HUCKERBY!

Huckerby's Initial Weeks in the MLS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15xlpBjpUP0&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgSffB04epk&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15xlpBjpUP0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAFY0WppxG4&feature=related

Tributes to Darren Huckerby

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el3Q0-A9GN4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZRPGhZfsOI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CypYSJZCgDY&feature=related

Who are these Quakes???

Man, I missed another home game (company picnic). Missed the 4-nil drubbing of the New England Revolution. Ryan Johnson, Ronnie O'Brien (2x), and Scott Sealy scored the goals, but after watching the replay on MLStv, it was obvious to me that Darren Huckerby was the man of the match. His leadership has brought the expansion Quakes to new heights. Their play has truend around completely with the addition of Hucks + Alvarez, Sealy, and Lima. It is a completely different team. We aren't depending on only Ronnie to generate offense. The playoffs are not a pipe dream anymore. GO QUAKES!

We just found out that one of our "bonus" games this year is against the Seattle Sounders (USL). They will be joining the MLS next season as Seattle Sounders FC. It will be a nice addition to the west coast and QWest Field would be a great play to visit for a road game.

Beat LA! Beat LA Beat LA!

I was out of town and missed the Quakes vs Galaxy re-match at McAfee. I was in Reno and couldn't get the people running the sports lounge at the hotel I was staying at to just run one of their 50+ big screen lcds to the Quakes game. "Sorry sir - but this is too big of a baseball day so we can't put the MLS on". Geeeeez. I only missed the best game of the season so far - thanks alot.

2 of the 3 goals were scored by newcomers Huckerby and Alvarez. This new lineup changes the team completely. The guys played with confidence and attacked on the offensive end - something we just haven't seen much of this season. I see Billy Beane's fingerprints all over these recent transactions. What I am curious about is the A's current slump tied to the Quakes making major moves recently? Can't split time between 2 franchises without one taking a hit.

Hmmmmmmmmm.

MoneyFutbol!

...the Quakes have now aquired Arturo Alvarez from FC Dallas! I think the relationship between the Oakland A's and the Quakes (same ownership) is showing now in FULL FORCE. I can't help thinking that Billy B. is either directly involved or is serving as an advisor in the most recent flurry of transactions that have been executed by the Quakes.

Read this exerpt from a NY Times article from last Aug. 2007:

Wolff said one of the key members of the team’s brain trust would probably be Billy Beane, the A’s general manager, who is a rabid, if closeted, soccer fan. Beane’s frugality and keen evaluation of baseball players for a small-market team was dissected in the book “Moneyball.”
“Billy and his staff will help a lot in identifying players,” Wolff said. “I took Billy and a bunch of A’s executives to the World Cup in Germany last summer. I was just in awe of their knowledge of soccer. They know about every baseball player who can stand upright and they also know soccer. What was funny was that, in the middle of the baseball season, Billy was away in Europe and the A’s won six games.”

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!

Congratualtions to Spain - 2008 European Champions!

The Euro 08 final was enjoyable to watch, but I couldn't help but cringe as I sat and watched Klose of Germany take that accidental kick to the groin, dropping him to the ground in an instant. Ouch.

The Quakes were playing in Chicago over the weekend and came away with nil-nil tie (+ 1 point). We had a couple of tries that should have gone in - if only the ball bounced our way. Joe Cannon played brilliantly - several "full stretch" saves.

Next home game isn't until 7/12 vs. Columbus....can't wait to get back to the South Bay San Siro.