San Jose Earthquakes vs Real Salt Lake Match Preview
Finishing at the bottom of the Western Conference last year left San Jose looking to make significant changes in the offseason. Coach Frank Yallop brought in forward Eduardo along with midfielders Joey Gjertsen and Javier Robles. If this trio is unable to provide a significant increase in scoring then it could be another long year for the Earthquake faithful.
Despite their offensive woes in 2009, the San Jose defense was reliable and should be again this year. Goalkeeer Joe Cannon provides stability and defender Jason Hernandez continues to mature. Midfielder Bobby Convey needs to provide consistency in his performance that was often lacking last season.
If the Earthquake can stay healthy and Ryan Johnson can score more goals than he did last year this is a team that might just make a run at one the last available playoff spots come October.
Real Salt Lake were a true “cinderalla story” in 2009. Its not often in professional sports that the team who wins the championship has a losing record during the regular season. Late in the year they looked to be a real long shot to even make the playoffs but they hit their stride at the right time (it didn’t hurt that Colorado absolutely imploded either!).
Coach Jason Kreis returns almost his entire MLS Cup winning side and will have lots of scoring available. The addition of Costa Rican International Alvaro Saborio should take pressure off the very talented Robbie Finley and both players should be find the net often.
The midfield will be very reliable with Kyle Beckerman and Javier Morales running the show.
Goalkeeper Nick Rimando was amazing during last years playoffs and may be the best keeper in the world when it comes to penalty shootouts. If Salt Lake can improve upon their 2-11-2 road record last year they have a chance to repeat as champions.
