San Jose Earthquakes training report — playoff week edition
San Jose Earthquakes defender Ramiro Corrales, seen here in last week's 3-0 win over Chivas USA, prepares himself to face the New York Red Bulls in the first round of the 2010 MLS Cup playoffs. Photo: Joe Nuxoll, centerlinesoccer.com
It was sunny and breezy over at the NTF Tuesday morning, as the San Jose Earthquakes continued their preparations for their MLS postseason opener this Saturday night against the New York Red Bulls. And while I often am lucky to be joined by one or two other media members, this training session featured TV cameras and other reporters lining the eastern sideline. For everyone in attendance, the Quakes put on a spirited and intense workout and scrimmage in their first meaningful after season practice since returning to MLS in 2008.
Looking to distance themselves from the embarrassing performance put up against the Kansas City Wizards last weekend, the players did not let up over the nearly two hour practice as they went through passing drills and a full 11 v. 11 scrimmage. The defenders in particular were vocal during the run of play, with Jon Busch at his part barking out direction and encouragement. Tim Ward was back out on the right side where his clearances and crosses were more effective. Ramiro Corrales worked the left side of the field with midfielder Bobby Convey in a fashion not seen since the early part of the regular season. Corrales still looks less than 100% fit — evident on the weekend as well during his second half appearance against KC — but looks more and more ready to contribute significant minutes in the two-game series with New York. Coach Frank Yallop suggested that if Captain Corrales continued to show well during the week, he would be in line to make the starting XI this Saturday at Buck Shaw Stadium.
Other highlights from the low scoring scrimmage were Geovanni’s two beautiful crosses for assists in the first half, and Jason Hernandez and Brandon McDonald locking things down for the entirety of the match and giving up little for Busch to worry about in goal. Scott Sealy continued to distinguish himself in the center of midfield with excellent distribution and toughness just below Chris Wondolowski and Ryan Johnson. Sealy integrated very well into the Wondo-RJ-Geovanni offensive triumvirate as the withdrawn forward/attacking midfielder — much like he was able to show in the Chivas USA and KC Wizards matches — and looks to have the inside track on significant minutes in the Red Bulls series.
Brazilian striker Eduardo featured for the second XI, as he has often done during Quakes training sessions late this season. He worked well with Khari Stephenson to share possession, but was never given enough space to work with by a motivated defensive side. Still, he is healthy and fit, providing Yallop with a first offensive substitute off the bench. Overall, the eleven starters and three substitutes that played in Kansas City are clearly in line to do the same against New York. I suspect that the starting line-ups will be slightly different — Corrales starting over Leitch for example — but those players in form will earn the minutes.
Other news and views from the NTF to share: goalkeeper Joe Cannon was back on the training field — for the first time without a walking cast and crutches. The Quakes favorite kept his workout to the side, but showed that the ankle is feeling much better. He even broke a sweat on the day, and looked pleased to be able to participate with the team in training once again. Andre Luiz was there as well, walking around and interacting with his teammates, but he remains shut down for the season and was just lending moral support. No updates on Cornell Glen and his injured right hamstring, but I would not expect to see him on the field this weekend against New York.
Lastly, Wondolowski was all smiles on the day, as was to be expected, and the preponderance of unfamiliar television cameras were there to interview the 2010 MLS Golden Boot winner. After running that gauntlet, Wondo still had the energy to talk with myself and the other beat reporters, where he refused to get into a war of words with Landon Donovan over the Galaxy midfielder’s comments about teammate Edson Buddle being more deserved of MLS recognition and being at a disadvantage while away for U.S. National Team duty. The Quakes leading scorer refused to take the bait, and responded that he would gladly trade the Golden Boot trophy for a trip to play in the FIFA World Cup. Well played Wondo, and so very true.
If Yallop starts Ryan Johnson at forward again instead of Eduardo and Cronin over Ring to repeat his mistakes vs Chicago and KC then we will lose and deserve it.
Where is Jasseh?
Wondo payed only 200 or so more minutes this season than Buddle. On top of that he notched an extra goal on 7 fewer shots on goal. Donovans comments, while loyal to his teamate, are just a bit of sour grapes. Congrats Chris. Now, repeat it next year.
Buddle didn’t win the boot because of his effort in the second half of the season was subpar. You seen no second effort from him, too many times would be caught flat footed with his back to goal. Then he would be caught walking to get back on sides so when the play would turn around he wouldn’t be in postion. (Caught 27 times for off sides) He missed several open net shots. Sure he missed some games beacuse of the world cup but thats not why he lost the boot.
Ryan Johnson is why Wondo has a handful of his goals, I think your just too ignorant to face the facts an realize that you are wrong. You are not a coach, you are merley a fan, and a horrible one at that, thinks she should be running the team, when you only watch the sport. I think they’ve gotten past Chicago and KC while you dwell in the past. Eduardo is the most uncoordinated player I’ve ever seen, but you can’t get past the fact that you only think he’s good because he’s Brazilian, here’s a heartbreakers for you….not all of them are good ‘gasp’. Now on from one idiot to another, Landon, Buddle had more shots on goal than Wondo, tell Buddle to make sure he puts the correct cleat on each foot instead
Hushup, Ryan Johnson has some assists, mostly from playing wing. Funny though close to half of them were accidental. But him playing target forward with back to goal, really isn’t comparable to him playing left mid. And we have a better player to play LM, Bobby Convey.
Ryan Johnson trying and failing at target forward is a disaster because of how many times he wastes the possession (example it was his giveaway that lead to KC’s third goal) and because he can’t score….. and in large measure why the lineup vs Houston, Chicago and KC failed and failed badly. The defense is constantly under pressure due to Yallop’s center mid and target forward choices. Eduardo, in contrast, was successful at target forward against Chivas–not perfect but successful.
This is not in the distant past…it’s our run of games leading to the playoffs and it’s very telling. People who are trying to blame three similar losses on being “flat” or “uninspired” are being naive and it’s wishful thinking to hope it’ll just go away because it’s playoffs.
Also, it’s apparent what was wrong with the midfield in those Houston, Chicago and KC games that went away with a different lineup for the Chivas’ game. Trying to insult me by making this about player nationality is just stupid.
Wondo is pure class. Wish him nothing but the best. Hopefully his stellar year continues deep into the playoffs.
Omar Jasseh has been in Gambia play for his team there and per his message to my daughter via facebook is supposed to be back on Thursday this week.