The San Jose Earthquakes television and radio broadcast teams have been tasked with reviewing the club’s past match vs. New York Red Bulls and looking forward to tonight’s contest in Portland by answering a series of questions without prior collaboration. Let’s take a look at what each of them had to say.
How much momentum will Wednesday’s victory over New York carry into Saturday?
Chris Dangerfield (CSN – color):
“When you are getting positive results, the players look forward to the next game whether it is in two days or seven days time.”
Danielle Slaton (CSN - sideline):
“Unfortunately, I don't think momentum will be a huge factor. I say rest, recovery, and continuing to develop as a team are the bigger issues at hand on Saturday.”
Anthony Passarelli (CSN – play-by-play):
“I would think a fair bit though Portland is a tough place to play. The Quakes were able to get 3 points while getting Shea and MPG a start and now have an opportunity to make this three matches in eight day stretch something special with 3 points against a struggling Timbers side.”
Ted Ramey (KLIV – play-by-play):
“I would imagine the win will carry a good deal of momentum, because the Quakes themselves, and the league, seem very aware of what they are capable of. Their defense, and emerging offense, make them a threat on the road and at home.”
How does the likely absence of Darlington Nagbe affect how Portland prepares for this game?
Dangerfield:
“It’s a big loss for the Timbers. He is a leader and very important player for them. They need to find a way to replace him collectively.”
Slaton:
“I think Nagbe's absence will affect Portland on Saturday, but I don't think Portland's preparation will be too different. These guys are pros and will go about the business of focusing on what they can control and getting ready for a game like they always do.”
Passarelli:
“With Nagbe out, it appears the Timbers are asking the former Earthquake and MLS veteran Ned Grabavoy to step in in his place. You can't ask Grabavoy to pass, dribble and speed the ball up the wing like Nagbe can so the reliance will be more on Diego Chara and Jack Jewsbury to be the bridge between the Timbers back four and Valeri/Milano.”
Ramey:
“The loss of Nagbe changes the entire flow of their team. He is a huge part of their overall system, but there is enough talent on that Timbers squad to make up for his absence. It would be unwise to sleep on them simply because of Nagbe's absence.”
What changes do you anticipate from the Quakes lineup from Wednesday night?
Dangerfield:
“Probably. If Godoy is 100% fit I can see him starting also.”
Slaton:
“Changes in the midfield! Dominic seems to be happy with his backline and you've got to go with Wondolowski and Amarikwa up top. Shall we start to call them Wondikwa?!”
Passarelli:
“Dominic Kinnear brought on Shea Salinas and MPG in the midfield for Quintero and Dawkins against NYRB and it worked well (Shea getting an assist and MPG looking dangerous at times) so I'll leave that to him. No speculation here.”
Ramey:
“I think Salinas has made a pretty good case for himself starting at the left wing, but Dominic Kinnear could've been trying to wake up Simon Dawkins by starting Salinas. If Godoy is 100% healthy, I would imagine he'll start, but the thought of him playing on turf might make Kinnear hold off for another week, or limit him to coming off the bench.”
Which Earthquakes player will have the biggest effect on the outcome of the match?
Dangerfield:
“Godoy if he plays. If not, Bingham. Portland is a tough emotional place to play and I am sure David will have some work to do, and he has been solid doing that so far this season.”
Slaton:
“I'm saying Wondo keeps the train rolling and gets goal #115 for his career.”
Passarelli:
“Will Anibal Godoy be back? When he and Fatai Alashe play together good things happen. If Anibal is back, he's my choice. Otherwise, give me Wondo. How can you argue with 5 goals in 6 matches to start the season?”
Ramey:
“Chris Wondolowski has been absolutely on fire to start the 2016 campaign. Look for him to have his first multi-goal game of the season.”
