http://sjearthquakes.mlsnet.com/news/te ... &team=t110
Ribeiro bringing energy to Earthquakes
Midfielder successfully adjusting to playing with new squad
07/22/2009 8:17 PM
By Jeff Carlisle / MLSnet.com Staff
Get tickets to this week's match
Weekly update: Homecoming
Shop for Quakes gear
"I was trying to bring a lot of energy for the team and we need a lot of that," said Antonio Ribeiro. (Getty)
Ribeiro bringing energy to Earthquakes
Weekly update: Homecoming
In defeat, Quakes lost for words
Quakes fall to late Blanco assist, goal
More Headlines >
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- While a shaky defense has largely been the San Jose Earthquakes' undoing this season, it's safe to say that the midfield hasn't been far behind in terms of underperformance, with possession a near constant problem. All the more reason for the Quakes to take comfort from the play last weekend of recent signing Antonio Ribeiro.
In his fourth match since joining San Jose last month, the Canadian delivered his most composed performance yet. His clean passing helped San Jose establish a rhythm that has been largely absent this season, and he was equally effective on defense.
As it turned out, it wasn't enough to prevent a 2-0 loss to the Chicago Fire, but Yallop took notice of his countryman's play following Tuesday's practice.
"I thought [Ribeiro] had a good solid game," said Yallop. "He was lively, and he works hard. That's the reason why we've picked him up. I felt his work rate on both sides of the ball was good."
The performance marked a considerable step up from Ribeiro's first three games in Earthquakes black and blue. But given the fact that the Canadian had been without a team since the end of 2008 when he was cut loose by USL-1 side Montreal Impact, Yallop knew there would be an adjustment period that the midfielder would have to go through.
"[Ribeiro's] not played for a long time, and it takes games to get yourself acclimatized to what we're doing and what he's doing," said Yallop.
As for Ribeiro, he rates his assimilation in San Jose as being "pretty easy," and was pleased to make some progress against a Fire side that currently sits atop the Eastern Conference.
"I was trying to bring a lot of energy for the team and we need a lot of that offensive-wise and defensive-wise," said Ribeiro. "I just tried to get out there and do my job."
Part of the reason for Ribeiro's steady transition into MLS is his previous relationship with Yallop. Ribeiro first caught the eye of the San Jose manager back in 2006, when Yallop was in charge of the Canadian national team.
It was shortly after Ribeiro became part of the national team setup that Yallop departed to take up the reins with the Los Angeles Galaxy. But when Ribeiro found himself out of contract with Montreal, he figured he had nothing to lose by seeking out his old boss.
Ribeiro said, "I just gave [Yallop] a call and said, 'What's up?' I was out of contract and I was looking for something new. He gave me the chance and I'm trying to prove to him that he made a good choice."
Ribeiro's stated that he feels the technical standard is higher in MLS than what he experienced in the USL, and that the league is also "less physical", all of which suits his game well.
But as encouraging as Ribeiro's performance against the Fire was, it looks as if he'll have little time to enjoy it. Tuesday's training session was notable for the arrival of Salvadoran midfielder Ramon Sanchez, who is expected to sign with the team shortly and if everything falls into place, could be in the lineup this weekend. But for Ribeiro, that's situation normal for a professional soccer player, and he's more than ready to fight for his place.
"In our job, it's part of the [deal] always having players competing left and right," said Ribeiro. "It doesn't affect me. Today in training, I scored two goals and then it's the coach's decision. I just make sure I give everything, so when I'm finished with my training I feel good about it."
Perhaps Ribeiro and Sanchez can strike up the kind of partnership that will help the Quakes salvage something from what has been a disappointing season. That would give Ribeiro something else to feel good about.
