SANTA CLARA -- Earthquakes' offseason pickup Ty Harden started Sunday night at right back in place of Dan Gargan, who reinjured a quadriceps muscle two days ago in practice.

Gargan, 28, was expected to start the Major League Soccer season opener against Real Salt Lake while All-Star Steven Beitashour recuperates from a sports hernia injury.

Instead the Quakes had to go with Plan C.

Coach Frank Yallop said he would use Harden or rookie Peter McGlynn if Gargan wasn't ready. Harden came to San Jose in a trade with Toronto FC.

"They know the system, and we'll be fine," Yallop said Friday of his replacements.

Gargan said Friday he stopped practicing as a precaution and felt he'd be ready to play in the opener.