Season Update

A bit of perspective:

In 2008, the Earthquakes ended the season in last place, 15 of 15.

In 2009, the Earthquakes ended the season in second to last place, 14 of 15.

During both seasons, the Earthquakes came in last place in the western conference. We could take some consolation in the fact that our rivals, the LA Galaxy, were tied with the least amount of points in 2008, 33 points.

This season we started out with a bang. After the first 8 games, we were 5-1-2 with 16 points. But in the following 9 games we are 1-4-4 with 7 points. What happened? Honestly I don't know. It could be the fact that the team's depth just isn't there to sustain the team for the season. Although if this is indeed the case, then we're in real trouble if we ever make it into the SuperLiga or Champion's League. It might be injuries, but I never really heard of a serious injury until Opara's recent broken toe. I would say it's just the fact that the team has only been around for its 3rd year after coming back and everyone is still finding their feet. After a dead last and second to last place finish the best we could hope for for the end of this season would be a middle table finish, possibly 7th or 8th for a playoff spot.

Anyways, let's look at some of the results so far this season. Against the current top 2 teams in each division, the quakes are 1-3-1, with a win against New York (pre Henry), ties against the Galaxy, Crew, and Real Salt Lake (RSL), and a loss to RSL. That’s not a bad showing against these teams. I was at the season opener against RSL and the away game with the Galaxy. Both games were really fun, but for different reasons. Not only was it the first Earthquakes game I had ever been to, but RSL also played a great game. They are the defending MLS Cup champs and were looking to start their year in a good way. While I didn't expect a win, I also didn't expect a 0-3 loss either. The Galaxy game was fun because the game got off to a fast start with a Convey goal in the 2nd minute. After that first goal, however, the Earthquakes looked shaky pushing forward and ended up defending for the majority of the game. They got a lucky 2nd goal when there was confusion in the box after a corner kick. And the two national team members on the Galaxy worked their magic to even up the game.

The remaining games this season are about even on teams currently above and below us in the standings. Toronto is 3 points ahead of us and Colorado 4. It looks like Colorado has a tougher 2nd half than the Earthquakes right now while Toronto has a slightly easier 2nd half. Hopefully we can pick up some points against both these teams and eke our way into the playoffs. That’d be pretty good for our 3rd year back from nonexistence.