Not a Must-win?
Nick Garcia and his team mates had a very serious session today, focused on possession and positioning
After today's training, Frank Yallop didn't want to insist on the pressure that already weighs on his team after last Saturday's result (0-1 loss at home against New England Revolution).
"I think every game is a must-win", he said. "We have to get 3 points every time we can. Not losing this one is important, but we are going to try to win the 3 points at home". When we insisted, asking if last week's loss had put more pressure on the team for the Houston game, he tried to minimize the importance of winning next Saturday: "Not really. It's only the second game of the season, and all you need in this league is make the playoffs, it does allow you breathing space. If you look at last year, we picked up a ton of points in a hurry and nearly made it. We don't want to end up trying to chase other teams from 20 points behind, but being 3 or 4 points behind some teams after a few weeks is not terrible. [...] I think we played well enough last week to get at least a point, if not 3 and we wouldn't be saying what we're saying now!"
Brian Ching out with US National team!
Yallop prefered to insist on Brian Ching's absence next Saturday. "Brian [Ching] is such a good player that [...] he'd make a difference to any team and they will miss him".
The Quakes' coach, however, admitted that today's players' attitude at training had been "very aggressive", adding that "[he] liked that"...Maybe a sign that they can feel the pressure that their coach is trying to hide. The pressure of Saturday's result of course (loosing at home a second time in two matches would be devastating for the team's morale and league's standings), but also the pressure for each of them to prove they deserve a spot in the starting 11.
After only one game, Yallop has not found his ideal 11 yet and with Jason Hernandez injured (Out for at least a couple of more weeks, more likely 4 weeks or more), Ryan Johnson uncertain (Achilles Tendinitis) and Simon Elliott on the road with the New Zealand National Team, a few spots on the field and on the bench are open and no one wants to miss the opportunity.
With that in mind, here is a possible lineup for Saturday:
Ryan Johnson Cam Weaver
(or Pablo Campos) (or Quincy Amarikwa)
Darren Huckerby Arturo Alvarez
(or Shea Salinas)
Ramiro Corrales (c.) Bobby Convey
Eric Denton Nick Garcia Ryan Cochrane Chris Leitch
(or Kelly Gray)
Joe Cannon
Bold: almost certain unless last minute injury occurs
No need to comment on the 7 "almost certain" players. If no injury occurs and unless the club signs a stronger player in one of these positions (or unless one of them makes 2 or 3 really poor performances in a row), they should start most of the games this season.
A possible move from the team captain, Ramiro Corrales from center midfield to left back, with Simon Elliott replacing him in the middle and Eric Denton pushed on the bench has been mentioned in the past weeks. I personally don't believe in Corrales playing left back and, Elliott not being there this week (National team duty) the question won't be answered until next week anyway.
Our guess for the rest:
Defense:
In the absence of Jason Hernandez and Ryan Cochrane, Kelly Gray has proved to be a reliable option in central defense for the Quakes. Cochrane is now fit again and for the second spot in central defense Yallop will probably decide between him and Gray, even though Jamil Roberts is credited with good performances at training and is a credible option too.
Midfield:
Arturo Alvarez should start again on the right wing. Shea Salinas is not far behind and will probably have a chance to show he can be more than a good substitute before the end of the season...Probably not this week yet.
Offense:
A lot of questions appeared after last week's loss: Will Ryan Johnson be fit again after leaving the field injured last Saturday? Is Cam Weaver able to be better than he showed last week? Is Pablo Campos a credible option? Is Amarikwa too young to pretend to a starting spot?
What clues do we have?
Ryan Johnson seemed to be fit today and played hard in the first half of the session. However, he felt the pain again and had to slow down in the second half. He should be able to start the game, but will Yallop start with a player who may not be able to play more than 45 minutes?
Cam Weaver would for sure have another chance to prove he is a good finisher if it was not for Pablo Campos' impressive performances at training. His coach is very happy with his work, and he is definitely a credible alternative.
Quincy Amarikwa has been used as a joker so far. His status shouldn't change this week. Frank Yallop is happy, and sometimes even impressed with his potential, but he will prefer to start with more experienced strikers.
Davide Somma is here as well, ready to jump on any opportunity to show what he can do. We have little chance to see him on the field on Saturday though.
Ryan Johnson (left with Nick Garcia) and Ryan Cochrane (right, in front of Darren Huckerby) are both "probable" for Saturday.
