Kip Colvey, a third-round MLS SuperDraft pick for the San Jose Earthquakes, helped maintain a 1-0 clean-sheet victory in his first professional action of the season on Sunday versus the Colorado Rapids. Colvey subbed in for starting left-back Shaun Francis after Francis strained his right quadriceps and could not return for the second half.
Earthquakes Head Coach Dom Kinnear seemed pleasantly assured that Colvey could be thrown into the fire and come out unscathed.
“I didn’t think the first day of preseason that I would be putting Colvey in at the opening game,” said Kinnear after the win. “He’s shown enough good play where he’s got confidence from his coaching staff,” Kinnear added, “If he continues to play like that, we’ll be really happy for him.”
Colvey’s new teammates were equally impressed with the 21-year-old. Earthquakes midfielder Simon Dawkins summed up Colvey’s debut in one word: “Fantastic,” and reflected Colvey “plays above his age.”
“I thought he did great today,” Earthquakes starting goalkeeper David Bingham said of Colvey’s performance. “He didn’t try to do too much, defensively he was spot-on, and he did well to combine with Shea [Salinas] on the wings. I’m very happy for him.”
“Unbelievable job,” reflected Earthquakes captain Chris Wondolowski. “I’m not sure if he was expecting to even be on the bench [and playing] 45 minutes against a good team like that. I thought he did a great job.”
Eight-year MLS veteran Shea Salinas played in front of Colvey and thought the rookie did everything that was expected of him. “He played really well, he won some tackles, got forward, he played like he had been there before.”
Salinas knew he could rely on Colvey given his strong performances all year. “Kip’s played well all preseason, and our coaching staff signed him for a reason.”
Colvey’s real test may come on Sunday as the Earthquakes take on the 2015 MLS Cup champion Portland Timbers FC at Avaya Stadium. If Francis is still injured, it will be Colvey’s job to fill in at left-back. Expect Portland to test the rookie early and often if he gets the start.
Main Photo: Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images
