Scott Sealy is back

The Quakes picked up free-agent Scott Sealy (on the Q's roster in 2008) to bring in some added depth up front. I wouldn't say this is a spectacular move, but it is a solid one. Scott provided some added experience and depth and will do so again this time around.

San Jose Merc article

Quakes WIN! Quakes WIN! Quakes WIN!

The Q's played a close game with the Fire in Chicago, but held on to win 2-1. Arturo Alvarez and Ike Opara scored for the Q's. WOW - an away victory. This has been in such scarcity the last 2 seasons. Jason Hernandez saved the day with an amazing save at the goal line in support of Joe Cannon after the Fire charged in after a Quakes turnover. First points of the season -way to go!

So Long Quincy

Yesterday it was announced that the Q's traded away Quincy Amarikwa for a furture draft pick. I am sad to have to see Quincy go. He was the only Quakes player currently on the roster that showed any kind of "spark" of energy. When he came of of the bench, he HUSTLED and was all over the field. If it weren't for his size, he would easily dominate with his speed. I wish him well in Colorado.

U.S. Open Cup

Every year about this time, I have to say something about the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. This year the Quakes are playing RSL (oh boy) in a play-in game on April 14th. Last season we played in a play-in game also - but we fielded a bunch of reserves against the NY Red Bulls - and lost.

Why don't the Quakes (and other MLS teams) take this competition seriously? The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is the oldest cup competition in the U.S. (established 1914) and is equivalent to the FA Cup in England and other domestic cups around the world. The unique competition includes teams from all amateur and professional levels in the U.S.

I understand that most MLS teams do not field their starters in fear that an injury could occur and have a negative impact on the team for the entire MLS season. The MLS Cup is the primary goal for MLS teams and it is understandable. It is the league title.

Let's look at teams in Europe - they play in multiple cup competitions during their regular season. For example: English Premier League team Manchester United played in the UEFA Champions League, Carling Cup, and FA Cup competitions while still pursuing the Premiership title. Yes - some star players do get rested in some of the cup games, but the teams do field teams with the goal to win these multiple competitions.

For the Earthquakes, I unfortunately think that we are still several years away from competing for a MLS Cup. So why not play a team that can at least givce us a chance for the US Open Cup? The Seattle Sounders FC won the US Open Cup in their first MLS season - at least they have something in their trophy case. We have 2 MLS Cups, but they were won by the now Houston Dynamos.

C'mon Quakes - the US Open Cup would be a great boost to supporters as well as to the team. At least don't field a team that shows you could care less. Winning a US Open Cup will provide that taste of winning a championship that our current team only dreams about. It certainly would help shift the momentum towards winning. The Heritage Cup is nice, but not really something to brag about.

C'MOM QUAKES - LET'S GO AFTER THE U.S. OPEN CUP!

Starting Right Where We Left Off

Despite the large crows (10,589 - a SB San Siro record) - the Q's dropped their opener with RSL 3-nil. A whole slew of new players, but the result is the same. Really didn't see much from anyone tonight. Joe Cannon had a difficult night - not so much because of him - but rather the lack of defense and a ton of unforced turnovers.

I wore all of my Villa gear - leaving all the Q's gear at home in protest of all the restrictions that are being placed on supporters. H got his drums taken at the gate - although we saw others not in the supporters sections with drums. Wonderful consistency in enforcing the rules Quakes staff. Geeeez. I commented that it still felt like we did towards the end of last season. Ugggh. Already looking like a looooooooooooooooooooong season ahead.

Drum Update #2

Just before I left the office today, I received a telephone call from a Quakes fan relations specialist. I really can't capture the entire conversation here. I appreciated the professionalism of this staff person, but I think this is the only response I will be getting from the Quakes (I sent my letter to the President and the Owner of the club - but have not heard a peep from them.)

Bottom Line: Drums will not be allowed unless they are approved as part of one of the official supporters groups (currently the Casbah and the Ultras). Drums are going to be limited to a certain # of drums - still TBA (kinda strange that a big decision like this has not been made and opening day is this coming Saturday. Hello? I am also concerned that the Q's decision to physically join the Ultras and the Casbah into one section (Sec 109) to "unify the cheering and drumming" will backfire horribly. The Casbah has been in existence since 1996. My question to the Q's is,"Don't you think there is a reason why the current Ultras didn't just join the Casbah instead of starting a new supporters club? Hello? They are both great groups - but they are very different in culture. I see joining them together in the stands creating more chaos rather than an improved stadium environment. As H has said, it feels like we are being told when, how, and how much we should be cheering and making noise. Doesn't that sound like fun?

Do I keep my season tickets? A HUGE question to answer.

Drum Update & Soccer Fours

Drum Update:

Still no word from the Q's organization - but due to when I sent my letter (last Thursday), they could have not received it until yesterday.

Soccer Fours:

I've finally returned to playing with Soccer Fours - the 4 v 4 program. After having great success at their San Francisco site (Franklin Park), Chris has decided to expand a little and now has weekly sessions in Marin and in Oakland. Naturally, since I'm located in the East Bay, I decided to check out the Monday night Oakland session last night. They are held at Raimondi Field in West Oakland. This complex was renovated in 2008 (replacing the grass field with turf). As I expected - after not playing for several months - the little endurance that I built up from the SF sessions was a distant memory. It was like starting all over - but the other players were great and it was alot of fun. First time using my new boots - Nike Ronaldinho Dois FG (I discovered this single pair at Ross in my size a month or so ago - $19.99 and couldn't resist). They were really comfortable and "looked fast" when I slipped them on, but alas, speed, quickness, and endurance on the pitch depends more on the person wearing the boots vs. the boots themselves :)