The Earthquakes training facility had a less-congested feel about it today thanks to the absence of the club’s international men.
On a chilly, bright morning, we witnessed a Bryan Meredith v Matias Perez-Garcia masterclass, a penalty shoot out with a difference and heard Marvell Wynne sing a line from his favorite Spice Girls song.
Highlight on the Field
The duel between goalkeeper Bryan Meredith and playmaker Matias Perez Garcia in a short-field match was intriguing. First blood went to the little Argentinian, who took three touches on the turn before volleying a thing of beauty into the top right corner from around 15 yards.
However, when MPG tried to repeat the trick from further out, Meredith was not to be beaten twice and produced a stunning save, flying to the right to tip his teammate’s goalbound drive over the bar.
Meredith almost had the last laugh when he attempted to catch out fellow stopper Andrew Tarbell with a shot from his own goal on the 36-yard pitch, but his stunning, curlings effort struck the crossbar.
Off-the-Field
After training the players took part in a lighthearted penalty shootout. Marvell Wynne, fresh from his assist against the Galaxy, ran up to the ball in a straight line before dispatching an unstoppable shot into Tarbell’s bottom corner. Tarbell then denied Meredith with his legs in the first installment of the battle of the keepers. We’ll spare the rookie’s blushes by simply saying that when it was his turn to take the kick the ball did not end up in the back of the net.
Q&A: Marvell Wynne
SJEarthquakes.com: Are you now over the Galaxy defeat?
Marvell Wynne: No. Not at all. We know it was a tough loss. We are always upset to lose. In LA and under the circumstances, it’s a rough one. We have a bitter taste in our mouths but it’s motivation for us. We know what we did wrong. That’s not going to happen again.
A nice assist for you, though?
MW: It was panic mode! I don’t like being in the opponent’s 18 but it’s good to get one. I didn’t think Matias was going to play me the ball – I was making room for Innocent – I was like ‘Matias, no!’
Is training different with players away?
MW: It’s a little quieter but it’s no different. You get your fitness in and more touches so it’s actually good.
Who do you miss the most?
MW: I miss the group collectively because they are so much fun and the banter is not at the level it usually is. Bingham is funny, but not on purpose. That’s what makes him so great.
And the least?
MW: I miss everybody equally. They are all my buddies.
The DC United game will mark the 20th anniversary of the Clash’s and MLS’s first game. What was Marvell Wynne doing in 1996?
MW: I was 10 and at my little private school, probably going to chapel, wearing my college shirt and slacks and loving Rugrats. Tommy was my favorite. He was so adventurous. He was the man. Oh Chuckie, we all liked making fun of him. I was a Super Nintendo man. Blowing on the cartridges, making sure they were clean. Glory years. Contra and Super Smash Brothers were my games.
Spice Girls fan?
MW: NO! Yes.
Favorite?
MW: Sporty was my favorite. I’ve always liked the athletic, pony-tailed fitness types.
SJEQ: Favorite Song
MW: Two Become One. (Sings) I need some love like I’ve never needed love before…
