The San Jose Earthquakes television and radio broadcast teams have been tasked with reviewing the club’s past match and looking forward to tonight’s contest by answering a series of questions without prior collaboration. Let’s take a look at what each of them had to say.
What is the biggest positive the Quakes can take away from their last match in Dallas?
Chris Dangerfield (CSN – color):
“The team was well organized defensively and stopped the dangerous speed of FC Dallas. Very good point on the road that could be important late in the season.”
Joe Cannon (KLIV – color):
“The biggest positive will be that the Quakes have now gone to two hostile environments in LA and Dallas and have done fairly well. This should give the team confidence moving forward in the season on the road. Although they lost in LA, it was after the red card given to Dawkins and up until that point, looked to be primed for at least a point. This past game they will feel hard done not leaving Frisco with 3 points, but Dallas was the best Western Conference team last year and the defense, missing Anibal Godoy and Clarence Goodson, did a great job of limiting high % chances to the dangerous Dallas attack.”
Danielle Slaton (CSN - sideline):
“One point on the road is a positive result. I think the goal is to always try to get three at home and then steal one point on the road.”
Anthony Passarelli (CSN – play-by-play):
“I think the fact the Quakes picked up a point, on the road, against one of the top teams in the Western Conf. is a positive. And they did it without Anibal and Clarence.”
Ted Ramey (KLIV – play-by-play):
“The biggest positive to me is the Earthquakes offense continuing to show growth and explosiveness, even on the road. Dallas is a top-notch opponent and the Earthquakes took an early lead, and a late lead, and put themselves in a good position to win, even if it didn't end up that way.”
With three games in eight days, do you expect the lineup to be shuffled at all to keep players fresh?
Dangerfield:
“Although Dom rarely changes a winning/tying team, yes, it's a good chance to rotate the players in areas where the depth is fit and available. We have talked about the depth and this is a chance to use it.”
Cannon:
“Not much. If Godoy is fully healthy he is back, and perhaps rest Quintero for MPG or Shea if he needs it. I expect the back four and Fatai Alashe to play. I also expect Quincy and Wondo to start as well. For me, I think you have to put your best lineup out this game and try to get the three points at home. You never know what the road brings and resting players for a match up in Portland would still produce question marks into whether or not they really improve chances for more points up in the northwest. I’d do everything in my power to get the home points and then play rested players on Saturday. The best part about this year is that Dominic does have more options and more depth. No matter who plays on Wednesday, San Jose will have a rested quality side that plays away at Portland as well.”
Slaton:
“Yes. We will see a shuffle, especially as guys are coming back from injury. We've seen varied lineups with less rest so I'd expect to see a few different looks with these matches in quick succession.”
Passarelli:
“I think you first want to win matches and get 3 points so if shuffling the lineup gives you a better chance at doing that, then sure. However, you have players coming off knocks like Godoy so first you look at who is healthy vs. NYRB and see how much they can give you.”
Ramey:
“I don't expect a great amount of change, mostly due to the injuries currently limiting the options for Dominic Kinnear. If Godoy starts, that does provide some fresh legs, but their options are relatively limited.”
What individual matchup intrigues you the most on Wednesday?
Dangerfield:
“The two main scorers and how their seasons have started. Bradley Wright-Phillips has no goals yet while Wondo has four in five games. Who will be the winner on Wednesday?”
Cannon:
“Chris Wondolowski & Quincy Amarikwa against whoever the center backs are for NYRB. Don't expect an Ouimette and Duvall partnership because of the recent struggles. The Kljestan - Alashe match up also looks very tasty with the second-year US youth international fully capable of frustrating the more experienced Kljestan. If Godoy is in there, expect Sacha to move out to the wings to try and find the ball more. The middle of the field will be critical for San Jose as NYRB have plenty of capable players with McCarty, Felipe, Grella, Sam and the aforementioned Kljestan all skilled on the ball.”
Slaton:
“I'm looking forward to see the quickness of Bradley Wright-Phillips and his ability to hold the ball versus the strength and physicality of Victor Bernardez.”
Passarelli:
“Quincy Amarikwa against Ouimette or Duvall. Quincy has been playing well as we know (2 assists vs. FCD) If he can put the pressure on whomever starts at center back for NYRB, it could really open things up for SJ.”
Ramey:
“I'll be curious to see how the team handles Bradley Wright-Phillips. He is dangerous and explosive, and I am sure waiting to break out. The Quakes have been nails at Avaya. This will be a test.”
What is your key to victory for San Jose?
Dangerfield:
“Start as they did vs. DC, but get that first goal and don’t let off the gas.”
Cannon:
“On paper, it looks like the Quakes should win this one handily at home. Dominic Kinnear and the technical staff are not fooled. They know how difficult this game really is. Last year's Supporter's Shield winners are struggling in the back, but it's only time before the offense finds its rhythm. This game may be the toughest one yet for the Earthquakes. The key for San Jose is to score first and early. NYRB has confidence issues right now, especially with their defense. Taking away their focus from enjoying possession to "oh no, here we go again" would be a great way to unsettle Jesse Marsch and his squad.”
Slaton:
“I believe it will be key for the Quakes to commit numbers in attack while staying organized defensively. NY can be quick on the counter so the Quakes must stay disciplined while being willing to take risks on offense.”
Passarelli:
“How the Quakes can put pressure on the central defenders for NYRB. The center backs have struggled and giving up 11 goals so far this season seems to point to the loss of Matt Miazga (to Chelsea) hurting the back line more than maybe folks expected. ”
Ramey:
“The key to victory, for me, is to get a goal in the first 20 minutes. If the Quakes do that, and make good on all the chances they've created in the first 20 minutes of games so far, they could give themselves a nice home win.”
