Bad news for 'Quakes fans as two of their players may not be back next season.

Courtesy of the San Jose Mercury News.

Here is an excerpt:

As the Earthquakes begin their off-season, it seems almost a certainty forward Scott Sealy and midfielder Francisco Lima won't return.

The players who helped in the team's second-half emergence gave strong indications of their departures after the season finale last weekend. (Coach Frank Yallop also talked last week as if it were a foregone conclusion Sealy was gone.)

Sealy, who is out of contract at the end of the year, said he is looking to play in Italy or the Netherlands.

"The club has done everything possible to keep me here, and I'll keep that in the back of my mind," said Sealy, as his son Dante stood by him. "But I've got a family to support, and in Europe there are a lot of opportunities where I think they are going to offer me a lot of money. I'm going to weigh my options, and then I'll make a sensible decision that's right for me and my family."

According to the Major League Soccer Player's Union, Sealy's salary is just under $35,000. He probably would earn a substantial raise from the Quakes but MLS teams cannot compete with European offers. Also, Sealy, 27, is interested in playing abroad.

"I think every player, they want to experience more," he said. "That's nothing against (MLS). I think the league has grown a lot since I've been in the league for the past four years. It's grown a lot, and I think it's more competitive than it's ever been. I want to go there and try it out, and see if the situation is right. "

If he leaves then wants to return, the Quakes own his rights.

Lima's situation seems more difficult. At 37, the Brazilian has played for some of the world's best clubs and understands the art of negotiation in the soccer world.

"For me it's just difficult right now," said Lima, speaking Spanish. "I don't know. I don't know. I'll have to talk it over with my family.''

Lima acknowledged he is eyeing teams in Italy and Russia, countries where he has played. Lima signed an 18-month contract when arriving in July. General Manager John Doyle said, "He has a contract.''

Asked directly if he would honor the contract, Lima said, "I have to think about it.''