Well its been a while since I have voiced in an opinion through here, but with school in full swing, time is tight.  But with many announcements by the Quakes in the last few days, I felt a need to definately blog about these changes through my “just a fan” lense and my “supporter” lense.

Earthquakes Stadium Concept

Just a fan

A friend of mine summed it up best in THIS way.  Us San Jose fans have been worrying for a long time about our stadium being small, bare bones, “souped up Buck Shaw”, among other things.  But this design is just beautiful.  The intimacy, the huge double-sided HD screen, the location, the roof…need I go on?  Would I like a fourth stand?  Of course, but that will come in time with demand for watching this team hopefully growing in the future.  I would be proud to call this the home of the San Jose Earthquakes.

Supporter

Where are the Supporter’s Groups, like us,  going to stand?  There are 3 rows of “premium seats” in front of the rest of the sections that is sectioned off around all 3 sides.  Are the people, likely corporate or family types, who are paying $100+ a pop going to enjoy having a rowdy group of supporter’s throwing streamers, chanting (with swearing at times), flag waving, and screaming?  very likely not.  This could become a problem.  I say make those seats on around the stadium except for BEHIND the goal, where the SGs should be.

Cheaper Season Tickets (pic from 2009)

Just a fan

Thank you!!! With the economy still not back on it’s feet, most people cannot continue to afford to pay the same rates for tickets as 2009.  The reduction (said to be 40% in some sections) makes it easier for not only me to go to games, but family and friends.

Supporter

Thank you!!! With the economy still not back on it’s feet, it is hard for some members and participating non-members to make it out to all the games.  The reduced ticket prices allow the Ultras to definately have a heavier wallet after purchasing their season tickets, but to also get those family and friends who love the games to get their season tickets as well.  The lowered price can only mean good things for this group in the future.  It also shows the importance the group is to the Earthquakes with the Quakes giving their most faithful fans a discount like no other section.

TAILGATE

Starting next season, season ticket holders will be able to tailgate at Lot 4 by the Earthquakes’ offices.  FINALLY!  Some of my best memories of the Quakes was the pre-game tailgate parties.  Every one was a blast and every one united the fans and got them ready for the game.  This brings back a staple in gameday atmosphere that has long been missed the last two years.

All of these changes show that the team and organization are moving forward.  And there are apparently more changes (for the good, I hope) coming between now and the beginning of next season.  This helps cope with hurting over this past dismal season, and makes all us fans look forward to next season and FAR FAR beyond that.

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I would also like to take this time to say THANK YOU to the legend that is Darren Huckerby.  Although he has only played 28 games with San Jose, his exciting style of play and his love for the game CHANGED how this team played last season.  It made for some good looking soccer and brought hope into last season.  It is sad to see him go in this manner, but all good things come to an end.  Good luck in the rest of your life Hucks, especially with achieving your coaching badges.  You are always welcome in San Jose and inside the Ultras section.

Huck Smash

This blog post is the opinion of the writer and NOT that of the 1906 Ultras group as a whole.

Hate to say we told you so.  Granted, it involved my first (and hopefully only) visit to People.com, but what great news to say the least.  I call dibs on Kajlich.  Here’s a different link. And besides, with shit like this, who didn’t see this coming?

Well so much for updating my last post throughout the day.

The 1906 Ultras took the trek up to the Northwest to watch the Boys in Blue take on the Orcas of Seattle. The trip was an overall success, with the result on the field being very disappointing. The team and the new players are going to need a little bit of time to gel together again. I dont know why some fans are already against Ribeiro. The guy has been with the club for only a matter of days before starting in the most intense environment in the MLS. Give him time to train and understand the rest of his teammates.

The atmosphere at Qwest Field is exactly what San Jose needs. We are obviously not going to get 28k+ people anytime soon, but for those who were at the game know what I’m talking about when I say that crowd noise is ESSENTIAL. It would be great for the entire crowd to know the chants of both us and the Casbah, especially the very simple chants where we simply say “San Jose” and/or “Earthquakes”. Talking with some of the players, many said that it was hard just to hear eachother on the field. Imagine if Buck Shaw had every person screaming for the team, making it hard for the opposing team to even communicate. Creating an atmosphere is ESSENTIAL for a club to have success. The boys need to know that every person in the stadium is behind them, and what better way to do this then to sing, chant, and scream your heart out?

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The Quakes will be taking on the Scum from down south this Saturday at 1:30pm at the Oakland-Alameda County Colisseum. The 1906 Ultras will start tailgating at 10:00am in Lot D. If all is the same as last game, this will be right next to the Casbah/Club Quake tailgate. Please stop by and grab some food and drink.

Also, if you have any tickets to donate for our efforts with the YMCA to bring kids to the game, please contact us at admin@1906ultras.com and ask for Morgan.

No pictures or hyperlinks today. There’s only so much you can do from a Palm Centro.

Just touched down in cloudy Seattle, Washington. I love the dirty looks from all the Seattlites as I walk through Seattle/Tacoma with my Quakes jersey. (big props to the female Quakes fan on my flight by the way).

