The San Jose Earthquakes have been experiencing the growing pains every MLS expansion team faces as they build a new team from scratch, but the club is hopeful for a strong finish to its first season back in the league after the signings of three new players this month.
Darren Huckerby, Francisco Lima and Scott Sealy all figured prominently in San Jose's 1-1 tie against New York Sunday afternoon at Buck Shaw Stadium. Huckerby scored his first MLS goal, banging in the rebound of a Sealy shot, while Lima controlled the midfield for most of the match.
The Earthquakes' first two games with their new players have ended in ties, but with an overall 3-9-6 record, San Jose has already shown an improvement from the beginning of the season.
"I think the first half today was probably the best we've played this year," San Jose coach Frank Yallop said after Sunday's game. "Overall, our performance was excellent, to be honest. I thought we were very good today, and I was really happy with the spirit and the togetherness and everything, the creation of chances. Finishing is the thing we can't do now, but again, that will come."
For the most part, San Jose controlled the run of play Sunday against New York, and the three newest Earthquakes were a large part of the team's showing, even if they have barely met their teammates. After giving up an own goal in the fourth minute, San Jose scored the equalizer nine minutes later.
"Scott makes the first (shot) and Darren scores it, so that's always a good start," Yallop said. "I thought Lima held possession well. Both Darren and Lima have been in Canada for the week. Lima got back on Friday night, practiced Saturday and played, so he has not even trained. Darren was there 'til Thursday so he missed training as well, but I thought both guys did great. Scott's more game-fit.
"We're building a team here that's going to be good for many years, hopefully, and I think that we all, myself included, get carried away with the results we've had," Yallop continued. "I look at the performances of individuals and the team, and we're not far off. I think that we've got a pretty solid team. We need to add in certain areas and juggle around the (salary) cap and all that stuff, but I thought we were the better team today with the ball."
San Jose has struggled on the offensive side of the ball so far, scoring just 12 goals in their 18 games, so even though he's pleased with his three new signings, coach Yallop admits he isn't finished putting his side together.
"We're always looking," he said. "I think, the three guys we signed have been terrific for us. If we can add one more ... You know, Ryan Johnson is a terrific player for this club -- wherever he plays he does his best and he tries hard, and I think he does well. (But) he's not a natural forward and a goal scorer. If we can add another quality forward, I think that will make us more of a force."
New York's coach Juan Carlos Osorio had good things to say about the trio of new Earthquakes.
"With their new signings, they should have a good second half of the season," Osorio said. "Darren (Huckerby) is a threat, not only because of his pace but also because of his ability to come inside and combine with the strikers. Lima has a good left foot, good quality, and also a good free kick taker. Sealy is a very good forward, and a proven goal scorer in this league, so I think they're on the way up and they'll be a difficult team to play against, as they proved today."
San Jose, after another week getting acclimated to their new teammates, will have the chance to show just how difficult they can be next Sunday when they face the Los Angeles Galaxy at home.
Pete Ratajczak is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
