The two newest members of the Earthquakes, Jovan Kirovski and Kelly Gray, were all smiles in the locker room after the victory over the Dynamo. Just the day before the club announced that they had been picked up from Colorado for Preston Burpo and a future 4th round pick and the next night they found themselves on the substitutes bench with Kirovski even playing the last 14 minutes of the match.
“I am so excited. I couldn’t be happier. It’s a good situation for me in every aspect possible. I found my way back to the team that I really wanted to play for,” said a beaming Kelly Gray when asked how he felt to be back with the Earthquakes. “ Now I’ve got to prove to Frank and everyone else that I deserve to be on the field. I think it will be more of a defensive mid role here, that’s what I’m hoping for at least.”
“I was looking forward to getting out of Colorado. It was very frustrating so it’s great to come here, it’s a good group of players and it’s great to get a win,” said veteran American forward Jovan Kirovski. “I just met Frank but I’ve heard a lot about him and his record speaks for itself. He’s a great coach and he’s done well in the past and hopefully we can do as well this year.”
Across the locker room Peguero Jean Phillippe was celebrating the win but he had a more serious look come across his face when asked about his injured knee. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to play this year. I have to see the doctors but I don’t think its good,” he reported frankly.
Two experienced players are in and one will probably be heading out and back to Denmark. Also, its highly likely that Kei Kamara will be going to Sierra Leone to play for his national team and Ivan Guerrero will be going to Honduras to play for his. If so the Quakes will lose both goalscorers from the match against Houston for a period of weeks. This however will open opportunities for Kirovski and Gray as the Quakes look to add another result on May 31st at Real Salt Lake.
Ben Sizemore (email)
