Amidst a week with three games over eight days, the Earthquakes took the field at Avaya Stadium to train Tuesday before their matchups with the New York Red Bulls and Portland Timbers on Wednesday and Saturday, respectively. The energy was high despite the busy week as the focus was on getting players healthy and ready for the upcoming two-game stint.
On-Field Highlight
During the usual 5 v 2 drill in warm-ups, where their objective is to get 20 passes completed before the ball is intercepted, the Earthquakes managed to build an over 50-pass rally. As they were nearing 60 completed passes, Andres Imperiale slipped to break it up, inciting an eruption of laughter and playful jabs from his teammates.
Off-Field Highlight
Major League Soccer isn’t the only league Earthquakes players pay attention to during the season. Streaming in the locker room today were several Champions League matches including Manchester City vs. Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid vs. Wolfsburg. Watching these matches gives the players an opportunity to bond off the field while building friendly rivalries.
Q&A with forward Quincy Amarikwa
SJEarthquakes.com
:
How did it feel to get your first multi-assist game of the season and get chosen for MLS Team of the Week?
Quincy Amarikwa:
“It’s nice to get recognition for when you put in a good performance, but I would’ve preferred to come away with three points at the end of the day. I think the guys fought hard. It’s difficult to take the lead, especially on the road, and for us to do it twice is a positive to take away, but hopefully we hold it out for the win next time.”
SJEQ:
You now have one goal and three assists to start the season. Do you care if you’re scoring the goals or setting them up?
QA:
“As long as we’re scoring the goal at the end of the day, I’d like to be a part of that however it works out. If that means I’m going to draw more defenders and players in to spring other guys forward to score goals, as long as we’re winning the game that’s all that matters to me.”
SJEQ:
Does the team prepare differently when there are two games in the week like there is this week?
QA:
“I think the difference in preparation is just making sure there’s adequate time for rest for players. A full 90 minute game is a tough toll on your body including the travel is difficult so guys are just trying to make sure they’re both mentally and physically prepared for the game tomorrow and on Saturday as well.”
SJEQ:
You’ll play three games in eight days. How does the quick turnaround between them affect you personally?
QA:
“I just focus one game at a time. Do what I need to do outside of training to just get the extra rehab and recovery in so I feel as best as I possibly can for game day.”
