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February 20, 2008

More highlights from Saturday and another new face in camp

While the big daily newspapers are only beginning to bring their soccer coverage up to par, the smaller papers are taking the lead.

Monday's Hollister Freelance features a story by Scott Adams (no, not that one) with a recap of Saturday's match with comments from Quakes' EVP David Alioto.

The Santa Cruz Sentinel focuses on a meeting of former Slugs that took place last Wednesday night when Adam Smarte took the field for the Quakes against Houston's Steven Wondolowski.

When Wondolowski's former UCSC teammate and roommate, Adam Smarte, entered the game... it marked the first time anyone at UCSC can remember two Slugs taking the field opposite each other as professionals.

"It was exciting," Smarte said. "I didn't get in until fairly late in both games. But it was a good atmosphere, a lot of people. It meant a lot to me."

Neither player registered a goal, an assist or a shot on goal [Wondolowski's brother, Chris, assisted on Houston's goal]. But while their names are little more than afterthoughts in a preseason box score for even the most avid fans, the importance of the moment wasn't lost on Smarte.

"You know, we're a D-III school," Smarte said of UCSC. "There's not a lot of exposure. So to see that we're playing at the highest level you can in the U.S., it's pretty cool to look across the field and see my teammate at the same level as I am, doing what we want to do. You can't beat that. It was one of the best feelings that I had."

Finally, there's word that Trinidad & Tobago youngster Hayden Tinto is on trial with the Quakes this week.

Posted by Jay at February 20, 2008 09:24 AM

Comments

There hasn't been any official word on the addition of Ronnie Ekelund to the Quakes staff. (as far as I know). He's been seen on the 'Quakes bench at Kezar. Is he on the staff, was he just hanging out, or were we a little too cold and drunk to see clearly?

Posted by: Zungazan at February 20, 2008 12:47 PM

Good question. I'll see what I can find out.

Posted by: Jay Hipps, SSV at February 20, 2008 01:37 PM

Also, whatever happened to the Arias signing, I thought that all he had to do was pass a physical and sign, any new word on him. Also, is Merlin (sp?)(argentine) impressing in camp, I liked what I saw saturday night. Thanks for any info ahead!

Posted by: dallesandro25 at February 20, 2008 02:51 PM

Trying to get this info from the Quakes -- will let you know when I hear from them.

Posted by: Jay Hipps, SSV at February 21, 2008 11:59 AM