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'08 Season Preview: 'Quakes make return to MLS with familiar leader

Sun 23rd, March 2008

San Jose, CA (Sports Network) - After a two-year hiatus from Major League Soccer after the original San Jose franchise relocated to Houston before the 2006 season, the Earthquakes make their return to the league in '08 with the same coach who guided them to championships in '01 and '03 at the helm - Frank Yallop.

"The last time the team was in town they won the Supporters' Shield and that team went on to Houston and won two more championships," Yallop said. "People who don't know the league might expect us to be right back at that point. But they don't realize that we don't have any of those players."

Actually, Yallop has been able to gather a couple players from that team through the expansion draft and trades, respectively. Former Earthquakes Ryan Cochran, who was claimed off Houston's roster, and Joe Cannon, who came over in a trade with the Los Angeles Galaxy, are back in the fold.

The league's '08 expansion club is a work in progress, but with a number of capable veterans on the roster, don't be surprised to see the club in contention for a playoff spot in the closing months of the season.

"I think there is pressure on all of us because we want to start the season off well and make the playoffs like every other team in this league," said Yallop, who knows a thing or two about pressure after coaching the Los Angeles Galaxy in David Beckham's first season in the league last year. "We don't want to just sit here and settle for second best. We are trying to prepare the team to win every match we play."

Like he did with the original Earthquakes, Yallop, who plans to use a 4-4-2 base formation to start the season, has built his team from the back. That all starts with two-time goalkeeper of the year Cannon. In front of him, veterans Nick Garcia, who came over in a trade with Kansas City, and Cochrane will likely man the center back roles. James Riley and Jason Hernandez, who were both claimed in the expansion draft from New England and Chivas USA, respectively, will man the fullback spots.

"Yallop is trying to build the team with veterans starting in the back and he has proven with the clubs he has managed in the past that he knows what he is doing," Garcia said.

On the flanks, Ronnie O'Brien will start the season on the right side with Ivan Guerrero on the left. O'Brien enters his second season in a row on an expansion club after coming over in a trade from Toronto while Guerrero was claimed off Chicago in the expansion draft.

Ramiro Corrales, who is also making his return to the league after playing for S.K. Brann of the Norwegian Premier League last season, and Ned Grabavoy, who was claimed from Columbus, will man the center midfield roles with former Red Bull Joe Vide probably being their top backup.

Kei Kamara, who was acquired in a trade with Columbus, and Gavin Glinton, who was claimed from L.A., will start the season as the team's strikers.

"I feel that in this league you have to be difficult to beat and be solid and strong," Yallop said. "I think that we've got that now. The guys that we've brought in have been very good. It started with (former Chivas USA goalkeeper) Preston Burpo, then Joe Cannon and picking up Ryan Cochran and Nick Garcia and Ramiro Corrales and Ronnie O'Brien. You start naming some pretty solid, good players. I feel good that the core of the group is strong and solid and we can add a little bit to that now."

The most glaring weakness in the lineup appears to be at the forward position, which is the team's number one priority right now.

"I have spoke to a number of teams trying to get players (up top) but it is very difficult," Yallop said. "They are not going to let good strikers go. Once you get one you better hang onto them. We have talked to a number of clubs about players so we are still looking out of the country. I'm not going to panic and get someone in just for the sake of getting someone in though."

Despite some lineup deficiencies, the Earthquakes have lofty goals for their return season in MLS, particularly making the playoffs.

"We all start with zero points," Yallop said. "Whoever plays well makes the playoffs. We are no different than any other team. We do have some very experienced MLS players in our lineup so we should be okay."

"We want to start off on the right foot," Garcia said. "I think topping ('07 expansion club) Toronto's record from last year is a realistic goal. Winning is everything. Things are going well for us in camp. We are just looking forward to getting after it."

The 'Quakes open the season April 3 at L.A. before hosting Chicago nine days later.

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