PDL Feature
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Having traded Steven Beitashour to Vancouver in the offseason, the San Jose Earthquakes attempted to fill the gap in their side at right back with German veteran Andreas Görlitz and longtime MLS player Brandon Barklage.
With both battling injuries, including Barklage being forced off in the 53rd minute against Columbus on Sunday, Coach Mark Watson had to look to his bench for a replacement.
Enter former Ventura County Fusion player JJ Koval. Although a midfielder throughout his time with the Fusion and at Stanford, the rookie stepped in and performed strongly for the remainder of the contest, allowing the Earthquakes to earn a 1-1 draw with the Crew.
“My mentality from the beginning has been to work hard in training and contribute in any way possible to help the team,” Koval told MLSSoccer’s Geoff Lepper. “Whether I’m playing center mid, right back or center back, I’m here to do whatever I can to help the team win.”
Sunday wasn’t the first time Koval has been used in a new position by the Earthquakes this season. With their back four decimated by injury and suspension ahead of their CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Toluca, Koval started at center back and more than held his own, despite the Quakes’ elimination.
That performance, and his overall work since his selection in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft this past January, is drawing praise from some of his more illustrious teammates.
“He’s absolutely amazing,” U.S. international Chris Wondolowski said. “I think he’s done a fantastic job. He’s just a beast, anywhere you put him. He covers so much ground, is such a tough guy and so smart. At such a young age, he definitely has a veteran head on himself.”