Tue Apr 1 20:21:46 2008

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S.J. wants to get off to good start at L.A.

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Carson, CA (Sports Network) - Frank Yallop realizes San Jose isn't quite the team it was just a few years ago when it won the MLS Cup in 2001 and 2003, but he's not ruling out a return to the playoffs.

"People who don't know the league might expect us to be right back at that point," Yallop said. "But they don't realize that we don't have any of those players."

San Jose's core relocated to Houston along with the franchise before the 2006 season and the Dynamo have captured the last two MLS Cups.

The new San Jose, with a small roster of expansion draft picks, returns to the league after a two-year hiatus Thursday against Los Angeles and David Beckham.

"Our aim is to make the playoffs. That's why we're in the league," Yallop, who had a record of 51-25-18 from 2001-03, told MLSnet.com.

The Earthquakes are one of the most successful franchises in MLS history, but they will be on shaky ground in their return season.

San Jose will be helped by goalkeeper Joe Cannon and defender Ryan Cochrane, a pair of players who used to play for San Jose.

"I think there is pressure on all of us because we want to start the season off well," Yallop said.

Yallop will see plenty of familiar faces Thursday when he faces L.A., which he coached for the last two seasons.

In addition to Beckham, the Galaxy feature United States national team striker Landon Donovan. L.A.'s other star, Carlos Ruiz, will miss the game and as much as six weeks after having surgery on his right knee Tuesday.

Ruiz tore the meniscus and sprained the medial collateral ligament in his knee in Saturday's season opener at Colorado, a 4-0 loss.

The loss of Ruiz, who won the MVP in 2002, will just add to the Galaxy's woes as they try to bounce back from the loss.

"It was tough for us; congratulations to Colorado." Beckham said.

Although San Jose has not been in the league for the last two seasons, it has a long history with L.A.

The two sides have played 50 times in the regular season, postseason and U.S. Open Cup, with L.A. holding a 29-15-6 edge.