Zaher in line to start
Looks like Cornell Glen won’t be the only Earthquake player to make his first start in league play on Saturday, as manager Frank Yallop looks set to give defender Mike Zaher a rare start at left back.
Zaher went the full 90 minutes against New York during San Jose’s U.S. Open Cup play-in game back on April 29, and he made three appearances for D.C. United last year in MLS play, three of them starts. But a start on Saturday against Real Salt Lake would mark Zaher’s first league appearance for the Quakes.
Yallop was quick to point out that the decision had more to do with San Jose’s crowded schedule in recent weeks rather than any dissatisfaction with usual starter Eric Denton, and that he’s looking for both Zaher and Chris Leitch – who was suspended for last Wednesday’s game against Columbus – to get forward at every opportunity.
“Eric has played two games in a row, 90 minutes both games,” said Yallop. “There’s a number of guys that I could change and it wouldn’t make much difference, but I felt at fullback, we need them to be fresh and on the ball and urge them to go forward.”
cool. I hope he plays really well. Denton has been pretty solid the last few games, but he is neither strong nor particularly fast, and his service is average for someone of his experience. Zaher played well for the bruins when he was here, I hope he can re-emerge now and give us some quality service going forward and a little more strength and pace in the back.
…actually, i just hope we win.
“and he made three appearances for D.C. United last year in MLS play, three of them starts.” lol