Can the San Jose Earthquakes finally find success with an overhauled roster in what may be head coach Matias Almeyda’s final season in charge?
Their first test will come on Saturday afternoon when the Quakes kick off their 2022 campaign against the New York Red Bulls at PayPal Park.
The 2022 season will be the first time in years San Jose will not have Chris Wondolowski to lead the attack.
But in a press conference, Almeyda portrayed confidence in his squad.
“I’ve been very happy with the preparation the guys have had,” he explained after the preseason. “I think their character has been excellent. We’ve worked hard, we’ve worked a lot, we’ve had many double-session days. So, we’re hopeful for a good start.”
New Additions bring hope
In particular, Almeyda called out the positive additions of MLS veterans Francisco Calvo, Jan Gregus, and Jamiro Monteiro to strengthen this year’s squad.
“We thought hard about it, what spaces we needed to occupy, and those were three spots that I thought we had to reinforce, and hopefully the guys that arrived are able to adapt quickly with our work and can enjoy it along with everyone else, including the fans,” said Almeyda. “We’re also going to give more confidence to the youngsters who debuted in previous years.”
One of those younger players the Quakes will rely on this season is Jackson Yueill. In the preseason, he is playing a more defensive midfield position, and he expects that is where he will start the campaign.
“One of the qualities that I think I have is picking out passes and breaking lines, trying to spread the game around,” Yueill explained. “From that position, you get a really good vantage point of everything. It’s a little bit further back than I’m used to, but I think it gives an opportunity to be around the ball more and help with the build-up a little bit more to give it to our creative attacking players.”
Who will lead the Quakes in 2022?
On offense, last season’s most significant acquisition, forward Jeremy Ebobisse, is expected to start up top. Homegrown talent Cade Cowell will support the attack and Eduardo ’Chofis’ Lopez will hopefully continue his twelve goal form from last year until his loan ends in June. MLS SuperDraft first-round pick Ousseni Bouda may come off the bench to aid the attack.
The San Jose midfield is expected to be built around Monteiro, an MLS designated player. At Philadelphia, he amassed nine goals and twenty-one assists in three seasons.
“For me, it’s a very big challenge and I’m really excited to be here,” explained Monteiro.
Center back Nathan will anchor the defense. The Brazilian played in Europe before being acquired by San Jose in 2021.
Quakes midfielder Cristian Espinoza, coming off a three-goal eight-assist season in 2021, also expressed confidence in his teammates this year.
“Our objectives this year continue to be the ones from last year which is to make it to the MLS Playoffs and compete against everyone at a great level and take San Jose as high as possible,” he said.
WHEN, WHERE, WHY: San Jose Earthquakes kick off MLS Season against the New York Red Bulls at home, Pay Pal Park in San Jose, on Saturday, Feb. 26 at 3 p.m.
