviews from the first day of training for the San Jose Earthquakes. Hosts Jay Hipps and Keiran Downie discuss interviews with defender Jason Hernandez, head coach Frank Yallop, and general manager John Doyle. Read more…
Wondolowski pens new contract with Quakes
By Robert Jonas · January 28, 2010
Danville native Chris Wondolowski has signed a new contract with San Jose. Photo: Kelley Cox, isiphotos.com
The Earthquakes players left the field after another preseason training session at Oakland Coliseum sweating a bit despite the brisk temperature. One player in particular was also sporting a big smile as he walked over to the sideline — birthday boy Chris Wondolowski. A day after signing a new contract with the team, Wondo, as he is affectionately known by fans and teammates alike, was happy to have his status with San Jose cleared up before the start of the new season. “I love San Jose” said the Danville native. “I grew up a big fan of the Earthquakes, and I was originally drafted by them. So, I love being here, and I look forward to staying here.” Read more…
FC Gold Pride draft lands O’Hara, Riley
By Jay Hipps · January 15, 2010
Kelley O’Hara, FC Gold Pride’s first pick, won the MAC Hermann Award this year playing for Stanford, but she also plays for the U.S. U-23s. Photo: Omar Martinez, isiphotos.com
FC Gold Pride added attacking power, speed, and depth to the roster with their eight picks in today’s WPS draft, held in conjunction with the National Soccer Coaches Association of America meeting in Philadelphia. Two Stanford stars highlight the new additions — MAC Hermann award winner Kelley O’Hara and outside back Ali Riley — but the team also added a number of players who were both standouts in college and benefit from international experience. Read more…
