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Five big questions for San Jose Earthquakes
With the 2009 season in the rearview mirror, here are the answers to some of the biggest questions surrounding the San Jose Earthquakes as the club prepares for 2010.
WHAT DO THE EARTHQUAKES NEED TO DO TO MAKE THE MLS CUP PLAYOFFS IN 2010?
San Jose can begin by keeping the core of this year's squad intact. A year ago the departures of forward Scott Sealy, midfielder Francisco Lima and winger Ronnie O'Brien, combined with the team's quest to shore up their forward line, meant that too much continuity was lost.
The Quakes already seem well on their way to doing that, with all of the key components under contract for next season. With a bit more familiarity amongst the squad, along with one or two quality additions, the team should be better able to avoid the wretched start that dashed their playoff hopes early on. The Quakes will also be hoping this increased chemistry manifests itself on the road, where San Jose won just once in 2009.
WHAT WAS THE TEAM'S BEST MOMENT IN '09?
The 2-1 win over in-state rivals Los Angeles on Jun. 20, and the 4-0 rout of Seattle on Aug. 2 that saw San Jose claim the inaugural Heritage Cup, were both victories to savor. But for Yallop, the most pleasing result was the late-season 1-0 win against the New York Red Bulls.
"We scored early, and saw the game out, 1-0," said Yallop of the New York match. "That for me was a team performance. We beat Seattle, 4-0, but they had 10 men, and we got off to a good start. But against New York, I felt we were in control, and we looked like a team."
WHO SHOWED THE BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT OVER THE COURSE OF THE SEASON?
For the second year running, forward Ryan Johnson showed significant progress, recording a team-high 11 goals that more than doubled his out put from a year ago. The Jamaican was an absolute force in the box, and was a constant thorn in the side of opposing defenses with his willingness to chase seemingly lost causes.
But perhaps the biggest surprise was the improvement shown by Brandon McDonald in the center of the Quakes defense. The University of San Francisco product was brought in as an afterthought just prior to the season to provide cover in the center of midfield. But when injuries and poor form created a void in the backline, McDonald stepped up, adding plenty of athleticism and tenacity to a team lacking in both.
"It was sort of unexpected for them to do that," said Yallop of Johnson and McDonald. "I think Brandon emerged and Ryan did very well; two real bright spots."
WHAT RESERVES ARE MOST READY TO CRACK THE STARTING LINEUP?
In a bid to find a winning combination, Yallop shuttled plenty of players in and out of the starting XI, but one performer who built steadily on his performances was midfielder Shea Salinas. The Furman University product started less than half of the Quakes games, but delivered five assists, while providing the team with more of a two-way presence out wide. Given the tendency of the team's other wide players to cut inside, Salinas crossing ability could provide an important variation to San Jose's attack.
WHAT AREA OF THE TEAM NEEDS THE MOST IMPROVEMENT?
When a team ranks last in the league in goals allowed, as the Quakes did in 2009, that is an aspect that has to be addressed. Yet the repair work on the backline is close to being completed. San Jose conceded just 1.25 goals per game in their last 12 matches, a mark that would put them in the middle of the pack.
And while the Quakes will likely need to better that mark to make the playoffs, improving the team's ability to possess the ball will not only augment the attack, but ease the load on the backline.
"Any defender will say 'You're only as good as the team in front of you,'" said Yallop. "If you can't keep the ball, you'll get exposed."
