San Jose's Dayak to call it quits after season

[AreliusII]

San Jose, CA (Sports Network) - San Jose Earthquakes defender Troy Dayak will not be back with the team next season. In fact, Dayak will not be back playing with any professional team next season.

The 34-year-old will, however, be coaching the California Cougars of the Major Indoor Soccer League. Dayak was named the head coach of the expansion team on Wednesday.

Dayak, who joined San Jose during its inaugural season in Major League Soccer back in 1996, is currently in his eighth season with the club. He spent two years out of MLS, playing for the A-League's Bay Area Seals, due to a bulging disc in his neck.

"I would like to thank the Earthquakes for allowing me the opportunity to play in front of my local fans for so many years," said Dayak, a Tracy, California. resident. "Bringing me back to San Jose in the inaugural MLS season was great and the continued support of my family and friends in my own backyard has been incredible."

Dayak has played in 126 games for San Jose. He will add to that total during the remainder of the 2005 season.

"I am ready for a change of seasons in my life and right now I think that this is the best option for my family and me," he explained. "The most fond memories in my soccer career have been as a part of the Earthquakes family. I am focused right now on giving everything I have for the rest of this season to help bring another MLS Cup back to San Jose."

http://sports.chron.com/default.asp?c=chron&page=soc-mls/news/AHN3869784.htm

[AreliusII]

Let's give Dayak a going away present tomorrow in the form of a loss for SJ.