Football Season Review

The Quakes under coach Almeyda performed well for some periods during the season but they were also quite disappointing for other long stretches of time. Espinoza was the king of the assists for them finishing with 9 this season, just behind Quintero the league top assistman, but it was again Wondolowski who scored critical goals and performed again very well considering his age so he deserves to be defined as Player of the Season for the Quakes. During the MLS is Back Tournament, the Quakes started very well and in the group stage they finished on top in a very tough group. In plus a persuasive 5-2 win over Salt Lake made them look like favourites to win even the tournament. But this "weight" was too much for the Quakes who were defeated by Minnesota in the Quarterfinals. Right after the MLS is Back Tournament, the Quakes didn't win for the next 8 matches, meaning more than a month, with tough losses conceding 5 goals (2 times), 6 goals, and even 7 goals against Seattle. But while everyone wasn't counting on the Quakes to come back, they did it. They lost only twice in their next 9 matches played and they secured a playoff position. Of course they had a tough job agaist Kansas but they were defeated through the penalty shootout. Not a success for the Quakes but they must keep the positive things of the season and build from them. They have quality and now Almeyda has given them a certain playing style of ball possession domination, meaning that their path to success will be easier next season.

Player of the Season: Chris Wondolowski