The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that midfielder Ian Russell and defender Eddie Robinson signed multi-year contract extensions with Major League Soccer and the Earthquakes. http://www.sjearthquakes.com/press_box/021103release.htm
Eddie is not a surprise afterhaving read the recent interview with Johnny Moore, but I didn't realize they were so hot on Ian Russell. Good for him. West Seattle Baby!!!!
It's make or break for Russell given his 2002 season. If he returns to his 2001 form he could be dangerous on the right flank again. As for Robinson, one more season under the tutelage of Agoos and Dayak and he'll command the center back spot. He is expected to pick up some more of the slack now that Barrett left for Denmark. Now, find a strike partner for Donovan since Graziani and now Barclay are gone and this team could contend again. Cheers!
I don't know if this is the article but if not, it's still a good one: http://www.mlsfansites.com/QuakeMagic/story.php?news_ID=224
Ian can play rightback as emergency back-up at least ... But, after seeing Waibel playing, I really think that Quakes should switch to 3-5-2: Agoos as a sweeper, two of (Dayak-Robinson-Waibel) as center backs, Corrales - left attacking d-mid, Russell - right atacking D-mid, Ekelund Mulrooney in the center, Donovan - withdrawn forward, A-mid, DeRosario + ??? (Tennyson, Alvarez, Mullan, etc) up front As an option: Donovan moves up front, Ekelund to A-Mid, and Roner (or some of young guys) joins Mulrooney in the center.
Amen to that!!! I'm happy to have Russell back in the fold. As the cliche goes--"you can't teach speed." Ian has that and a ring. I'm thrilled beyond words about having Eddie Robinson locked in for the long haul. IMO, he IS the future cornerstone of this defense. I hope he gets more turns with the Nats so he can gain even more high level experience outside of the league, as well. I get the feeling that in coming years, he has a chance to be a regular on the USMNT.....and he's all ours!