Shrader's Spin: Quakes Continue to fight
San Jose not relenting through MLS season's closing stretch
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Though the 2009 campaign has not gone according to plan, both the players and fans are trying to show they are in it until the end.
The fans proved it as the biggest Buck Shaw crowd of the year showed up for the Earthquakes latest home game on September 18 against Colorado.
The players have proved it as well, especially over the course of the last few games: two down to the wire games against Colorado and a road win at D.C. United.
"It showed the true determination of the team," said forward Ryan Johnson. "Even though things haven't gone so well we have never given up."
Mathematics aside, the Quakes are virtually out of the playoff hunt, but Johnson maintains there is plenty to play for.
"The reality of the situation is that nobody's job is guaranteed," he said. "Everybody wants to show their best and that they belong here. It's smart for anybody to give their best effort."
"We're starting to believe in ourselves as a group," said coach Frank Yallop. "I've been seeing bright spots from our team, some good play, but not seeing results."
Johnson thinks the remaining five teams on the schedule will need to play their best to win. "I feel sorry for the teams that are fighting for playoff spots because they're not going to get an easy three points from us."
However, the Quakes next opponent, the New York Red Bulls are not fighting for a playoff spot as they come to Buck Shaw Stadium Saturday Oct. 3. The following Wednesday, San Jose takes on FC Dallas, a team who has picked up their play in the second half of the season, and now find themselves in the midst of the playoff hunt.
"You are fighting for jobs, fighting for your lives, showing what you can do for the team," Johnson said. "Nobody wants somebody who's going to give up."