I’m going to be updating this post throughout the day as the first roadtrip of the season, longest roadtrip for the Ultras ever, and my first roadtrip as an Ultra starts getting closer to its goal.

...it's so good!

More true words, this time coming from Frank the Tank from Old School. As Quakes fans, we all know that this classic quote to be true after this past Saturday’s big 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake.  To steal a line from John Shrader’s weekly blog over at sjearthquakes.com, it is bad to drink too much precious water at once.  The celebrations after the game, in Section 101, were as if we just made the playoffs.  That was the feeling.  But The Boys need to use Saturday’s win just as a stepping point.  It means nothing in a macro-view of things.  We are still the worst team in the league in the standings.  We still have the worse goal differential.  “Second Worst Goalie” (a stat that is pretty BS).  Most goals allowed.  We have a long way to go before getting out of this grave we’ve been digging the entire season.  But we still have a pulse.

A win in Dallas this Sunday can be a major turning point in the season.  A win puts us into a 2 game winning streak (longest of the season…….wow) going into the hostile environment of Seattle [We have organized a trip of 50+ people for the game.  Check the events pages for any information].  This confidence will, i think, ultimately be the difference in Seattle, who is currently riding a5 game drawing streak and is playing a very very tough Chivas USA team this weekend.  A simple win in Dallas is all its going to take, in my opinion.

We’ll Win Again
Don’t Know Where
Don’t Know When”
But I Know We’ll Win Again
Some Sunny Day

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Non-Quakes notes:

-US losing to Costa Rica 3-1? REALLY!?  I wasn’t expecting a win IN Costa Rica.  But the way the United States played was horrible.  I have too many things to say about the game, but my main point is this:

The USMNT need to start playing well away from home.  CONCACAF has some very hostile environments to play in, especially when you’re the US.  If the United States expect to have any success in South Africa 2010 (they’re qualifying…I’m calling it) then they need to start learning to buckle down and play a hard fought, well played game away from their comfort zone

Before continuing on, I have to explain the blog title.  If you haven’t already, all footy fans NEED, I repeat NEED, to start watching Special1 TV.  The weekly puppet show featuring Jose Mourinho, Sven Erikson, Wayne Rooney, and company is one of the funniest shows I can recall.  It is a classic quote generator.  One of these is the classic “Shut Up Sven!”

a few of the Special1 TV cast

After reading this next quote, I say KEEP TALKING SVEN! “The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure.”  As an Earthquakes fan, how perfect is this?  This squad has absolutely none, zip, nada, Nada III confidence.  I personally feel that we have the squad to get into the playoffs.  The problem is that the early downslide and bad performances in games have not worn off, and the boys are fearful that they dont have the ability to win because its so rare.

This is not to say that I think we shouldnt be making moves come the Summer Transfer Window.  Just like last year, all its going to take is 2 - 3 players to change this season around.  We desperately need to find someone to play in the middle of the park with creativity, a defender that is rock solid, and a forward that is hungrier for goals, among other areas of need.

Coach said about a month ago, and I have already stated this, that all the boys need to do is grind out a 1-nil game to find their confidence.  It will be then and only then, when this “barrier” of fear can be collapsed and success can begin.  The 1906 Ultras will be in section 101 rocking the house through this Clash-like period.

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The Earthquakes take on Real Salt Lake tomorrow at Buck Shaw Stadium at 7:30pm (psh! like anyone needs to be reminded of this?).  The 1906 Ultras are switching up their pre-game activities just a bit for this game.  We will be meeting at Mondo Burrito for food and drinks starting at 4:30pm until our march into The Shaw at 6:45pm.  Please be there and have everything ready and done with by 6:45pm so that we can roll into the Shaw in full force.

Go Quakes.  May we collapse the wall holding us back from success.

Could someone possibly find a Quakes picture for this? or a good Photoshop?

It is sad to say that only a few weeks into the season, and I am already saying that the season has been a disappointment.  One win in 8 games, blown leads, horrible defending, inconsistent attacking.  This is just to name a few.  Now this group has been saying this for the past couple weeks, that we need to stay behind this team, ride it out, and make sure that we try to give the players as much confidence as possible (see our motto), but that is not to say that we, the entire fan base, are disappointed in the results and quality of play on the pitch.

Hopefully this bye week allows many players to realize the disappointment that we all have, to nurse any small or major knocks (I’m looking at Jay-Hur and Hucks) and come back next week against the Orange Scum at full strength.  With this bye week, there is not much to say, so I’ll go on to a few other points

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To all season ticket holders:

Look out for the 1906 Ultras section in this week’s, and all following week’s,  Quakes Insider.  We will be using this resource to put out all of our events (viewing parties, tifo meetings, road trips, etc.).  Keep an eye out on there, especially if you are not a regular on the boards, on any group news.

