San Jose Earthquakes - Los Angeles FC (Saturday, 9/13) pre/in/postgame thread [R]

If, against LAFC tomorrow, Bruce starts three in the back, then here is a line-up I’d like to see him consider starting:

----------------------------------------Daniel-----------------------------------

------------Floriani-----------------Munie----------------Romney---------

Jones---------------------Leroux--------------Viera-----------------Bouda/Costa/Ricketts

-----------------Espinoza----------------------------------Arango--------------

-----------------------------------------Judd (or Martinez)----------------------


I. The Three Backs

In the 3-1 loss to Austin FC on August 30, Reid Roberts struggled. He was beaten for speed on the first goal, and then he made a bad mental mistake on the second goal. So, I’m having a very hard time deciding whether it would be better for Bruce to start, on the one hand, (1) Max Floriani at right center-back, Daniel Munie at sweeper and Dave Romney at left center-back or, on the other hand, (2) Munie at right center-back, Romney at sweeper and Roberts at left center-back. I think Roberts is faster than Floriani, though Roberts may not have the kind of speed that I thought before the game against Austin FC. As mentioned, against Auston FC, he was beaten for pace (by Osman Bukari).

An advantage of option 1 is that Munie is probably the best sweeper on the team. His speed is one reason why. However, if the Quakes were to start option 1, then Floriani would start at right center-back. Moreover, he hasn’t played for the Quakes since July 26. In addition, according to JazzyJ, Floriani didn’t distinguish himself in The Town FC’s recent game against Portland Timbers 2. JazzyJ said:

Floriani didn't exactly cover himself in glory [in the match]. He had to kind of cover for Cano on Portland's 2nd goal. He tracked down the attacker but then the attacker did a cut back and Floriani went flying past him and almost fell. He also had a bad giveaway near the end of the game that nearly led to the winning goal for Portland. Other than that, he didn't do much.​

Here:

https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/m...e-in-postgame-thread-r.2136270/#post-43202100

However, at a feelings level, I would be inclined to start option 1. Floriani has been decent this season for the Quakes. And Roberts really had a tough game against Austin. However, if Bruce wants to give Roberts another shot to show that his play against Austin was an aberration, I would understand. Although Roberts does not look to have excellent speed, he still seems to have good (or at least solid) speed and better speed than Floriani. Also, LAFC is likely to start Heung Min-Son at center-forward and Denis Bouanga at left wing. Both are fast and very good players. So, it might be good to have Munie matched up against Bouanga and Romney in front of Son. At the same time, I can see the case for starting Munie at sweeper, so that he is matched up against Son. Munie’s speed could help the Quakes neutralize Son.

Another option would be to start Rodrigues at right center-back, Munie at sweeper and Romney at left center-back. I have positive sentiments about Rodrigues. He’s good on the ball, good in the air and a good ball-winner. He also seems to care a lot about the club and his teammates. However, he lacks ideal speed, and he has made a number of mental mistakes this season. He also hasn’t played for the Quakes since July 26 and didn’t make the bench for the team in the last game. So, although I would look to have him on the gameday roster, I would be uneasy about starting him tomorrow.


II. Left Wing-Back

If Vitor Costa is healthy, Bruce has three players he could start at left wing-back against LAFC, namely Ousseni Bouda, Jamar Ricketts and Costa. It's a hard decision.

However, I think Bruce should consider starting Bouda. Bouda has been a good player for the Quakes this year. He has held the ball well, doesn’t turn the ball over much and makes passes and runs that advance the play. He also does a good job of getting back on defense.

Moreover, in the Quakes’ 3-1 loss to Austin FC on August 30, Bouda came into the game at halftime for Ricketts. Bouda played well. Seventeen of his 18 passes were accurate (94%), had three shots, including one on target, and he won 6 out of 8 ground duels. Fotmob.com gave Bouda a 7.5 rating for the match. Here:

https://www.fotmob.com/matches/san-jose-earthquakes-vs-austin-fc/9kyprv1g#4694667:tab=facts

However, I don’t know how much experience Bouda has as playing left wing-back in a 3-4-2-1. My understanding is that, for at least most of his career, he has been an attacking player.

Moreover, if Vitor Costa is healthy and has looked good in training, I probably would start him at left wing-back ahead of Ricketts. This season, Costa has been better than Ricketts at keeping possession. His touch has been smoother and more accurate. Costa also is good at getting back on defense.


III. Leroux or Harkes?

I would start Ronaldo Viera as one of the two central midfielders. Although I’ve only seen him play twice, he has, overall, looked solid in those two games. Against Houston, 24 out of his 24 passes (100%) were accurate, and, against Austin, 37 out of his 39 passes (95%) were accurate. He also won 2 of 4 ground duals against Houston and 5 of 10 against Austin. He also seems to have good range.

But should Ian Harkes or Beau Leroux start next to Viera? In the Quakes’ 2-1 win against Houston on August 23, Ian Harkes had what looked like an excellent goal. But apparently the goal was credited to Preston Judd. At any rate, it was an excellent shot by Harkes that led to a game-winning goal by Judd. And, in the August 30 match against Houston, I thought Harkes had a solid game overall. Among other things, 52 of his 58 passes were accurate (90%), and he had 11 recoveries.

