SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
Quakes Add More Talent

The San Jose Earthquakes are looking to improve on their 2009 season and make a playoff run in 2010. The Quakes return Jamaican international Ryan Johnson, their leading scorer with 11 goals. Joining him are some new key additions, such as Brazilian forward Eduardo and Argentine midfielder Javier Robles. Also joining the squad are a talented quartet of rookies; defenders Ike Opara (third overall pick in 2010), Steven Beitashour and Justin Morrow from the 2010 draft class and midfielder Brad Ring from the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, who missed all of '09 with an injury.

Scoring star Ryan Johnson looks to build on a career year in 2009. The Jamaican forward had a career-high 11 goals and brought home the team's offensive MVP honors. photo: John Todd/isiphotos.com

There were many highlights from the 2009 campaign which saw the Earthquakes finish their season strong. One highlight was the arrival of Andre Luiz, an experienced midfielder from Brazil. He was acquired midseason and brought a new level to the Quakes in central midfield. Johnson continued his emergence, building off of a solid five goal output in 2008 with 11 last year. Defender Brandon McDonald also made a name for himself, earning a spot at the United States national team camp in January.

Joe Cannon, the franchise leader as a goalkeeper in starts (159), minutes played (14,481), saves (655), wins (60) and shutouts (38), returns to tend the goal for the Earthquakes in 2010. Jason Hernandez figures to anchor the central defense for the Quakes. Opara is a tremendous athlete at 21 years old, and will certainly be a key component for the Quakes in his first year in the league. The flanks will be patrolled by right back Chris Leitch and captain, Ramiro Corrales, while rookies Beitashour and Morrow help provide some speed and depth.

Offensively, Arturo Alvarez and Bobby Convey are back, along with new signing Joey Gjertsen, who will provide some excitement on the wings. Andre Luiz and Robles figure to spend a great deal of time together in central midfield. Eduardo joins San Jose from Swiss giant FC Basel, and he is in the mix up top with Johnson and last year's midseason acquisition Trinidad & Tobago international Cornell Glen, who scored four goals.

With two-time MLS Cup-winning head coach Frank Yallop on board for 2010, the Earthquakes will bring a lot of excitement to Santa Clara's Buck Shaw Stadium this season. The team had one of the highest home attendance averages in team history last season and the fans created one of the best home-field advantages in the league. With that home atmosphere and a new-look roster, 2010 figures to be a banner year for the Earthquakes.