The Quakes opened their 2013 preseason camp on a sunny Monday morning at the Earthquakes Training Facility. A near full squad embarked on training. San Jose is currently without five key members of the 2012 Quakes' team: American 2012 MLS All-Stars Chris Wondolowski, Steven Beitashour, and Justin Morrow, and Hondurans Marvin Chavez and Victor Bernardez. All five are with their respective national teams for the rest of January. The Quakes begin preparation for their first preseason trip to Tucson on Monday, Jan. 28.
The coaching staff led the 2012 Supporters' Shield winners through a series of stretching drills ahead of a fitness regimen. The Quakes' two 2013 MLS SuperDraft picks, Georgetown central defender Tommy Muller and University of San Diego midfielder Dan Delgado, had their first full participation with the club four days after hearing their names called in Indianapolis. Steven Lenhart, Cesar Diaz Pizarro, Alan Gordon, and Mehdi Ballouchy continued their rehabilitation and observed practice. Ballouchy, who tore his ACL against FC Dallas on Sept. 29, expects a full recovery by April. Unsigned midfielder Khari Stephenson and Quakes veteran defender Ramiro Corrales also trained with the club.
Looking to build off of a banner 2012 season in which San Jose posted a franchise-best record of 19-6-9, the Quakes will focus on fitness for the week. San Jose will take part in three preseason trips in the weeks ahead; traveling to Tucson, Oxnard, and Portland to play a host of MLS sides as well as Swedish outfit AIK.
