Don't tell Glenn Roeder this, but Darren Huckerby has arguably made the biggest impact of any summer transfer window signing in MLS. Unlike many English players before him, including Steve Guppy, Ian Woan, Chris Woods and Steve Howey, Huckerby seems right at home in MLS. The style of play and tactical acumen of MLS is completely different than the English Championship or Premier League.

Despite this, Huckerby has fit in wide on the left side for San Jose comfortably. Not only has he fit right in but his enthusiasm for football has been contagious. San Jose now looks like a spirited team, not the bunch that was playing for consistent nil-all scorelines earlier in the season.

The injury to American midfielder Ramiro Corrales, whose experience and leadership helped keep San Jose afloat earlier in the season, could have ended the Earthquakes season. But Saturday night's superb match-winner from Huckerby against Kansas City and the fiery leadership he has shown especially since Corrales' injury means that the Quakes have perhaps the greatest X-factor MLS has to offer.

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