However, Leroux, who played 22 minutes against Austin, passed the ball well in the match, with 10 of his 11 passes being accurate (91%). Leroux also has seemed more capable this season of scoring and creating goals than Harkes. While Harkes has 2 goals and 3 assists, Leroux has 4 goals and 4 assists. However, Harkes may have better range than Leroux (in terms of the amount of ground he covers) and may be a better ball-winner.

In a close call, I would start Leroux, with the hope that he can help the team keep possession and perhaps help create some chances.


IV. Center Forward

On September 4 and September 9, Josef Martinez played two World Cup qualifiers for Venezuela in South America. He played 34 minutes against Argentina and 69 minutes against Colombia. He scored against Colombia. Unfortunately, Venezuela lost both games and, as a result, will not be playing in the 2026 World Cup.

Against LAFC, I would probably start Preston Judd. Martinez might be a bit tired from the two games and travel. And Judd has been playing pretty well. For instance, in the Quakes’ 2-1 win against Houston, he had a nice dummy that led to Chicho Arango’s goal. Also, his size and speed can force opponents to play a deeper line, which can give his teammates room to operate. And his size can help him win and hold balls that the Quakes’ play forward.

I would plan to bring Martinez into the game in the second half, perhaps for Judd.


V. If Bruce starts 4 in the back

If Bruce starts with four in the back, here is a line-up I’d like to see him consider starting:

--------------------------------------Daniel-----------------------------------

Jones------------------Munie-------------------Romney------------Bouda/Costa/Ricketts

-----------------------------Leroux--------------Viera-------------------------------------

Espinoza-----------------------------Arango-------------------------------Bouda

-----------------------------------------Judd (or Martinez)----------------------

If Buce starts four in the back, it is hard to decide whether he should start Bouda at left back. Although Bouda has played well at left wing-back in a 3-4-2-1, he doesn’t seem to have much experience playing left back in a 4-2-3-1. And, in the latter formation, Bouda would have more defensive responsibilities than he would have in the former. Although he seems to be a good defender, how would he be at playing the ball out of the back as a left back in a 4-2-3-1? If he makes a mistake there, the other team could score, as we saw with Reid Roberts against Austin FC.

 

Probably has more to do with whomever is running the parking service.

 

Hope you are doing well and ready for our match tomorrow vs LAFC at Levi’s Stadium! Get there early! We are expecting a large crowd for this match. If you plan on driving, ensure that you have enough time to deal with gameday traffic. See Levi’s stadium parking maps here. The VTA also goes directly to Levi’s Stadium.

Another reminder about what to expect for this game:

· Parking Lots: 2:00 pm

· Fan Fest: 2:30 pm

· Gates open: 3:30 pm

· Kickoff: 5:30 pm


Fan Fest & Gate Giveaway pickup: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM in Faithful Mile 10,000 fans will be able to get the gate giveaway for the match: Mexican Heritage Terremotos Jersey. The photo below is of the Faithful Mile and the three locations you can pick up a jersey from after entering through one of the canopies. Gate F at Levi’s will also be distributing the jersey after gates open at 3:30 pm.











Merchandise: If you are looking to purchase any Quakes merchandise your Season Ticket Holder discount can only be used at the Quakes merchandise location near Section 101.



Bag Policy: Levi’s Stadium has a clear bag policy. Please review before getting to the game – there is no bag check available.


For full details, check out the Matchday Guide here.


If you have any other questions about this match, please let me know and I’d be happy to help.


Go Quakes!



Shawn Gnanaratnam

Account Service Representative

 

San Jose Earthquakes prepare for historic crowd vs. LAFC | MLSSoccer.com

 

I like your detailed thinking, whether I agree with you or not.

Mostly, I agree with you.

I want us to go with three in the back, and I want our defenders to hold a lower line. I don't want them up past the midfield stripe. Maybe once in a while. But we don't have the recovery speed to deal with fast forwards. And for that reason, it might be good to start Bouda at the left outside spot. He's got the wheels to deal with speedy enemy players. Also, Jones will have more defensive responsibilities for this game, because LaF*ck have a lot of speed.

I think we should play for the counter. However, none of our forwards are burners, excepting Bouda and Benji, but Benji isn't going to play anyway. Judd is reasonably fast, but not a burner.

I like the way we've been playing the 3-4-3 with no actual #10. Leroux sort of fills that role, but not all of the time.

And I agree that Leroux and Viera need to start.

Go Quakes!!
Beat el-lay!!

Go Quakesfans!!
I hope that all of you are well.

 

That doesn't look like Levi's or BMO Stadium...where is that park and why would they post this pic?

 

And…crap, Dejuan Jones is out again. Also Lima. And Roberts (though he’s probably also in the doghouse). We’re thin on D. Is Rodrigues still around or has Bruce put him in Bruce Jail. Benji will probably start at RWB. Or Espinoza.

• OUT: DeJuan Jones (lower body)
• OUT: Nick Lima (lower body)
• OUT: Reid Roberts (lower body)

 

That's Levi's Stadium. They just used black and white photo technology.

 

Looks like LAFC is staying at Santana Row, and there are already fan boys (and girls) there.

 

Got my Terremotos jerseys, but what a CF to get them. Crowd crushing around the 2 guys with boxes.

and now, have to wait another 30 mins for gates to open so we can sit down out of the sun.

and the signage to get to the red lot 1 was very misleading.

really the worst planning I have seen from the quakes in a long time.

 

I’ll be in church!

Keep me posted!

 

The Quakes need all your prayers