A result is possible if Quakes keep their shape

The word of the day is SHAPE, SHAPE, SHAPE. If the Earthquakes learned anything from the performance against Columbus, I believe it can be described in one word. Yep you guessed it. Now repeat after me: SHAPE. Read more

Set pieces could decide Crew match

Major League Soccer’s hottest team is coming to Santa Clara. Coming off four straight wins the Crew is on a roll. Sigi Schmid, who I thought might have been replaced prior to this season, is proving the naysayers wrong. He has been given ample time to build a squad that, while not “sexy,” is certainly effective. Blue collar, workmanlike, great team effort. Similar to the Earthquakes but laden with more talent at the moment. Read more

Midfield holds the key to beating Dallas

How big is the Buck Shaw factor? At this point, with the Earthquakes struggling to find the back of the net and to keep the opponents ball out of their own, they need every ounce of support they can muster. I didn’t write life support, they’re not there yet. There are plenty of matches left, but… Read more

Winning “seconds” could be the key to victory for Quakes over RSL

Traditionally MLS teams have taken a casual approach to the US Open Cup. There is little prestige and even less money involved. Most coaches try and sneak through the early rounds using reserve players. It does, however, represent a trophy and I can’t help but think that San Jose’s coaching staff may consider the Open Cup a winnable prize. In addition, both San Jose and Real Salt Lake have lost games recently and need to get back on track. Coaches cannot afford to let their side get used to losing. Read more

Quakes counters could net a point — or three — from Rapids

When Lady Luck smiles upon you, don’t change a thing!Fernando Clavijo, who might not call it luck, is in the enviable position of having injuries work in his favor. When he sat down with his staff during the pre-season, I doubt he planned on a starting line-up that looks like the one we’ll see on Saturday night. Injuries to Pablo Mastroeni, Conor Casey, Mike Petke, Ugo Ihemelu, Mehdi Ballouchy, Jovan Kirvoski (whether injured or just in the doghouse), and others, have forced the Rapids to play the young guys. Read more

Breaking down the Fire

I know this much: Chicago is loaded. That is to say they have talent in the first eleven as well as in reserve right now. In reviewing the Chicago Fire’s two matches one gets the sense that they are enjoying their football and can come at you with a number of attacking options. Read more

Breaking down the Galaxy

The Quakes will gladly settle for more scenes like this one on Thursday. Photo: isiphotos.com

 

Every quality coach and his staff know that game analysis based on one match provides only an incomplete picture at best. When that match features your next opponent one has to be mindful of overestimating. Read more

Expectations and opening days

You want to know one of the tougher things about the Quakes being gone for the last two years, for the fans at least? No Opening Day. Yes yes yes, plenty of other important reasons to miss the Blue-and-Black, but hear me out.

You see, my calendar is marked, highlighted if you will, with Opening Days; Giants, Sharks, Charity Shield, fishing, what have you. Nights spent oiling the glove, or rearranging my fly box, again. Where did I put my Man U scarf? Anticipation is everything right? Quakes fans haven’t had that. Sort of like living on the ocean. You don’t go to the beach much because you could wait and go tomorrow, the beach isn’t going anywhere. Read more