Just as the defense was beginning to round into shape for the San Jose Earthquakes, they were hit with the news that further improvement is going to have to come without right back Craig Waibel. The six-year MLS veteran suffered a torn lateral collateral ligament in his right knee in a collision against a Santa Clara University player during a scrimmage on May 10. He is expected to be out 4-5 months.
The fateful play occurred off a corner kick. After the initial service was cleared by a Santa Clara player, the ball was served back in and Waibel attempted a full volley inside the area.
"I was trying to do something I shouldn't do," Waibel joked about his attempt at a dramatic goal. "As I swung my leg, a defender threw his body at the ball -- no fault of his -- and got me just above the kneecap."
Waibel is optimistic that he will be able to return for "at least one more minute" this season, but the injury is a cruel blow to a team that has had difficulty keeping the ball out of its net all season. Last week's 1-0 victory against the MetroStars represented the first time San Jose has allowed fewer than two goals in a game this season.
"There are two ways I can look at it. I can either piss and moan because, yeah, I was probably having my best year," said Waibel, "or I can use that as inspiration to do my rehab because I don't think that my best days are over."
Having originally entered the league as a center back, Waibel was moved to right back when he joined the Earthquakes in 2003. After two solid seasons with the club, Waibel has elevated his game in 2005, establishing himself as one of San Jose's most consistent players.
"He was having a good season -- very steady, very consistent," said San Jose head coach Dominic Kinnear. "The one thing he brought this season was his passing out of the back to the forwards, which was very good. He's really gotten a hold on how to play the position."
Waibel attributes his improvement to increased familiarity with the position and the fact that he spent more time in the offseason preparing himself through film study.
"I never played outside. I've always been a central back, so the last two years, I've really been learning the position," said Waibel. "Just because it's defense, it's not as easy as I always thought it would be. I always wondered why my outside backs couldn't do things and now I know."
Ricardo Clark is expected to get the first opportunity to replace Waibel at the right back spot. Clark, who began the season as a starter in central midfield, has played right back in the past for his old club, the MetroStars. Other candidates for the position include veterans Wes Hart and Chris Aloisi.
Waibel, who has played 53 games in his San Jose career, has tallied one goal and four assists with the club. In six playoff appearances in 2003 and 2004, Waibel notched one goal. He started in San Jose's 4-2 win against Chicago in MLS Cup 2003.
Danny Kadah is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
