The Frogs ended the season on an exceptionally high note by simply out-playing AND out-classing both their opponents this past weekend. Though their playoff hopes were already out of the question, new Head Coach Peter Weiss chose the right tactics and made sure that the player’s character and pride came through when it may have seemed the hardest to come by.

 

 

The match against the Bakersfield Brigade started with the Frogs keeping majority of the possession, and creating clear chances after chances. A few sure goals were squandered early on, but the Frogs got on the board in the 16^th minute, when forward Andrew Wiedeman found Nelson Diaz in the box, who blasted a shot into the low far corner where it slipped under the Bakersfield goaltender’s arms to put the Frogs up 1-0 early on. On the very next play, the Frogs go up a man as well, when the referee handed a strait red card to Brigade midfielder Jordon Thorn for a vicious two footed tackle on Savio Carrijo.

 

Now being a player up and with the early goal, the Frogs confidently kept possession at ease by passing the ball around the Bakersfield defense. Many more chances were wasted by the Frogs, until they broke down Bakersfield again in the 43 minute; starting with a brilliant individual play from Andrew Wiedeman, beating two players in the corner to find midfielder Dan Oka in the box. Oka then found David Frank trailing on the far post as he coolly slotted it back to the far post – this time out of the reach of the goaltender to put the Frogs up 2-0 before the half.

 

The first half may have been the best showing for the Frogs this season. With great one and two touch passing, sharp movement off the ball, and tight defense, the Frogs simply dominated their opponent. They were keen to carry this momentum into the 2^nd half; but everyone knows a two goal lead is the most dangerous one. That said, Bakersfield took advantage of a sluggish start, and a bit of a mix up with the Frogs’ defense. In the 59^th minute, Brigade forward Cameron Walters picked up a loose ball in the box and smashed it in from 6 yards out to cut the deficit in half. That goal appeared to be a wake up call, as the Frogs got back on board 6 minutes later, as Stefan Clemens blasted a left footed shot into the bottom left corner to make it 3-1. Two minutes later, a great individual play by Imaan Kerchgani, found defender Kyle Kaveny open in the six yard box for an easy tap-in for the 4-1 “decider”. A consolation goal by Bakersfield in the 87^th minute also gave the Frogs something some thing to work on for Sunday’s game, but over all a great performance by the Frogs saw the best team win.

 

 

If everyone thought Saturday’s game was a great performance by the Frogs, this match was even more remarkable. A brilliant game played by all players on the field accurately showed the Frogs’ real colors. This was the 4^th round of the Bay Area Derby (Frogs vs. Seals), in which the Frogs are still undefeated with two wins and a tie (at the first game this season). Every match before this one has been a great match: this time Seals needed a win to put them into the playoffs, but for the Frogs it was a matter of pride. It also was a battle of tactics: the Seals playing fast through midfield and attacking deep and direct versus the Frogs – according to Head Coach Peter Weiss - playing totally committed defense, control and move the ball by short one and two-touch passes and then to attack wide over the wings.

 

The game started a bit sluggish, each team testing out one another by safely ridding the ball from their own defensive part of the pitch, but this only lasted until the 5^th minute. Frogs midfielder Dan Oka put the Frogs on board early, when he reacted well to a rebound just inside the right corner of the Seals box, and blasted it far post and out of reach of the Seals goaltender. The early goal again helped settle the Frogs nerves, as they kept possession to the entirety, to keep the pressure on the Seals defense. Again, the one and two-touch passing was truly remarkable to watch, and it looked as though the Frogs were having fun doing so.

 

In the 22^nd minute, the Frogs connected a sequence of possession with over eight one and two touch passing – with Andrew Weideman outplaying three defenders on the sideline - to put David Frank on the Seals touchline. Frank neatly cut the ball back to Richard Dorrego who slotted it just inside the near post with the outside of his boot to double the lead. Domination continued, as the Frogs again capitalized before the half when Frank crossed the ball to Kyle Kaveny at the far post, who knocked it back across to Dan Oka on the penalty spot. It looked as though he’d take the shot, but a simple little flick behind him to wide open Nelson Diaz, made the three goal lead a sure thing. Frogs (3) Seals (0)

 

The Seals came back immediately and created 3 good goal scoring chances, including a shot off the post; a pointblank header brilliantly saved by goalie Stefan Frei who had moved intuitively with the attacker, and a break in the box which Frei, Hugo Souza, and Gavin Wenyon, all played a part to keep out of the net. The second half started with the Frogs showing no sign of a let-down and Andrew Weideman nearly scored from the left corner of the six-yard box when he volleyed a cross from Evan Sassano just wide of the goal post. Still, the Seals played hard and fast, trying to get back into the game, but except one point blank situation which again was saved brilliantly by Stefan Frei, they couldn’t create any major danger to the Frogs’ goal. As of the 70^th minute, the Frogs were in rather complete control. Frogs fans were actually witnessing the best game the Frogs ever played – and it counted even more as the Seals were a very good team still in playoff contention.

