which has traditionally been a harbinger of good things to come in the season ahead. With the season opener against the Galaxy looming this weekend, Riley is confident that he is on a team that has the experience and ability among its ranks to immediately be competitive in the league.
"I think we have a very good nucleus of guys. We could be deeper of course but I think we have 13 to 15 legitimate guys that could be around for a while and we are starting to get some chemistry," Riley said. "I know I've learned a lot from the guys I played with in New England and try to follow their example with the younger guys we have here."
The emotion of the Earthquakes' return to San Jose is certain to provide Yallop's side with a start to the season that will not soon be forgotten. However, the importance of early success must not be seen as more vital than the team's long-term goals which are, says Riley, to be as relevant in October and November as they are in April.
"It's important we start well but, at the same time, we know it's a long season. We want to experience a lot but don't have any lower goals than any of the established teams just because we are an expansion side. We think the guys we have are more than capable of challenging," he said.
Andrew Hush is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
