2009 ends with a fizzle.

The Q's fall to the Galaxy 2-nil. We finish at the bottom of the Western Conference table (7-14-9) once again. As they always say, "There's always next year." My votes for 2009:

Quakes MVP: Ryan Johnson
Quakes Top Defender: Joe Cannon
Quakes Inspirational Leader: Joe Cannon

One Point on the Road - But a Lead Lost Again

The Q's faced Dallas FC today at Pizza Hut Park. The Q's looked better than they have in the recent past, but appeared to be a step slower (maybe the heat). The Q's took a 2-1 lead in 82nd minute after a powerful goal off the left foot of Arturo Alvarez. Could they hold on the final 8+ minutes? Nope. Defense broke down again and left Kenny Cooper one-on-one at the net vs Joe Cannon. Cooper's tap in goal came at the 86 minute. Dang it. There were some new faces on the pitch for the Q's because Simon Eliott (New Zealand) and Cornell Glen (Trinadad & Tobago) were on international duty + Ramiro Corrales (yellow card suspension) + Bobby Convey (injury). Brandon McDonald and Aaron Pitchkolan were two new names in the midfield. But 1 point from a road game is a positive. The Telefutura broadcast did show Hucks on the bench in uniform, but he did not play. Another road game next week in Seattle. I sure hope that the lads are up for this one. Our first visit to QWest Field was not a pleasant one.

2008 Quakes MVP

My vote for San Jose Earthquakes MVP is our "Superman" in the net - Joe Cannon. Joe has been the rock of this team. His play this year has never been questioned or criticized. His saves helped us win games and most of the time the goals that he gave up were not his fault at all (defensive breakdowns or those wonderful "own" goals we saw earlier in the season).

Joe is a veteran and plays like one. But the one thing that I like the most about Joe is the connection he makes with the Quakes supporters. He definitely promotes the idea that we are all on the same team and he always shows his appreciation for the fans at every game. He is the team leader and authority on the field - and the Quakes wouldn't of had such a great season this first year without him in the net.

Do or Die

Well - I think tomorrow's game against Chivas USA will determine the fate of the Quakes this season. If we can win and pick 3 points, we'll still be in the hunt for that final playoff spot. If we tie or lose, I think that will be our season unless something really crazy happens.



The keys to the game: ALL of our key starters need to have their A games on.



#1 JOE CANNON: Has been solid in net all year and I am sure he will be the same tomorrow at the SBSS.



#2 RAMIRO CORRALES: Ramiro has been injured much of the season and I hope that he returns in this game - we need his midfield experience.

#3 FRANCISCO LIMA: Francisco has been such a playmaker since he has arrived to SJ, but has been off of his game the last several outings. We need his spark again.

#4 ARTURO ALVAREZ: Arturo has not gotten his shots the last couple games and we need his offensive presence to be felt early in tomorrow's game.

#5 DARREN HUCKERBY: Hucks continues to be on fire, but has been slowed down due to an injury this week. We pray that he is 100% for tomorrow - without him, we really help the Chivas defense in planning for the game.

#6 RONNIE O'BRIEN: Ronnie is another major player on this team that has not been on his game in recent weeks. I am sure he is really beat up at this point in the season, but I hope that his energy and spark from the right side shines tomorrow night.

#7 NICK GARCIA: Nick is our warrior! He is the key to our amazing defense and I'm certain that he will be giving 200% at the SB San Siro tomorrow.

#8 SCOTT SEALY: Scott is another player the Quakes brought on that has energized the team in the 2nd half of the season. He and Lima need to be in perfect harmony in the midfield for us to have a chance.

Huckerby's Home Debut

July 27, 2008

It was Darren Huckerby's home debut at the South Bay San Siro and he didn't disappoint. He scored the Quakes 2nd goal of the day. You ask how did the Q's score two goals and end up tying the NY Red Bulls? The Q's first goal was an own goal by Eric Denton minutes after the opening kick. OUCH. He was trying to head the ball back to Joe Cannon and oooops - it went to high and Joe couldn't stop it. This is the 2nd time this season that the Q's have given own goals while attempting to just pass the ball back to Joe. We got 1 point, but we needed 3 BAD.

Overall though, the team looked good - there was a sense of confidence that they exuded and maintained offensive pressure on the RB's all day. The addition of Huckerby, Sealy, and Lima has changed the face and heart of this team. Looking forward to a run so we can somehow squeek into the playoffs.

MARKETING: I can't figure out why the stadium is not filling up for every game. Soccer is very popular in the Bay Area and the Q's still struggle to sell tickets (unless there is the lure of an opposing team with a superstar such as Blanco or Beckham). C'mon Bay Area - the Quakes are alot of fun to support.

Joe Cannon on Facebook

Well, I ran across Facebook profiles for Joe Cannon and James Riley while taking a look at the SJ Quakes fan page on Facebook. Now I have Joe and James on my friends list. Fun.

The Quakes played great against Chivas USA over the 4th of July weekend, but ended up losing the game 1-nil in final minutes of regulation. It was heart-breaking. It will be nice to have them back home again for the game against Colorado this Sat at the South Bay San Siro. We'll have the drums ready for action!