Romain Alessandrini might be available for the 2020 campaign, as he's no longer with the Galaxy. Only 30 but had an injury plagued 2019. Yes? No?..
I don’t think he could handle the fitness demands of Almeyda’s system. Jacob Akanyinge had a good showing at center back in the recent U-20 national team camp according to a reporter that covers USA national team soccer. He could be closer to the Quake’s bench than Tanner Beason.
Quakes' first opponent: "With no additions beyond recent draft picks . . . Michael Bradley sustained a “severe” ankle injury in MLS Cup 2019 and would undergo surgery to his right ankle on Tuesday [1/21/20] hat could keep him out for four months . . . even without the news of Bradley’s injury, it’s hard not to look at the TFC roster as it stands and see a veteran-laden, but an ultimately thin squad . . . [Emphasis added] https://theathletic.com/1549382/202...ts-time-for-toronto-fcs-prospects-to-step-up/
we will learn a lot from this year's season opener. here's hoping the Matias bobblehead isn't the highlight of the day.
Savarese provided a great blueprint for taking advantage of our slow CBs...making them track portland's speedy attackers with constant movement...we couldn't catch up to the play and couldn't communicate quick enough to pass off marks. They pulled us so out of shape and dictated play...overloads and iso situations with their speed against our lack of speed in central D. If we don't bring in some speed at CB, we're in for trouble.
But seriously, the most missing component in my mind is the lack of finishing. Whether the same players need to get more clinical or some new players, the Quakes can't waste so many chances. I feel like there were several games where they could have put their foot on the opponents' throats and the game over within 20 minutes, but failed to finish good chances.
That's a good question... Portland started the season playing like crap (much like us). However Valerie had a particularly crappy game in our first meeting. He missed a pk and he had an error that led to a Quakes goal. By the summer Portland turned things around, they signed Fernandez who started off hot. However around the same time the Quakes were even hotter. By the time we played our second game (last game of the season) both teams were in a slump. However Valerie was out (injured?) and Fernandez was out on a red card. With those two players missing it seemed like there was some hope for the Quakes, but still many of us were not very hopeful that we could overcome whatever our problem was and beat Portland on the road. That turned out to be the case as we lost 3-1. The only good thing on the day was an assist from Espinoza to Wondo for our only goal. In the off season Portland had to dump Fernandez (likely due to a recurring drug addiction) but they picked up Yimmi Chara (Diego's brother) as a designated player. Also, Valerie is no longer a DP so it seems Portland are in the process of signing a 3rd DP to replace Fernandez as striker. With two new DP's and a regular schedule (last year they played on the road for months due to their stadium construction) Timbers fans are hopeful they will have a better regular season, but they aren't as confident they'll make it through the playoffs to the final.
We out here.The boys are officially back. #VamosSJ pic.twitter.com/JjvDQaaJIZ— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) January 21, 2020
Didn't Portland start out the season on a LONG road trip due to expansion of their stadium? That could've affected their performances early on.
The first game against Portland was the threshold of Almeyda finally bringing on players that had the discipline and stamina to play the way he wanted to play. I think we changed out 4-5 starters from the early season 11. It was the first time anyone in the league saw the truly functioning man to man marking all over the field...caught them very much by surprise. Fwiw, In the last game against Portland, I thought having Valeri out actually helped them. For what Portland needed to do in that game to pull us out of shape, Blanco was a better quicker option centrally in the attacking third...he was everywhere causing havoc...much harder to defend...and he was extremely dedicated defensively closing space. He played Valeri's position better than Valeri...killed us.
Let us be mindful of the fact that the entire league has figured out how to play against our man-marking system/strategy so unless Almeyda comes up with another unique approach we'll have what we had for the last part of our season, abject failure. Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
This. Not only did Portland have their own early game against us to help them figure out a better game plan, but they also had examples of how other coaches in the league adjusted their tactics to better attack the Quakes style of play. Nothing in this world is static.
Forgot to mention I had a vivid dream last night in which I was hanging out with Matías (no language barrier) and Wondo, getting ready for the season. Lots of laughter. I’m construing it as a positive sign.
Tomorrow.A new chapter.A new partnership. pic.twitter.com/z5e9pGNDyx— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) January 22, 2020 New Jersey sponsor Any guesses?