The San Jose Earthquakes television and radio broadcast teams have been tasked with reviewing the Quakes draw with Philadelphia and looking forward to this weekend's contest in Seattle by answering a series of questions without prior collaboration. Let’s take a look at what each of them had to say.
How important will Simon Dawkins' goal be to his confidence going forward?
Chris Dangerfield (CSN – color): “Simon is a good player, it takes time to settle into a new team, moving to a new country even if you have been here before a few years ago. Look at Lampard, Pirlo, Gerrard, Dos Santos and how they have taken time to adjust to MLS. It’s not just the goal, his performances have been improving each week and I fully expect him to be an important player as the season continues for the Quakes.”
Anthony Passarelli (CSN – play-by-play): “I would think getting his first goal would take some of the pressure off. Players sometimes say it's in the back of their mind when they haven't scored or have been in a drought. You hope that one goal opens the gates to many more.”
Danielle Slaton (CSN – sideline): “Confidence is a tricky thing, and I don't believe we can ever really know what's going on inside a player's head unless he/she tells us. I do feel like goals tend to come in bunches though, so let's see if Dawkins can turn one goal into a trend.”
Ted Ramey (KLIV – play-by-play): “Simon Dawkins is getting his legs under him in Major League Soccer once again. The goal was big because it was seemingly just a matter of getting it out of the way. I do expect more offensive production to continue.”
Joe Cannon (KLIV – color): "
Simon's goal should definitely take any weight he may have been feeling off of his shoulders. The team is grabbing points and it's probably a reason why all of the players should feel positive about their contributions."
Excluding Chris Wondolowski, who will play the biggest role in Saturday’s match for San Jose?
Dangerfield: “The back five who have been good so far will be key in Seattle. Marvell was great last week. Imperiale and Victor have been solid together in that partnership, and Bingham keeps getting better. In a hostile place to play, with the Sounders fighting to get their season going, it will be important to keep Dempsey and Morris quiet and defend set pieces from Ivanschitz. Keep them off the board and Wondo will sneak one in!”
Passarelli: “I think David Bingham could play the biggest role in Seattle. At CenturyLink Field, the crowd is always a factor and Bingham may have to come up big early against a team that is playing well to keep the Quakes in a position to grab 3 points on the road.”
Slaton: “I'm going to go out on a limb and say Shea Salinas. I like how he is making an impact and bringing good energy and enthusiasm onto the field when he subs into a match.”
Ramey: “I'm looking for a big game from whoever moves into the 6 for Anibal Godoy. Godoy so often acts as the straw that stirs the drink for the Quakes in transition, so whoever takes his place on Saturday will have a burden to bear.”
Cannon: "
Whoever comes in to replace Anibal Godoy will have a tough assignment. Seattle knows they need these points against a Western Conference opponent and the entire defensive corps will look to be tested."
What have you seen from Sounders FC youngster Jordan Morris so far this season?
Dangerfield: “He is full of energy and has poached some goals, which you would expect from a young player with his talent and experience playing with the USMNT. But I still don’t think Seattle have found the right formation to get the best out of him and they miss Obefemi Martins it seems so far.”
Passarelli: “As for Jordan Morris, his speed and nose for goal put him on Jurgen Klinsman's USMNT radar while he was at Stanford and after a slow start he has goals in three straight. To say he has a bright future is an understatement for sure.”
Slaton: “He's ambitious, opportunistic, and good when faced up at the goal. I have some questions around his consistency (normal for younger players though), so let's hope that his mind is elsewhere this weekend...like on the idea of making that Copa America roster.”
Ramey: “Morris has broken through. He has three goals now, on fire over the past few games, and is just tapping into the potential we've all been aware of.”
Cannon: "At the very least, he has the ability to put himself in good positions to get goals. His final product will improve over time and you cannot overlook his pace to get by defenders."
