It was a difficult year for the Bay Area boot squad, but an easy choice on who to ask for some answers. Sorting through the Earthquakes rubble for us is ESPN & Center Line Soccer all-star Jeff Carlisle.NSC: What went wrong?
JC: Just about everything. Players like Francisco Lima and Scott Sealy werent adequately replaced at the start of the season. Injuries plagued the team's two best players, Darren Huckerby and Jason Hernandez, for most of the campaign. Add in the midfield's inability to possess the ball, and the result was a defense that was largely overrun. A 2-7-2 start meant that the season was basically over before it started.
NSC: What went right?
JC: Another passel of midseason reinforcements, including forward Cornell Glen, along with midfielders Andre Luiz and Ramon Sanchez improved the team immensely. The development of center back Brandon McDonald and forward Ryan Johnson was also a welcome sight.
NSC: What, if not who, does the team need to acquire?
JC: They need someone to help the team keep possession better. Whether that comes in the form of a second striker or a pure midfielder is up to the front office. The team already missed out on Stephen Appiah, but a player along those lines would help a great deal.
- Greg Seltzer
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1 comments:
It was a shame to see Huckerby struggle after such a promising 2008.
With Yallop at the helm for SJ, I think they'll be able to turn the corner at some point.
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