  

 

With the return of the MLS Earthquakes, the Frogs had hoped that our move to James Lick Stadium would inspire the local soccer community to support the team in bigger numbers. This didn’t happen and aside a very few Earthquake fans, the Frogs lost this group altogether. But with the support of volunteers such as Cheryl VanZeulen and Tulin Mendoza the Frogs send out over 12.000 flyers and many thousand eMails, talked to youth soccer clubs and much more. Still, the low home game attendance was a big disappointment. Therefore, the Frogs want to thank all the Frogs fans “who came” for their great support this year!

 

We will be keeping the website updated during the PDL off-season, so please keep checking this website.

 

On Sunday, the FROGS won a crucial home game 4:1 against theLancaster Rattlers.

The FROGS were very much in control of the game in the first half. A nearly flawless defense - directed by goalie Stefan Frei - didn’t cede any opportunities for the RATTLERS and Jose Munoz scored the only goal in the first half with a fine and very well placed shot into the left corner of the goal. The FROGS missed a couple more chances but left for half time with confidence. This changed in the second half, as goalie Stefan Frei got replaced by Sergio Valle which put the FROGS’ defense out of synch and resulted in suddenly very dangerous attacks by the RATTLERS. Sergio Valle showed some great saves but couldn’t do anything against the 1:1 equalizer. played even more shaky – and they also wasted two great scoring opportunities. Then Stefan Clemens hit a 60 yard pass to Andrew Weideman on the left side who raced for the box and sliced it by the RATTLERS’ goalie for the 2:1 lead. Now, as the RATTLERS were intensifying their offense, they opened up their defense and it was again Andrew Weideman who “copied” his first goal and scored the 3:1with a fine shot into the long corner. Finally, he crowned his stellar performance from the same position, but when the goalie and defenders closed in and shortened the angle he sliced a crisp pass behind the RATTLERS’ defense and Javier Ayala-Hil just had to re-direct the ball from about seven yards into the open goal for the 4:1. Still, the much improved RATTLERS showed a fine game and so did the Referees.

 

Next weekend they have a difficult road trip to L.A.: Friday at Orange County Blue Star and Saturday at Southern California Seahorses. Then on Saturday, 19 July the Bakersfield Brigade comes to San Jose (7:30 at Lick Stadium), and finally, the FROGS visit the SAN FRANCISCO SEALS on Sunday, 20 July (7:00PM! at Negoesco Stadium, USF).

 

The 5th place FROGS still have a chance for the #2 playoff spot – but to keep their hopes alive, they now must win all four remaining games. And fan support will help as well: the FROGS hope that their fans will come in some bigger numbers then the 100+ (most of them family and friends of the players) during this season so far.

 

The FROGS were forced to settle for a single point at home with a tough battle against the visiting Fresno Fuego. The FROGS now sit in 3^rd place in the PDL Southwest Division, tied in points with LA Legends (unfavorable goal difference) and behind the SF Seals, who have played an extra game:

 

Standings: http://www.uslsoccer.com/standings/8630213.html (scroll to the bottom)

 

 

The Fresno Fuego have always been a tough opponent for the FROGS and the latest meeting between the two teams would be no easier. Last season, the FROGS were only able to take a single point from Fresno; a tie in Fresno, and the FROGS were beat at home towards the end of the season, when the Fuego took the league cup by only a single point. That said, the FROGS were out for revenge after the Fuego handed them their first loss of the 2008 season in Fresno last weekend.

 

It was a picture perfect afternoon for soccer, as the 75 degree temperature was ideal for the fans, but a constant gust of wind always had a hand in the game. The first half was relatively uneventful as both teams failed to make any real impact around the goal area. The FROGS had a slight edge in shots in the first half, with 5 to the Fuego's 3, but the chances weren't enough to truly test either of the goaltenders. The best chances for both sides were created from dead ball situations; either from corners or set pieces, but neither team was able to break the deadlock.

 

The second half started as uneventful as the first with both defenses refusing to allow much penetration, but the deadlock was undone by the Fuego in the 74^th minute when forward Campos was able to find a yard of space on top of the box, and blasted it off the crossbar into the net for the 1-0 lead. The Fuego were able to capitalize on an evenly balanced game, and found themselves in front of the FROGS once again.

 

The FROGS reacted by pushing forward and with the clock winding down in regulation time, a second defeat at the hands of the Fuego started to seem like a possibility, but that would not be the case this time around. Six minutes from the end of regulation time, FROGS substitute forward Imaan Kebreab, got behind the right side of the defense and found midfielder Mariano Arrua's feet on the far left side of the goal area, as he brilliantly slotted the ball past the Fuego goalie to level the game. The modest but enthusiastic home crowd erupted in loud joy. It was a true test of character for the FROGS to be facing certain defeat and yet be able to come back to earn a hard fought point. The point keeps the FROGS and Fuego tied in points, but the FROGS are ahead in goal difference, and have a game in hand.

 

The FROGS play the second home game of their four game homestretch next weekend, when they take on the undefeated LA Legends. This will be a bitterly fought match as well, since the LA Legends were the team to knock the FROGS out of the US Open Cup.

