It's Been a While

Some Earthquakes News (from this Mercury News article):

• Four Earthquakes players have been called up to U.S. National Team Camp, Ricardo Clark, Danny Califf (why not Eddie Robinson?), Wade Barrett, and Brian Ching (thankfully). If Bruce keeps these players in camp they would miss the home finale against Real Salt Lake.
• One Earthquake player has been called up also, with Venezuela calling-up striker Alejandro Moreno.
• Mark Chung has been given the weekend off for the Earthquakes' much-anticipated match against the New England Revolution. Chung is 35 years old and has played very well since his move from the Colorado Rapids, he deserves a break, even if it means dropping three points in New England this weekend.
• Brad Davis is still out with a strained groin, but he will not need season-ending surgery as feared and could be back running by next week. His absence though means that either Chris Wondolowski or Ian Russell will start on the left this weekend (Russell starting is a scary thought for Quake fans).

In other news, I'm willing to begrudgingly congratulate the Los Angeles Galaxy for winning the U.S. Open Cup with a 1-0 victory over FC Dallas in the Home Depot Center on Wednesday night. Herculez Gomez scored the lone goal for the Gals. (highlights here).

Weekend Preview:

Metrostars v. D.C. United - Historically, United have gotten the better of the Metrostars in this hated rivalry. To keep their playoff hopes alive, the Metrostars will need to win this weekend, and to do so they'll need Djorkaeff and Guevara to take the team on their shoulders. Whether Djorkaeff is up to the task is not in question, but whether Guevara is is another question. Expect United to rebound well from their Sudamerica exit with a big win over the Metros. Prediction: Metrostars 1:2 United

New England Revolution v. San Jose Earthquakes - With San Jose slumping a bit lately (but not dropping serious points) and with winger Mark Chung being given a rest, expect the scoreline to favor New England. However, Brian Ching seems to have returned successfully from injury, notching two goals in his first three starts. If DeRosario and Mullan can get him the ball, San Jose will make things tough on the Revolution's occasionally suspect backline. Prediction: Revolution 1:1 Earthquakes

Columbus Crew v. CD Chivas USA - Word is that Sigi is being brought in and current head coach Robert Warzycha will stay on as assistant coach. It's a clever move that means that the Crew still have something to play for, their jobs. If Warzycha will be around next season, he'll still have his own say over personnel moves. Expect another Chivas loss (after I picked them to win at home against Colorado last week). Prediction: Crew 2:0 Chivas

Kansas City Wizards v. Chicago Fire - Chicago needs to rebound from a tough road loss against San Jose. If they could steal three points in Kansas City they'll have survived the season's second toughest road schedule with a decent number of points. In San Jose, they possessed the ball for the majority of the second half but their attack was toothless. The return of striker Chris Rolfe should help immensely, but it's the Wizard's sinking form that could prove the difference. Prediction: Wizards 2:2 Fire

Colorado Rapids v. Real Salt Lake - Will Colorado catch up with Los Angeles? Probably not. But recent additions Jovan Kirovski and David (Dedi) Ben Dayan have scored critical goals and the team has even been solid defensively in Joe Cannon's absence. Real Salt Lake hasn't won away from home all season, I don't suspect that that will suddenly change. Prediction: Rapids 2:0 Real

Los Angeles Galaxy v. FC Dallas - Revenge? No, probably not, but Dallas might actually score against LA this time. Both teams will probably be tired from mid-week's match, and who knows what that game will ultimately mean for either of these teams. Prediction: Galaxy 1:1 Hoops

Last week: 1-4

Season: 15-17