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Newest chant:

“Come on You Quakes” to the tune of the chorus of “Come On Eileen” by Save Ferris (the cover song, yes)

COME ON

EARTHQUAKES OF SAN JOSE

(x8)

OOOOOOH

COME ON YOU QUAKES

OH YOU’VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES

WE’RE THE ULTRAS

AND WE WANT VICTORY

(x2)

(repeat)

"Ca_iforni_ It's better without LA" (Couresy of The Project FC)

Man…nothing quite sums up this past game against the Goats more than just….man.  Here are a couple points that I thought were key in our horrible 1-nil loss:

• Zach Thorton

Need I say more?  The man has done a lot more than just lose weight during the offseason.  This beast of a man has to have Greek in his blood somewhere, because he seems to have the Midas touch (corny I know).  Goalkeeper of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year nominee for sure….hurts me to say it though.

• Refereeing

Now I am not going to blame this game and it’s outcome soley on the refereeing.  With the amount of chances we created, especially early in the first half, and with the scoreline only being 1-nil, refereeing cannot be put to blame.  However, there were many calls/non-call that occured that could have changed the game, easily.  There were three (3) obstruction calls not given for the Quakes’ favor, each (if I remember correctly…at least two) were well within striking distance of goal.  With our free kicking ability, it’s likely it would have never happened but you never know.  Ramiro Corrales’ offsides call in the 70th minute was just horrible.  It was pretty plain to see that he was in line with the last Chivas defender.  Now the refereeing was not biased against the Quakes, because there were two calls in particular that could have swung the game even more in Chivas’ favor:  Eric Denton’s handball in the box and his bulldozing tackle in the 76th minute.  Now the handball is debatable because his arm was away from his body at all times and he made no movement toward the ball, but there are plenty of referees that would have called it immediately (OKULAJA IS A THIEF @ 4:15).  The bulldozing….wow.  How its not called is beyond me.

• Alvarez’s right foot

Arturo’s lack of a functional right foot, except for walking/running, is apparent to all. Especially in the loss to Seattle (at least to me).  Now while Arturo made some great and dangerous runs around the goal and had some shots that were close, we could have easily tied and possibly won this game 2-1 if Artie knew how to use his right foot.  HIGHLIGHTS HERE…at 0:30, a great ball to Artie puts him onto goal.  With the defender chasing him from his left, he puts good enough power with his right foot, but RIGHT at Thorton.  If he knew how to use his right foot, in my opinion, he could have either slotted it across goal (harder with a defender chasing him down) or place it high into the near post (difficult shot, but really his only shot at getting a goal). at 0:57, a cross from the left side fell to Artie in the box, who used his right foot and lobbed a ball just over Zach Thorton, who with the Midas touch, tipped it over the bar.  In my opinion, if Artie knew how to use his right foot, he could have easily just touched the ball into the goal on the ground.  Instead, like most of us playing with our weak foot, it hits him too high up his leg.  Could have easily put us up 1-nil.

• Communication

I think we all know what I’m talking about…the horrendous goal.  I put the blame equally between Nick and Joe.  Again hard to say, because they are two of my favorite Quakes players, especially off the field.  The sequence start at 2:10, with the cross coming in from the left side.  Notice Garcia on the replay; he stays goal side of Braun despite the rest of his defense holding a higher line, keeping him onside on the ensuing cross.  Mistake #1.  Mistake #2 is on Joe.  I can not recall what Joe said he was commanding, but it was something along the lines of: telling Nick to get away from the ball but still hesitating, or telling Nick to clear the ball and when Nick moved Cannon hesitated.  I’m not quite sure which scenario is correct, but either way there needs to be better communication, especially between two veterans like Garcia and Cannon.

• Long Balls

Sweet and simple explanation…keep the passes short and on the ground with some long balls over the top mixed in.  We constantly just hoof balls up to our forwards, giving them a harder time to make a run onto it, rather than touching the ball around and opening up the game.

If there is any inaccuracies in any of my above comments, please let me know in the comments section below.

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200 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA 95113

All Quakes fans are encourage to attend tomorrow afternoon’s city council meeting at 1:30pm.  The all important vote to reduce the price and acreage of the FMC site where the new stadium will rise is on agenda.  While most feel that this is a shoo-in, a show of support would go over very well.  I feel we took for granted the fact that we had a team prior to 2005, lets not make the same mistake again and put some influence on the city council to vote YES on this.

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I want to put out a quick word to any and all Quakes fans who have had a thought of doing the drug called Notgoingtogames…JUST SAY NO.  No matter how hard it is to cheer on this team…no matter how far you have to travel….no matter how much in debt you are….ok ok, so the last two points are valid for not going….we have to stay behind the team.  We may not agree with what the Front Office has done, the formations/starting line up that the coaching staff has put out, but we all agree that we need to get behind our players, every one of them.  Whoever is on the field needs to know that every Quakes fans in the stadium is behind them 200%.  A player with support is a good player.  That is what we, the 1906 Ultras, are here for…for the team.  To show support for the team that we love.  That is what the Casbah is for, and that is what all of you buy tickets for.  For the team.  So make sure we don’t skip a beat come May 30th against Real Salt Lake, no matter the outcome of our road trip, and come out in FULL FORCE!

WE ARE YOUR FAITHFUL

WE ARE YOUR CREW

WHEREVER YOU GO

WE’LL BE THERE FOR YOU

FOR SAN JOSE

WE WILL STAY TRUE

EARTHQUAKES FOREVER

WE BLEED BLACK AND BLUE