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Quakes' Kamara to miss 5 games because of World Cup qualifying Cup qualifying affects lineup

05/28/2008 01:39:13 AM PDT

The Earthquakes are moving forward at a time they're losing forwards.

Peguero Jean Philippe was placed on the season-ending disabled list because he hasn't recovered from a two-year-old knee injury, the team announced Tuesday.

Also, starting forward Kei Kamara left to join the Sierra Leone national team for its second-round World Cup qualifying matches that begin Sunday. The Quakes' best goal scorer is expected to miss at least five Major League Soccer matches, General Manager John Doyle said.

Coupled with the absence of former starter Gavin Glinton (sports hernia), San Jose will have a new look up front Saturday when it visits Real Salt Lake. The probable starters are Ryan Johnson, a Jamaican listed as a defender-midfielder, and Jovan Kirovski, recently acquired from the Colorado Rapids.

The Quakes also won't have midfielder Ivan Guerrero for the next three matches as he plays in Honduras' World Cup qualifiers.

"It happens all over the world," Doyle said of club players called into national-team service. "It is such a great honor you never stand in the way of guys representing their country."

• When he joined the Quakes last month on loan from Danish first division team Brondby, Jean Philippe said one of his goals was representing Haiti in the World Cup.

The striker suffered a severe injury after joining Brondby in 2006. His right knee was surgically repaired, but Jean Philippe hadn't played in almost two years

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until coming to San Jose.

"He came in with a knee that wasn't great," Doyle said. "I don't know if it will ever be quite right. We took a little bit of a risk."

Jean Philippe, 26, said in an e-mail he has scheduled a doctor's visit this week.

"I think something has to be done in my knee to be able to play like before, otherwise I'll still have this problem for the rest of my life," he said.

The Quakes were protected because Jean Philippe signed a non-guaranteed contract, Doyle said. "The loan was contingent on how his knee was," he added.

• Kamara, who left war-torn Sierra Leone when he was 14, has two goals this season - and many close misses. He has matured into the Quakes' biggest threat.

Kamara, 23, couldn't be reached Tuesday as he was flying to Africa via London.

"Hopefully he'll get to the international matches, play well and get some confidence," Doyle said.

Kamara's absence allows Kirovski, 32, a chance to resurrect his 15-year career that includes appearances in England and Germany's top leagues.

• The Quakes placed Jay Ayres on six-week reserve. Ayres fractured a cheekbone in a collision with teammate Ryan Cochrane during a U.S. Open Cup match April 30.