New forward provides needed experience up front
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Cornell Glen did just about everything the San Jose Earthquakes wanted in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake. As luck would have it for the Quakes, his encore performance will have to wait.
Normally the chance to join up with his international teammates is one that the San Jose forward would jump at with no hesitation. And while he is excited at the prospect, Glen admitted that there are some mixed emotions that he's leaving his new club so soon.
"I'm am a bit sorry to go at this point in time knowing that we need wins to get up on the table," said Glen. "It's a bit disappointing to have to leave."
The Quakes can at least take solace in the fact that their new forward, who was officially signed just last week, won't be gone for long, as he gave San Jose the kind of pace and experience up top that the team has lacked this season.
"Cornell is a quality finisher, and I think it showed in his goal," said manager Frank Yallop. "He has a ways to go to get fit, but I just felt like we wanted to give him a run up there. I think he's dangerous."
The consistent threat Glen provides was on display in the first half, with a curling shot in the 22nd minute drifting just wide, while his header three minutes before halftime forcing an excellent save from Real 'keeper Nick Rimando.
Glen didn't have to wait much longer to open his San Jose account, nodding home Mike Zaher's cross just seven minutes into the second half.
"I was just trying to remember what I was doing in training all week," said Glen. "It was just instincts I guess; just head to the first post and get a head on it, and that's exactly what I did."
Glen was the first to admit that in other aspects of his game there is still a long way to go. The T&T international's lack of fitness explains why Yallop pulled him off in the 59th minute. Glen also stated that he was disappointed with his hold-up play, even as he battled against RSL's two hulking central defenders, Nat Borchers and Jamison Olave.
"Hopefully as I go away with the [T&T] national team, I can get a chance to work on those points," said Glen.
Once Glen returns, he'll no doubt be welcomed back into the San Jose fold, especially if he can build on Saturday's performance.