In a surprise move the Earthquakes traded backup goalkeeper Preston Burpo and a fourth round pick in the 2009 Superdraft to Colorado for veteran forward Jovan Kirovski and defender Kelly Gray.
The move is an interesting one on several fronts. First, acquiring another forward who could have a salary over 200k may mean that Peguero Jean Philippe injury woes are serious and will keep him out for a significant amount of time. It could even mean that the loan could be ended. There were rumors that the Quakes had some type of out clause in the deal if Jean Philippe’s knee didn’t hold up.
Jovan Kirovski is one of the most talented and experienced forwards to have come from the US. He spent a decade in Europe playing for the Manchester United reserves and later for Borussia Dortmund but his playing time was limited and was never a regular starter. His move to MLS in 2004 has not resulted in an avalanche of goals and Colorado has preferred to go with other options up front. It is safe to say that at 32 Kirovski’s best days are probably behind him and that he has underachieved since the move stateside as well as for the national team despite his 59 caps.
Still, giving up half of a back up keeper for a starting forward sounds like a good deal and frankly the Quakes had to do something considering the injuries to strikers Jean Philippe and Gavin Glinton. Frank Yallop likes MLS veterans and perhaps Kirovski and Kamara can form a productive partnership with Kirovski playing the provider from a more withdrawn position and Kamara making runs and being the target. San Jose hopes that the move will motivate Kirovski to elevate his game and show what he can do in this league. He hasn’t been given a chance at all in matches for Colorado this season. Clearly Yallop coverts an experienced striker and Kirovski certainly fits the bill having been a professional since age 15.
27 year-old Kelly Gray, the other player acquired in the move, is a familiar face to longtime Quakes fans. Gray played well for San Jose during the 2005 campaign where he was a regular starter at right fullback. He then moved with the team to Houston where he won a championship. He has the versatility to play anywhere along the backline and has played in the midfield as well. He can score going forward and at 6’2” is good in the air. Yallop probably wants Gray to push James Riley for a starting role and at the very least Gray adds depth and is an experienced player. Yallop knows him well since he played last season in L.A. Gray played for the Chicago Fire in the beginning of his MLS career, which started in 2002. Gray is from San Jose and should be excited and motivated to return to play in his hometown where he has a chance to earn a starting role and more playing time than he was receiving in Colorado. The Quakes will look for him to seize the opportunity.
When the effects of the trade will be felt is anyone’s guess. Most likely Yallop will start Ryan Johnson with Kamara in the massive home game today against the Dynamo. The fans will expect the Quakes to come out and give a strong, inspired effort, which is exactly what it will take in order to get a result against the defending MLS champions who have turned the corner after a slow start and are playing very well. If not it could be another long goalless night for San Jose against players such as Dwayne De Rosario and Pat Onstad, who led the Quakes to their last title before AEG sent the team off to Houston.
One thing is for sure; it will be an emotional night for Earthquakes fans regardless of the outcome.
Ben Sizemore (email)
