Earthquakes set to shake up MLS

San Jose Earthquakes coach Frank Yallop is buoyant ahead of the new MLS season.

Yallop’s side finished seventh in the Western Conference last year and did not feature in the playoffs.

But the club’s manager – who has declared the playoffs as their target – is confident his side will improve in 2012.

“I feel that for us as a club the team looks a lot better this season,” Yallop said.

“Going all the way and winning it you need a bit of lady luck, I think making the playoff is our target. Once you get in the playoffs you can figure out the rest from there.”

San Jose midfielder Sam Cronin believes his side’s work ethic will hold them in good stead over the course of the campaign.

“The thing that we want to be is a blue collar, had working team,” Cronin said.

“We want to be able to say that we were the harder working team whether we win lose or draw when we step off the field.”

“I think we are confident that we have enough qualities throughout the team that if we make sure our work ethic is good and our tone and aggression is done in the proper way then our skills will come out.”

Striker Chris Wondolowski said expectations were high.

“I think we have very high expectations because we have a great group of guys. Especially Marvin Chavez, Tressor Moreno and having Shea Salinas back and Steven Lenhart means we are expecting big things and have expectations this year.”