There was a play against the Metro (I think) where Manny beat about 4 - 5 defenders in the corner near section 115 and backheeled a pass to Barrett who scored on a laser from about 18.... that had to be one of the most spectacular plays in MLS history. He really was too much for all but the very best defenders, in the midfield and on the wing. Great guy, great player, great teammate, great American soccer career. Congratulations and best of luck, Manny!
Manny is a wonderful guy, and don't forget that he was a lynchpin in the 2001 Quakes' success. If I remember correctly, he was one of Frank's early acquisitions.
come on now.......who can forget that totally AWESOME goal that Manny scored from the over-the-top floating ball sent in by he who shall not be named to put us into the semi0finals of the 2001 cup?!?!? Awww....memories!
Manny is an AWESOME player. He is one of those few players who can dribble down the field, and look like they are skating on ice. Its truly a GIFT to see a player like that. It is the ultimate dance. He became one with the ball and his chemistry on the field with LD (traitor boy) was immense. He had a fabulous career. Out of all the Quake players who left/traded, I missed yelling "GO MANNY GO" the most. Thanks Manny for the excitement you brought to the EARHTQUAKEs field. All the best to you and your next step in your life.
Manny was a deciptively-quick player. He never looked that fast, but he had long strides and almost always got to the ball first. GO SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES!!! -G
I think Manny misses San Jose...........................He is a nice guy - his kids are cute and his wife is tops!
Saw him hanging out with Peter Wilt at the US/England game last month, I hadn't even realized he'd been waived at the time. Thanks, Manny!!!
He actually fell down twice, if I recall. That and the alley-oop he hit off of Donovan's scoop pass were two of my all time favorite moments in MLS.
I used to take my little brother to Quake games and tell him, "If you want to learn how to play the midfield position do not to follow the ball and just concentrate on Manny..." pure joy watching somebody like Manny play soccer
Manny's work ethic was top notch. I've posted before that I saw him working out in the East parking lot one day. He was by himself, sweatin' like crazy (noon in the summer sun), running (yes, that weird gate he had) like someone was chasing him. He had kind of been in a slump, and it looked like he was really running hard. I honked my horn and yelled out, Yo, Manny!!" He kind of grinned, waved and kept going. He was STILL running when I went by about a half hour later. He went on to have a pretty good season, culminating in the MLS Cup in 2003. Thanx for all the hard work, Manny!!
Manny always hustled and gave everything he had. He made everyone around him better. I believe he will make a fine coach someday. Imagine if a certain Germanic reject in Utah had even half the spirit of Lagos.
Manny was and is great! I'd love to see Manny coaching the Quakes someday, but that's probably not in the cards. Maybe the US Nats, one day in the far future? GO QUAKES!! GO MANNY!! - Mark
Perhaps Manny can start off as a Quakes assistant coach ala Ian Russell? GO SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES!!! -G