Oguchi Onyewu is a National team prospect--playing in Europe for him is a plus. Ramiro Corrales isn't anymore. Take away that push in the box, and he still might have a chance. Steve Ralston might be invited back, but he's probably a sub or 60 minute player at best--he played enough that he could warrant another look.
It may or may not have have something to do with Romero's play but I thought it was odd how often and how far back Johnson kept coming back. McBride and Johnson played like they still needed to be introduced to one another. Sannah stunk things up pretty good too. Ditto on the previously posted "Dempsy Rocked" assesments, his Nat rep must have shot up.
Spector's time on the pitch was brief but very effective. His moves inside the attacking pentaly area was brilliant. A defender with moves like that. That is what I want to see more of. E Johnson was again stunning, Reading about this kid when he played with the youth Nationals. Goals, goals, goals. I've always wondered when he would have the chance to step in. Bruce has made him the new favorite tool for everyone to pass to. Donovan can now relax and guide this team the way he wants. Time for Reyna to take a permanent back seat. We need a field commandor and captain that stays clear of constant injury. I thought Ralston had a great game. He was everywhere on the field. I do like Mullen on the pitch too. Can either of them play on the left? I'd take either of them over Stewart or Jones any day. More experience under their belt and they become a sure choice. Soon Twellman will surpass McBride. Probably over the summer. This team has a good future! 2nd round is no given though. Jamacia will tell you that. How bad will we feel if we do not make it? Can't wait til the next game.
Ramiro should blame Canada. If the ref had called either of the two fouls outside the box before RC's foul inside most people outside SJ wouldn't have realized he was on the pitch. As for Jamaica not making the hex - they only won one game. With 3 points for a win you can't play consersative. Ties just aren't enough.
Maybe Bruce only took Ramiro on the roster because he got a 4-for-the-price-of-1-special on Quakes players. Or maybe it was for diversity and having a hispanic on board. Did anyone ever tally Ramiro's final count on shots not on goal this season? I think about 3/4 of the season he was like 3 on goal and 30 not. I think the only way he can score is to head the ball.
Reading all of these negative comments about Corrales is absolutely amazing! The dude has been with the San Jose organization on and off since '96! He is a local player from Salinas... Those of you who have written negative things about him need to relax. The game was an opportunity for him. Did he have a great game... No he didn't. However, give the guy a break! Reading your comments leads an outsider like myself to think that you all feel personally embarassed that a member of the Earthquakes had a poor showing in a qualifier that meant very little in the full scheme of things. I think it's safe to say that none of you have ever had the pressure of putting on a national team uniform, then having the added pressure of having one shot to show the coach what you have. It was a fantastic opportunity for Ramiro. I am sure he knows how he played, but he doesn't need the fans from his club team bashing him the way some of you have here.
Not sure where to put this - is there an official Ramiro thread? Anyway, just saw this link over on Yanks abroad forum. It appears that our out-of-contract Ramiro has himself a trial with a club in Mexico. http://www.socceramerica.com/article.asp?Art_ID=562135325
Exactly Right. I don't see why people seem to want to rub it in .... Ramiro is still an Earthquake and I will defend our players and team in both good and bad times. Aguante Ramiro !!! Aguante Earthquakes ************ !!!!
Im really REALLY dissapointed in other Quakes fans reaction to the game. I thought BA doomed Ramiro, not because he put Ramiro out there, but he asked him to be a destroyer, a very limited and very defensive oriented position. Thats not Ramiros game, and I would assume that everyone here knows it. While he looked bad, I felt that was as much a part of him being set up to fail. Hes a solid player, better than he showed last night. I dont nescessarily think hes nats material, but I know he did not get a fair shot.