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| Friday, September 14, 2001 24:13 EST |
San Jose Earthquakes: 2001 Outlook
[ESPN.com news services]
Armed with a new head coach, a rising star in American soccer, a U.S. National Team defender, and the top draft pick in the 2001 SuperDraft, San Jose enters the season with high hopes. New Head Coach Frank Yallop, a former standout defender in MLS and abroad, has overhauled the Earthquakes roster quickly.
Jeff Agoos: San Jose's new minister of defense. |
The changes started in the back, with the draft-day acquisition of Jeff Agoos from D.C. United. One of the best defenders in the league and a perennial national team fixture, Agoos will bring his strong defensive skill, dangerous left foot and veteran leadership to the Quakes' back line.
Agoos will lead a young defense that includes Jamie Clark, Jimmy Conrad and newcomers Zak Ibsen and Craig Waibel. Ibsen and Waibel were both members of the Los Angeles Galaxy team that captured the Football Confederation Champions Cup in January. A pair of capable young goalkeepers return for San Jose, as Joe Cannon and Jon Conway's performances in goal in 2000 were among the highlights of the campaign.
Most significantly, San Jose has added some firepower up front. The Earthquakes were allocated the rights to Landon Donovan and on March 29, the club signed the prolific 19-year-old striker to a four-year deal. Earlier, the Quakes selected Chris Carrieri from the University of North Carolina with the top pick in the 2001 SuperDraft. Carrieri was the NCAA's leading scorer with 25 goals in 24 games at UNC in 2000. Canadian international Dwayne DeRosario was also added as an allocation, after tearing up the A-League for 16 goals as a 22-year-old in 2000. The return to health of top striker Ronald Cerritos, who played in just nine matches a year ago, will also provide a huge boost for San Jose.
Key Additions:
F Landon Donovan, D Jeff Agoos, D Zak Ibsen, D
Craig Waibel, F Chris Carrieri, F Dwayne DeRosario, M Manny Lagos.
Key Departures:
F Khodadad Azizi, D John Doyle, F Abdul Thompson
Conteh.
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2000 Earthquakes Leaders
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Goals
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8, Abdul Thompson Conteh
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Assists
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9, Richard Mulrooney
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Points
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19, Abdul Thompson Conteh
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GAA
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1.49 Joe Cannon
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Keep an eye on:
F Ronald Cerritos had a career best 15 goals in 1999 and appeared primed to become one of MLS' elite strikers. Then a quadriceps injury affected his availability last season. Finally healthy again, he will be an important, experienced presence for San Jose in 2001. M Richard Mulrooney may be asked to play a variety of roles this season as he has in the past. He led the 'Quakes with nine assists a year ago, playing mostly a right midfield position. M Dario Brose was an All-Star in 2000, and provides punch and creativity from the central midfield position. Another new acquisition, M Manny Lagos will also lend his scoring touch and dribbling skills at several positions as needed.
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