The San Jose Earthquakes will get their first taste of Reserve League action on Tuesday when they host Vancouver Whitecaps FC at the Nutrilite Training Facility at 11 a.m. PT. The match is open to the public.
The last time the Earthquakes reserves took the field was a 2-2 draw with FC Dallas on October 3, 2008. The league, which has been re-launched for the 2011 season, was a vital tool in the development of many current MLS players, including 2010 Budweiser Golden Boot winner Chris Wondolowski.
“We want some of our guys to get a full 90 minutes in," said Earthquakes assistant coach Ian Russell. "We will be looking to help bring some of our guys back from injury and allow some of the younger players to stay match fit.”
Steven Lenhart is one player that could possibly see some minutes in Tuesday’s match. The striker is listed as questionable in this week's injury report while recovering from knee arthroscopy.
Along with senior team members, several products of the Earthquakes Academy will also suit up for the black and blue. Travis Pillon and Jorge Soto are among the Academy boys who expect to see minutes on Tuesday.
“This is a huge moment for them,” said Russell. “Looking toward the future for some of these players, getting some professional games under their belt is going to be vital.”
Russell and assistant coach Mark Watson will split coaching of the reserve team, with each taking control of five of the ten league matches.
Russell noted that all three substitutions from Saturday’s match—Simon Dawkins, Ellis McLoughlin, and Anthony Ampaipitakwong—are likely to see time on Tuesday.
The Vancouver match is the first of five home games for the reserve team, which will play home and away against the five other teams in the Western Conference. The full schedule is listed below. All matches are at 11 a.m. unless otherwise listed.
2011 San Jose Earthquakes Reserve League Schedule
3/22 – vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
4/3 – vs. Seattle Sounders FC
4/24 – vs. Chivas USA
6/6 – vs. LA Galaxy
6/21 – @ Portland Timbers
7/26 – @ Chivas USA
8/7 – vs. Portland Timbers
9/6 – @ Vancouver Whitecaps
10/3 – @ LA Galaxy
10/11 – @ Seattle Sounders, 7 p.m.
