I think the writer overemphasizes the negative angle on this. I'm not going to lose sleep because the team opened training camp at the best facility they could find. The only disappointment is that I was hoping one of you guys would wander by training and get some pics that you could post. I guess that won't happen now. This is going to be an odd season in terms of facilities and other logistical details. We knew that going in. The alternative would be to have waited another season or two until all the pieces were in place ahead of time. I'd rather start playing sooner, have a team to watch and support and have to put up with some make-it-up-as-we-go-along situations.
I would rather have my team train at a superior, out-of-town facility like HDC than to be kicking around a school yard here. I'm glad they're getting some work in. I'm thinking the Merc has decided to be a Quakes detractor this time around instead of a supporter.
Wonder if this weeks physical closeness between the Galaxy and Quakes will breed friendship or animosity.
The Quakes are getting dangerously close to the start of the season with a roster that will be steamrolled out of the gate. Where are the signings?! I'm not looking for Zidane here, just some MLS vets who can knock a ball around and win 6-7 games!
True, but maybe Frank and Doyle are thinking that they want to get a better look at what they have first, to see where the biggest needs are. I'm sure they have some leads, but maybe they want a little more information before deciding which switches to pull or which players to pursue the hardest.
Training in LA may not be a big deal, but when taken together with the lack of information being fed to us soccer junkies suggests a weakness in their promotions Department. The perception is that Doyle and the staff are running the operation like a pub team. It does not appear very professional. Yallop should have a weekly interview like Kinnear has in Houston. We got a 2nd chance and is very fragile situation. Doyle the PR staff do not appear very creative or aggressive in nurturing the fans. go quakes!!!
I'm really disappointed by the article. From the headline to the text, it's pretty negative. Why?! Why would the home town newspaper run down THE LOCAL TEAM?! Guess I need to ask Elliot. I could wish that our guys had found decent training facilities up here. There are plenty of junior colleges they could have tried. Alright, they probably did. Whatever, it's going to be a strange season as someone already pointed out. GOOOOO QUAAAAAAAKES!!!!!! - Mark
In other news, the Giants will have Spring Training this year in Arizona, not San Francisco. I AM OUTRAGED!
It is the responsibility of the paper to call it as it is, if the team staff is not doing its job. Why doe the paper have to go and search this info when the team should put out a timely press release regarding training in LA. My evaluation of the promo department is "needs improvement." go quakes!!
I sent the guy an email cause the headline and the lead were silly. Real SL is training Oxnard, Red Bull at HDC too. So, where's the story? In the past the Quakes have had pre-season training and games in Florida, Mexico, Spain--so why not Carson?
When I saw this posting and the direction it is going I felt the need to clarify the incorrect information that is in the posting. 1. We are training in LA for a grand total of seven days! We jumped at the chance to train there. The Red Bulls are there as well! 2. We return on the 12th to prepare for the match at PAL stadium on the 13th. 3. We put out a release to all of the bay area media regarding our detailed plans and this was the only response by the mercury news. 4. John and Frank have done over 10 interviews each in the last two weeks. 5. We will be training in San Jose for 12 days in february, 7 days in LA, and 5 days in San Luis Obispo. 6. If you want to see more media coverage in the Bay area write or call your favorite newspaper or tv station to cover the Earthquakes. The lack of coverage is not the result of any failure on behalf of our PR department but the lack of interest in soccer as a major sport by the media and this is not unique to the bay area but is probably more prevelant here than in most cities. Thank you for support of the Quakes! David Alioto
Exactly. This is a non-story. The HDC is a great facility, with several teams handy for scrimmage games if desired.
Exactly! Don't a lot of sports teams start their training camps out of town? I actually think it's a good thing. Gives the team a chance to live and work together as they begin forming a "team". I'd also like to add to Alioto's #6. I know a lot of us have spent countless hours writing to the media with little to no affect. However, please don't stop writing and calling. They need to keep hearing us and start providing the coverage we demand. p.s. LA Sucks!
No kidding. Hell the A's start the REGULAR SEASON in Tokyo, Japan (thus depriving Bay Area fans of 2 of our regular season home games). Where was the press outrage over this?