After arriving in Dallas late on Thursday night, the Earthquakes went through final preparations for Saturday's important final match-up with the Dallas Burn Friday afternoon at the Burn practice facility. The Quakes had a lengthy, spirited practice in which they welcomed back Landon Donovan and Pat Onstad from international duty with the United States and Canadian National Teams, respectively. The Quakes will be facing a desperate Dallas team and one that will need to attack, something a lot of teams have been loathe to do against the lethal San Jose offense.
"This is a different situation for us," Earthquakes head coach Dominic Kinnear said. "But we need to get a result. We know they are going to have to come after us, and that could create a lot of scoring opportunities for us."
De Rosario Expected on Friday
Earthquakes forward Dwayne De Rosario did not practice with the team, but was expected to join the team in Dallas on Friday afternoon. The Canadian international stayed in San Jose on Thursday with his wife, Brandy, who is expecting the couple's third child in the near future. In what has been a whirlwind week for De Rosario, who scored a goal on Wednesday in Canada's 3-1 World Cup Qualifying loss to Costa Rica in Vancouver, British Columbis, he is expected to be available for Saturday's battle vs. the Burn.
Agoos Back
Earthquakes captain Jeff Agoos went through a full practice on Friday in Dallas and appears to not be bothered by the injured lower back that kept him out of action last week. The veteran defender is expected to play and start on Saturday against the Burn.
Dayak Travels, Still Hurting
Earthquakes defender Troy Dayak was part of the club's extended travel squad to Dallas on Thursday, but the veteran defender is still plagued by an injured shoulder and went through a limited workout on Friday. Dayak is not expected to start and is still questionable concerning his availability for Saturday's action.
Captain Donovan
Earthquakes forward Landon Donovan is back with the club after helping lead the United States to two World Cup Qualifying victories in the past week and a half and a place into the final round of qualifying for the 2008 World Cup. Donovan registered an assist last Saturday in El Salvador and scored two goals Wednesday against Panama, all the while wearing the captain's armband for the first time.
"It was an incredible honor," Donovan said about being the captain for his country. "I always thought that is was so special just to play for the national team and represent your country, but to wear the captain's armband is just something that is so special and a true honor."
Viewing Party
There are two places where Quakes fans can catch all the action of Saturday's important regular season finale against the Burn, which is being broadcast on HDNet and 1590 AM KLIV. There will be an official Earthquakes viewing party at the Britannia Arms in Almaden, located at 5027 Almaden Expressway in San Jose. For more information, fans can call 408-466-0550. Earthquakes fans will also be able to watch the game at Ricky's Sports Theatre and Grill located at 15028 Hesperian Blvd. in San Leandro.
