Three things we learned from the Quakes preseason

PHOTO: SJ Earthquakes/ISI Photos

With the season opener around the bend and a winning preseason behind, here are three things we learned about the new-look San Jose Earthquakes under Mikael Stahre this preseason:

1. Despite it being a national talking point, Wondolowski is far from adopting a super-sub role

It’s a natural tendency to question a professional athlete’s ability to perform at a high level at the age of 35. With Chris Wondolowski; however, it’s blasphemy to apply the theory.

Regardless of what his track record shows, Wondolowski, who is a 12 goals away from becoming MLS’ Allan Shearer, a super-sub role have ben made. The Quakes captain, who is entering his 15th season, doesn’t see himself in that role.

“I feel good, I feel very strong, I feel that my fitness is up there,” Wondolowski told Quakes Epicenter on Friday. “I like where the team is headed, so I’m very optimistic this year.”

“To be honest, if I cared of what people said and so-called experts have said about me, I wouldn’t have made it past high school soccer. So, I like it,” he added with a mischievous wink.

2. Big expectations are in place for Danny Hoesen to be a constant goalscorer

It’s set in stone: Hoesen will never score a more prolific goal than his 43rd minute game-winner at Johan Cruyff Arena against Barcelona. Theoretically, it was sheer emotional value for the Dutch striker and Ajax supporters on that day nearly five years ago — nothing more, nothing less.

Turn the page to present day. A common thought from most Quakes supporters isn’t for Hoesen to show up against the Galaxy, but to deftly climb into the league’s double-digit scoring ranks. After all, Jesse Fioranelli and Co. made a strong and strategic push to permanently land the 27-year-old.

Head and shoulders the club’s first-choice No. 9 under Stahre’s system, Hoesen projects to outdo the five goals and five assists he jotted down last year. Lets not forget that the supporting cast all around has improved, too.

“I think Danny is going to have a big year this year,” Wondolowski said on his expectation for Hoesen this season. “He’s going to be in the race for the golden boot, honestly. He’s so talented and he’s really found his form. I’m excited for that.”

3. With a corresponding defense, Andrew Tarbell has the capacity to become a top-tier MLS ‘keeper

It all started with strong U.S. Open Cup showings, and it ended with a playoff appearance under his belt.

Being only 24 years of age, Tarbell’s breakthrough campaign, if so, couldn’t come at a more adequate time. The time is perfect. U.S. soccer is pleading the soccer gods for their next Tim Howard, Nick Rimando and Brad Guzan all at once. MLS has a few but not a substantial amount of young, highly-touted American goalkeepers, granting Tarbell the stage to add value to his name.

Throughout the stretch of the preseason, Tarbell demonstrated he’s already in mid-season form. It wouldn’t be reaching for the stars to see the Clemson product’s name amongst the best in the league. Though, the Cummings-Quintana tandem will have to respond against MLS sides.