Nothing kills a team's momentum faster than the one-two punch of injuries and international commitments. It throws all semblance of continuity out the window. So even as the San Jose Earthquakes try to extend their first winning streak of the season, manager Frank Yallop is simply trying to scare up enough healthy bodies for Wednesday's home finale against FC Dallas.
The magnitude of Yallop's problem was revealed at Monday's practice. Only 15 field players were suited up, and two of those -- defender Brandon McDonald and forward Ryan Johnson -- were watching the proceedings from a safe distance. A third, Cornell Glen, was taking part in his first session since injuring his knee against Colorado back on Sept. 18. Those numbers were reduced even further when Jason Hernandez hobbled off complaining of tightness in his still tender hamstring.
This is all on top of season-ending injuries to midfielders Darren Huckerby and Andre Luiz, as well as the international call-ups handed to Arturo Alvarez, Ramon Sanchez and Simon Elliott.
"I was looking at it [Monday] morning, and I think I've got two subs so far," said Yallop with a rueful grin.
Fortunately for Yallop, Tuesday saw both Johnson and McDonald return to training, and they should be able to go against FCD. The prognosis for Hernandez, however, was less encouraging. With little to play for in terms of the playoffs, it makes little sense to risk Hernandez's health, especially in a season that has seen him struggle with a variety of ailments.
His expected absence means Bobby Burling, who performed admirably off the bench against New York last Saturday, will team up with McDonald in a bid to stifle the pacy, dynamic play of FCD. While Burling lacks Hernandez's speed, Yallop feels the former Chivas USA defender is up to the task.
"Just to try not to get isolated and exposed is important for any big center back," said Yallop. "[Burling] is no different.
Midfield is also a concern. With last Saturday's central tandem of Elliott and Sanchez occupied by their international pursuits, it will likely be up to Ramiro Corrales and Antonio Ribeiro to pick up the slack.
All of this threatens to halt the progress the Quakes have made during their current four-game unbeaten streak. But the match also presents on opportunity for players who have been on the bench lately, such as Ribeiro and defender Mike Zaher.
"Guys are hungry," said Johnson. "Guys who haven't gotten many minutes, they're not going to come in and just give up. They're going to play hard and work hard."
Whether that ethic is enough to contend with a white-hot Dallas squad remains to be seen. FCD has gone 3-1-2 in their last six games, and Jeff Cunningham has been absolutely on fire lately, with 12 of his league-leading 16 goals coming since the All-Star break.
"[Cunningham] drifts, he runs around, he finds space by himself, and then explodes," said Yallop. "You think you've got him, and then he's off. He's so quick and he's a good finisher that he just needs half a sniff and he can score."
That makes cutting off the supply line to Cunningham paramount. The problem is that even if FCD is without Dave van den Bergh, who suffered a right ankle injury against New England last week, there are plenty of players capable of springing Cunningham with a telling pass. Dax McCarty has been enjoying a fine run of form recently, while David Ferreira looks to have finally adjusted to the pace of MLS.
"Players like Ferreira, they float around," said Corrales. "They don't defend much, but you've got to be alert, because if you go forward and we lose the ball, he's the guy who's always open. He's dangerous and a good player, so we've got to be aware of him."
Dallas has also improved their play on the defensive end, recording shutouts in their last two matches.
"They're a team that is nicely balanced," said Yallop of Dallas. "They're a dangerous team, and we'll have to be at our best to beat them."
Jeff Carlisle is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
