Searching For That Elusive Sum
Coming into last season what that all too familiar label of “Expansion Team”, the San Jose Earthquakes did little to make an impression early on. Their play was daft and boring at times, with a lack of attacking exploits plaguing the team. Their 2-0 loss to the L.A Galaxy in the season opener seemed to set the tone for the franchise. Yet regardless of their early losses and, more importantly, their early form, one always got the feeling that with Frank Yallop and John Doyle, the Quakes were always in it, as crazy as it seemed. The duo’s partnership is one of the most stable in the league, and their true strength lies in their refusal to give into their surroundings. Yallop and Doyle are the classic example of what is missing in large parts of football today. The coach and manger relationship they share was forged out of the rudimentary idea that building a franchise would take time; one would require a steel stomach for pressure, a calm mind as well as exceptional patience, and a stern resolve to succeed. With well honed instincts from his playing days, Yallop’s strengths play right into the acute business sense of his colleague. Doyle knew the disadvantage his team was at early on in preseason. The Quakes needed quality players and held a sizeable transfer kitty. The problem arose due to the fact that every other team in the league was aware of this as well. Rather than be held for ransom, Doyle and Yallop chose to wait, knowing full well that opportunities would arise.
With Norwich refusing to renew his contract, Darren Huckerby became a free player, and the first big opportunity Yallop and Doyle would take advantage of. Attaining the player from the Toronto F.C, the Englishman’s charismatic play and unwavering leadership proved to be an instant hit with the Quakes. While Huckerby had a good debut, his first goal came against the Red Bulls the following week. In addition to the Englishman, former AS Roma midfielder, Francisco Lima was also brought into the setup and the Brazilian would eventually become a piece of a flowing offensive machine.
Though Francisco Lima’s play would never light up the league, it was his industrial style as a holding midfielder that truly gave balance to the Quakes. On his own Lima was not a match winner, but he would become part of an integral sum. Late additions Scott Sealy and Arturo Alvarez would complete the puzzle. With Lima’s provision of a sense of security, Huckerby, Corrales, Sealy, and Alvarez were far better able to combine in their attacking endeavors. The sum in this case would see San Jose go a nine match unbeaten run. Injury to Corrales, late season fatigue for Huckerby and a dip in form from Lima eventually saw the run end. However, the effects of their success were almost palpable as the Quakes missed out on a playoff berth.
For 2009, the Quakes have lost Sealy to the Israeli league and seen Lima make a return to Italy for personal reasons. A rather bright spot this preseason, though, has been the acquisition of U.S international Bobby Convey. With Convey’s skill and experience, there exists a great chance for the American to form a lethal understanding with Huckerby. While the team last season may have excelled around the sum of Corrales and company, this season’s spine could be formed by the likes of Corrales, Convey and Huckerby. One of the question marks that hang over this team will be on Cam Weaver and what he can produce. The 6′ 4″ forward will be asked to provide a physical presence at the top, holding the ball and allowing others to get more involved with the play. With Alaverz still able to provide an outlet at the top, Yallop may yet construct another team capable of besting the Quakes memorable nine game run.
*Apologies to Quakes fans for misspelling Corrales’ name. Rough day.
