Connolly Article: Standouts in Preseason

QuakeAttack · Mar 12, 2003

"On San Jose, I thought that Ramiro Corrales looked strong when he was at left mid. Eddie Robinson stood out a few times, especially when he practically leap-frogged a taller Nate Jaqua to win a head ball when the ‘Quakes played Chicago last week. As noted last week in this space, Richard Mulrooney was a workhorse in the midfield. Gotta give credit to Josh Saunders, too, who gave San Jose some hope with his play on Saturday night after Jon Conway went down with a broken ankle."

Also, he mentions Conrad for KC. Full Article:

http://www.mlsnet.com/content/03/oped0312connolly.html?gamename=03082003_CLBDC&version=recap

FlashMan · Mar 12, 2003

this was also relevant, interesting and encouraging:

Landon Donovan scored one of the sweetest goals of the preseason last week against Chicago. Standing outside of the 18 in a one-on-one situation with C.J. Brown, Donovan took a long cross from Craig Waibel out of the air with his left foot. Without a break in his stride, he beat Brown to the left side of the box before perfectly hesitating enough to fool the on-rushing Henry Ring just long enough so he could pass the goalkeeper on the left and knock the ball in to an open net. In fact, it almost looked like a reply from a goal he scored against Honduras in last year’s Gold Cup.

Donovan knew Bruce Arena was sitting up in the stands, and wanted to show well after a conversation they had the day before.

“He said I had to concentrate with doing well with San Jose,” said the 21-year-old. “If you don’t well with them, you won’t be called in. It was that plain and simple. And that’s the way it should be.”

Arena’s words clearly got the message into Donovan’s head.

“You can’t get comfortable or complacent,” he said. “It’s starting all over again now.”
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i think landon's geared up for a BIG year.

lurking · Mar 12, 2003

A big year from Landon would go a long way to easing the loss of Graziani.

living_ded_boy · Mar 12, 2003

Originally posted by lurking
A big year from Landon would go a long way to easing the loss of Graziani.
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It might also take some pressure off Ching/Mullan/DeRo.....physically and mentally.

Ringo · Mar 12, 2003

also, if golden boy gets hot and snares a few headlines he's the only player that can get butts in the seats by themselves.

I have a feeling we can expect some big things. I'm glad Bruce told him he's not a sure call-in. Light a fire under the boy.

Defender · Mar 13, 2003

Despite the crappy opposition, I was impressed with Corrales hustle and bustle. He really wanted it out there. He wasn't dikin around at all. He's really going to make a name for himself this year. I think Corrales is going to step up and be a leader for the Quakes this year. Possibly a Iron Man candidate.

living_ded_boy · Mar 13, 2003

Originally posted by Defender
He's really going to make a name for himself this year.
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Corrales has a name for himself in MLS. There isn't a coach out there who wouldn't take him onto their roster. His durability and versatility is widely recognized amongst the MLS. He's just not flashy, so most fans of other teams really have no clue of his value.

doppelganger · Mar 13, 2003

Originally posted by living_ded_boy
He's just not flashy
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but his yellow shoes are.....

Defender · Mar 14, 2003

Originally posted by lddoppelganger
but his yellow shoes are.....

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Those are Jomas! You can't be making fun of the Jomas!!!

LDB: Obviously Zambrano is the exception . . . let's see how he's doing. Corrales has definitely made a name for himself, but I'm thinking in terms of All-Star selection, that sort of thing.