Many have praised the pre-season upgrades to the San Jose Earthquakes roster. Speed added on the wings? Check. Creativity injected into the center midfield? Check. A seasoned, World Cup international signed to command the back-line? Check. Each position has at least two backups? Check. Fans excited? Check.
All looks good, right? Perhaps it is too good for a club staying within the salary cap and no DP in sight to further bolster the squad.The front office has done its homework; meticulously assessing what was lacking and prudently making changes. Lucky of them, they had plenty of time, considering since the middle of 2011, the team quickly faded for many simple reasons. Yet their form steadily improved by the very end, giving fans dreams of an improved 2012 season.
Last fall, at the fan appreciation picnic, I told one of the players, it is okay that you didn’t make it to the playoffs, it was more important that you played well. I still hold the same expectations. Teams that consistently play well increase their chances of reaching the post-season. Simple.
Yet the challenges await, highlighted by a longer season and an ill considered, unbalanced schedule within the more competitive Western division. Can the Earthquakes stay focused, take points on a weekly bases and climb from the bottom of the table to the top? I know they can, for as long as our boys on the pitch bleed black and blue!
(image courtesy of mlssoccer.com)
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