DC United 3-1 SJ Earthquakes

Sunday June 22nd, 2008
MLS - Match 13

RFK Stadium

Attendance: 17,922

Monday June 23rd, 2008

The Earthquakes weren't bad yesterday but once again, we saw the difference between an expansion team and a more experienced side. DC United was able to resist the pressure in the first half without conceding too many chances to San Jose and scored in the second half (1-0, 50th). The Quakes had a good reaction and came back right away by John Cunliffe (1-1, 51st)

This looked like a good sign and the Earthquakes' fan thought their team could get a good result again after their draw at Real Salt Lake last Wednesday, But DC United proved that they were the better team and managed to take the lead again and even scored a third goal, while the Quakes, for the third time in three games, finished with only ten men (James Riley being sent off for his return after a suspension due to...a red card in his previous match)

The Earthquakes' staff is looking for a striker since the beginning of the season*, but now, suspensions and injuries among the Quakes' defenders has become the major concern. Added to the fact that Ned Grabavoy's level of performance in the middle is sinking (He has been almost totally transparent in the last 3 or 4 games), it will keep Yallop's mind busy for the next few weeks!

The only positive thing we learnt from yesterday's match is the confirmation that Ronnie O'Brien is back to his top. His recent performances have been amazing and if he can keep running everywhere like he did yesterday, it will pay back soon!

Thierry Heumann (email)

* A few strikers (including international players) have been on trial in the past weeks and, officially, one of them may be signed before July 15 (end of the transfer market). Our interpretation is that the staff prefers to wait until the last day for a possible better or less expensive opportunity.

** The solid defensive block Frank Yallop built in the beginning of the season was very promising and was going to be the base for improving the other areas of the team. The last few weeks has been terrible in terms of losses: Here are the Earthquakes' defenders missing previous or next game(s):

Nick Garcia: Injured (knee sprain) - Return date: unknown.

Ryan Cochrane: with an ankle sprain, he was supposed to rest last Wednesday but he had to play the second half against Real Salt Lake after Jason Hernandez' red card. Played again yesterday - Rest date: unknown

Jason Hernandez: Suspended yesterday after a red card received last Wednesday against Real Salt Lake. Returns next match.

James Riley: Suspended next match for a red card received yesterday. Already missed last Saturday's home game against the Galaxy for a red card received the week before.

Replacement solutions:

Kelly Gray: has been playing in defense to replace missing players. He did a great job so far but he is missing in the midfield.

Adam Smarte: Smarte is a forward who replaced James Riley as a right full back against the Galaxy (and made a good job). Will he replace him again at Chicago Fire?

Match Facts:

Goals:

DC U.: Clyde Simms (50th, assist: Ryan Cordeiro), Gonzalo Martinez (55th, assist: Marcello Gallardo), Luciano Emilio (88th, assist: Marcelo Gallardo)

SJ: John Cunliffe (51st)

Attendance: 17,922

Yellow Cards:

SJ: Eric Denton (Pushing, holding, 91st)

DC U.: Gonzalo Martinez (Tackle from behind, 75)

Red Card:

SJ: James Riley (Serious Foul Play, 83rd)

Lineups:

San Jose Earthquakes: Joe Cannon - Eric Denton, Ryan Cochrane, Kelly Gray,  James Riley -  Ivan Guerrero, Ramiro Corrales, Ned Grabavoy (Adam Smarte, 71), Ronnie O'Brien -  Ryan Johnson, John Cunliffe (Shea Salinas, 56).

DC United: Zach Wells - Marc Burch (Ryan Cordeiro, 46), Gonzalo Peralta, Devon McTavish, Gonzalo Martinez - Fred (Dominic Mediate, 60), Clyde Simms, Marcello Gallardo, Bryan Namoff - Luciano emilio, Jaime Moreno (Rod Dyachenko, 80).

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