Time To Prove: SJ Earthquakes Midseason Preview

As the San Jose Earthquakes take the field at 7:00 pm tonight at Buck Shaw Stadium against DC United, they should know that this game, and the succeeding few, will define their season and the character of their struggling team.

GM John Doyle and Coach Frank Yallop have been working tediously on and off the field with a team that has faltered this season, posting a 3-10-4 record overall with an unacceptable 0-7-2 on the road. But things seem to be looking up, and tonight's game will greatly impact the confidence of the team for the final games of the season following the All-Star Break.

With recent acquisition of El Salvador National Team star and captain, Ramon Sanchez, it would seem that the hole that the Earthquakes have faced with an injured Ramiro Corrales in the center midfield has been filled.

Ryan Cochrane, Earthquakes veteran and leader along the back four, will be probable to return from ankle surgery. Following the trade of Nick Garcia earlier last month, a shaky and hesitant Earthquakes defense developed. Hopefully, the return of this veteran's leadership and play will lighten the load that Joe Cannon has had to shoulder.

Up front, and at the offensive side of the midfield, it is hoped that the consistent strength of Ryan Johnson, the flashy play of Arturo Alvarez and the lethal wing in Darren Huckerby will continue their strong season's efforts and have enough in them to thwart the sturdy defense of the DC team.

With these new additions and returns to a team that has seized 11 of its 13 points at home this season, a win tonight from this San Jose Earthquakes team could be what they need to turn this year's efforts into a successful season.