Seattle Sounders FC is back to MLS regular season action this Saturday at CenturyLink Field. The San Jose Earthquakes are heading to Seattle for the second time this season and this time, they’ll be without Swiss striker Innocent who has been sidelined for the season with a meniscus injury. To preview this weekend’s tilt, SoundersFC.com spoke with Robert Jonas of Center Line Soccer. Jonas has covered the ‘Quakes for CSN Bay Area and now writes for Center Line Soccer. He’s been covering the team since its return to MLS in 2008.
Dangerman
The Earthquakes have scored only 14 goals this season, and eight of them are by Chris Wondolowski. There’s really no one else on the roster with more than one goal. He’s the guy who’s getting the shots on target and getting the shots into the back of the net. As always, and as it’s been for the last five years, he’s the focal point of their offense and continues to be this season.
Innocent Gone
One thing Head Coach Dominic Kinnear has lamented is that the ‘Quakes don’t really have a Plan B when it comes to forwards. It was expected to be Innocent and Wondolowski as the two main scoring threats for this team and with Innocent gone, it has all been placed on Wondolowski’s shoulders. A series of forwards have been asked to come up – Adam John, Mark Sherrod – some of the target guys, mostly younger guys. They have tried to take some of the burden of that load and some of them have been doing okay in that role.
Adam John does have a goal so far this season and I expect he’ll be the one starting this Saturday since Sherrod is out with a suspension. Things are thin at the forward position for the Earthquakes right now.
Who To Keep An Eye On
The guy who has really stepped into the spotlight now is midfielder Fatai Alashe, the rookie out of Michigan State. He’s taken that role on and he sits deep in the midfield to protect the defensive line. That allows the attacking players a bit more room up top. He’s been noticed by the national team and he’s been playing with the U-23s as they get ready for Olympic qualifying, and he’s been a big surprise pick. Since being drafted back in January, he has become an integral part of the team.
Favorite Stat of the Season
It’s clearly been difficult for the Earthquakes to score goals this season. They’re near the bottom of the league when it comes to shots on target. The good news is that their defense has picked up. While the Earthquakes have only scored 14 goals, they have only allowed 15. They are in a position where they can climb back up the table.
They are looking at their World Cup veterans (defenders Clarence Goodson and Victor Bernardez) to anchor that backline. They have speed on the wings to help them develop connections to the attack.
The defense is definitely the strength, if not the focal point, of the Earthquakes right now.
Coming Out Swinging
Chris Wondolowski always looks at the matches up in Seattle as an opportunity to really shine. He loves playing in front of a big crowd and the supporters up there always bring it. I expect a big game as usual.
The ‘Quakes are a team that don’t necessarily play with individual efforts. Their team motto is ’11 playing as one’ and the stay organized. That’s a hallmark of a Dominic Kinnear team. They’re going to look for those counterattacks.
Three Thoughts on SEAvSJ
- The biggest problem for the ‘Quakes will be containing the Seattle offense. There are so many different angles to it and it’s not just on the ground, it’s in the air as well. The centerbacks have to be on their toes. It’s all about positioning for them.
- We have seen David Bingham step up recently and pick up a few clean sheets. He knows he will face a lot of shots and it’s a matter of not making any one mistake that can turn the match.
- On offense, Adam John will be the lone target man. He has to stay on his game. It’s going to be a very physical battle for him against Seattle’s centerbacks, especially Chad Marshall, and if he’s able to alleviate any of the pressure, he may find some scoring opportunities.
