STANFORD, Calif. — There’s something about cool, summer nights at Stanford Stadium.
For six years and counting, when the San Jose Earthquakes and the Los Angeles Galaxy meet in front of over 50,000 thousand fans, epochal matches come to life. It’s the “neutral” location where California’s distinct soccer worlds clash, regardless of whether either is a playoff-caliber team.
Whether it’d be the iconic David Beckham skirmishing with Khari Stephenson, Alan Gordon’s cathartic stoppage-time winner or Shea Salinas’ top-corner finish last year, the California Clasico always lives up to a firework finish.
In a way, the California Clasico was intentionally designed to be just that: two polar opposite soccer cultures pulling away from each other. The Galaxy, addicted to flashing it’s Liberace-sized rings, and the Quakes, well, never forgetting to exit the bus with its hardtop and tools. Regardless of where each team stands on the table prior to the first whistle, the rivalry has an organic on-field and off-the-field animosity that creates memorable moments.
On Saturday, in a match where Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Chris Wondolowski shined, it seemed the final 20 minutes had sharper turns and drops to offer. However, when Jose Carlos Rivero blew the final whistle, 90 minutes wasn’t enough for either team.
The Quakes are now “unbeaten” in three consecutive games, but there are plenty of obvious faults with the worst team in the Western Conference:
Quakes lack of proven ‘keeper depth, not Tarbell’s poor form should be the main concern
It’s the worst kept secret: shedding a few years from the team’s average age was a priority for Jesse Fioranelli and Co. However, for multiple reasons, many of Europe’s top clubs would tell you that it’s always valuable to have experience between the sticks or at least on the bench.
Yes, Andrew Tarbell, 24, is having a woeful season, but not all the blame should be directed his way. Aside from the vulnerability San Jose’s backline showcases, one can say that the former draft pick has suffered due to the lack of competition and veteran mentorship within his respective position. Matt Bersano, 25, only made the permanent move from USL last season and has yet to taste a minute in MLS play. JT Marcinkowski has shined for Reno 1868 this season but is still only learning the ropes of being a professional soccer player.
San Jose, who are said to be pursuing a left back and a true holding midfielder this summer, might have to adjust their shortlist if the poor performances from Tarbell continue.
A Harold Cummings-Guram Kashia duo can’t come any sooner
If Mikael Stahre is known for something outside of his 2009 title-winning season with AIK, it’s for his emphasis on defensive solidity. The Swede’s well-known defensive methodology, however, has fallen flat: 35 goals conceded — tied for most goals allowed in the Western Conference — after 17 games is indicative of his tactics’ poor transition stateside.
“I think we are the best third scoring team in our division,” Stahre said after the Quakes draw. “We have conceded too many; that’s our problem.”
“We work with this (stats) 24/7, and I think about these kind of things 24/7,” he added. “But we have a great group with lots of commitment and the spirit is still there. I know that [we’re] in a position [where we’re] rock bottom, but we will turn the ship.”
Luckily for Stahre, Harold Cummings, who put together a pair of strong performances before his departure to Russia, is set to return to training this week. Couple that with the anticipated arrival of Georgian international Guram Kashia, and the Black and Blue can potentially see better defensive days.
It’s time to start focusing on Wondolowski and the record
“We had the better of them,” Galaxy ‘keeper David Bingham said following the Clasico. “With where they’re at in the table, a tie pretty much eliminates them from the playoffs. They’re pretty much done.”
The Quakes aren’t mathematically out, but the former Quakes No.1, who got a mixed reception from fans and teammates on his return to the Bay Area, wasn’t exaggerating.
San Jose are halfway through the team’s worst season ever, and are 11 points back from the red line. The Quakes would have to win 13 of their next 17 games to get into the 40-point range, which tends to be the sweet spot for playoff qualification.
Those aren’t the numbers of greatest importance, though.
Despite an underperforming collective season, Chris Wondolowski has managed to gain ground on the record, sitting only six goals behind from Landon Donovan’s record, and making it a genuine possibility that 146 happens before the end of the season.
So, if the Quakes have anything to play for for the remainder of the season it’s that. It’s Wondo Watch time.
