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May 30, 2007
And now, the Earthquakes press roundup...
It's been such a busy few days since the release of the City of San Jose's staff report on Lew Wolff's proposed plan to bring back the Earthquakes (PDF, 4.26 MB) that we haven't had an opportunity to update the blog. (We'll also pass along a tip: try to avoid the flu bug that's going around just now. Yuck.)
The first story to cover the proposal was "Council to debate soccer stadium," which appeared in Wednesday's Mercury News. At first, we were astonished that Barry WItt could write a story that presented the pros and cons of proceeding with the project so even-handedly. Then, we noticed that Barry Witt had nothing to do with it—it was David Pollak's byline on the story. We are hoping that Pollak continues on the story from here on out; Witt's ranting attempts to create controversy where level-headed fact telling is needed have grown stale and tiresome.
So far, we're getting our wish. Today's paper features another story by Pollak, "Pro soccer could return in '08," which provides more details on the potential return of the Quakes next year, as first reported last week by Bloomberg News and Jonah Freedman of Sports Illustrated.
Pollak's story quotes Lew Wolff:
"If they'll make the sale to us, trusting that we'll probably get a venue somewhere, we want to field a team next season," said Wolff, who added that he thought MLS was leaning in that direction.
There's more, including mention of the possibility that the team would not play in decrepit old Spartan Stadium but instead could play in several different venues next year, including McAfee Coliseum in Oakland. That's the biggest news in the article, though, because it ups the ante considerably on the June 12 San Jose City Council meeting where his proposals will be reviewed. It looks to us that if the council meeting goes well, we will be watching the Earthquakes take the field next season. Keep those cards and letters coming, folks, or better yet, make plans to be at City Hall on Tuesday, June 12 at 1:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, the aforementioned Mr. Freedman managed to work a mention of the Earthquakes into yesterday's SI.com World Soccer Power Rankings. He ranks Inter Milan at number 5, adding the following:
Hernán Crespo is staying, and Inter may be reconsidering letting Luís Figo leave for Saudi Arabia. All signs that say the Nerazzurri are serious about keeping their nucleus intact. On a completely biased note (and this is totally jumping the gun), if the Bay Area truly is getting the Earthquakes back next year, Figo should be designated-player target No. 1. What better guy is there to build around for a new era? The former Portuguese captain is still enchanted by MLS, he's fond of the Golden State and the Luso-American population just south in Central California is one of the largest in the country.
We haven't seen Figo play lately and the first thought that came to mind was "he's ancient." (We just checked and he'll be 36 next year.) Still, it's an interesting idea—an expansion team could use a drawing card like Figo, and San Jose's Portuguese community would be likely to welcome him with open arms. Freedman's right, though—we're totally jumping the gun even thinking about anything past June 12.
Finally, Mercury News columnist Ann Killion wrote Wednesday about the Julie Foudy Sports Leadership Academy, which will be holding a six-day session for girls aged 12-18 with a keynote presentation by Billie Jean King in Moraga starting July 29. Foudy is taking a unique approach by emphasizing both sportsmanship and community involvement. Sounds like a great opportunity for young women.
Posted by Jay at May 30, 2007 05:55 AM