 

The Frogs dropped all 3 points with the loss to the Fresno Fuego. With an unfavorable goal difference, they now drop down to 4^th in the PDL Southwest Conference, as the SF Seals sit on top with 11 points and with LA Fusion and Fresno Fuego, the SJ Frogs are equal at 10 points. And due to LA Legend's 5:0 win over San Fernando, the Frogs also missed the US-Open Cup qualification on goal difference.

 

 

A few subs were made by the Frogs, as they attempted to push forward to cut the lead. Midfielder Imaan Kerchgani made an immediate impact on the right side, and forward Andrew Wiedeman, whom received USL Team of the week honors,helped create a stir up top.

The second  half started with the Frogs gaining control of majority of the play. The Fuego sat back a bit deeper trying to hold on to their lead, which gave the Frogs a bit more room to work with. Occasional counterattacks by Fresno kept the Frogs defense in check, but created very few chances in the second half. The Frogs chances of return were hindered, when Frogs forward Johnny Gonzalez received a strait red card for a tackle showing the bottom of the cleats. Ultimately, the Frogs attack never cracked their backline, and the Fuego kept all three points at home. All in all, it was a very disappointing weekend for the Frogs as they lost their spot at the top of the table.   

However, the Frogs have an instant chance for revenge this weekend when the Fresno Fuego visit the Frogs at home this coming Sunday.

 

NEXT HOME GAME – Sunday, June 1st: 3:00 PM

Fresno Fuego @ San Jose Frogs (JAMES LICK STADIUM)

San Jose, Saturday, May 17th: The FROGS recorded a crucial 3 points with a victory over Ventura County Fusion this past Saturday. The win maintains their 1^st place status in the PDL Southwest Conference, and the FROGS are in the final running with LA Legend for the US Open Cup qualification!

 

In what would turn out to be a perfect evening for soccer, the FROGS hosted the Ventura County Fusion in only the second match at James Lick High School, their new home stadium. The FROGS seem to have a flair for quick starts and getting on the board early; this weekend was no different and they remained true to form. Just 9 minutes after the kick off, FROGS goalie Sergio Valle's quick release found forward Nelson Diaz behind the Fusion defense to give him a clear breakaway. The Ventura County goaltender cut off the angle well but the composed Diaz slotted the ball between his legs to give the FROGS an early 1-0 lead. Ventura County pushed aggressively for an equalizer, but the FROGS spent the remainder of the first half defending tightly in their own half, ensuring the 1-0 lead into the break.

The 2^nd half continued with the FROGS fighting off attacking waves by Ventura County, but the FROGS gifted Ventura County just 5 minutes into the 2^nd half with a crucial foul just inside their own eighteen. A deflected shot ended up at a Fusion forward's feet and FROGS midfielder Eric Espinoza brought him down in the box for a penalty kick. Ventura County Defender Steven Lee sent Valle moving in the opposite direction to draw the match even at 1-1.

 

The FROGS kept up their strong defensive tactic, but picked up the offensive pressure as they surged forward to get their lead back. The FROGS started moving up the field with confidence, creating chances around the box, and finally broke through the Fusion defense in the 72^nd minute, when substitute Savio Carrijo collected the ball in the box to volley it home for the 2-1 lead.

 

A frustrated Ventura County tried in vain to replicate their earlier evening of the score, but the fire was quickly put out when forward Jaime Ambriz received a strait red card in the 78^th minute for tripping FROGS defender Hugo Sousa. The door was slammed shut on Ventura County's comeback effort in the 86^th minute when a 2^nd yellow card was handed to Fusion midfielder Felix Motagalvan , resulting in the 2^nd red card on the night for the Fusion.

 

Another solid defensive effort by the FROGS and clinical finishes by the forwards rewarded the FROGS with their 3rd win in a row. This was a very hard fought game by both sides, but ultimately, one goal separated the two teams in the end. With the win, the FROGS keep their place at the top of the standings and now are considered the favorites to qualify for the US Open Cup. That said, the next game may be their toughest match yet, as the FROGS head down to Central California to take on the 2007 Conference champions Fresno Fuego in what will no doubt be an electrifying but hostile environment.

 

 

 

Hope to see you there!!                                                                                   

 

 

 

San Jose, Friday 18 January 2008: In the annual Major League Soccer SuperDraft this Friday, 39 players with USL experience in the Premier Development League - nine of them from the SAN JOSE FROGS  F.C. - or Super Y-League were selected in the four-round, 56-player event. We congratulate our players and are very proud and happy for them about their success. "Making it to the Professional Leagues" - this is our main mission for our players.

 

Rob Valentino, drafted by New England Revolution

 

Peter Lowry, drafted by Chicago Fire

 

Luke Sassano, drafted by Red Bull New York

 

Matt Marques, drafted by Kansas City Crew

 

Javier Ayala Hill, drafted by Chicago Fire

 

Brandon McDonald, drafted by Los Angeles Galaxy

 

Matt Hatzke, drafted by Los Angeles Galaxy 

 

and Stephen Wondolowski signed with MLS Champion Houston Dynamo