2015 MLS Team Preview: San Jose Earthquakes
By Matt Hoffman
Goonies never say no to retro. There is something to the San Jose Earthquakes love of the past. Whether it is bringing back the name Earthquakes, the re-introduction of the classic colors and kits, the pictures of legends at their former park Buck Shaw stadium, or their use of a 1980’s movie classic, San Jose loves digging into the past.
As the Earthquakes enter their 2015 campaign in their new park, the club will once again look for inspiration from Dominic Kinnear, their new old manager. But can he bring back the good old times?
Quick Numbers
2014 Record: 6-16-12
Conference Standing: 9th place
League Standing: 18th place
Top Scorer: Chris Wondolowski (14 goals)
Play-maker: Matias Perez Garcia and Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi
Key Arrivals: Coach Dominic Kinnear, Designated player Innocent Emeghara
Key Departures: Jon Busch (out of contract), Jason Hernandez (expansion draft selection by NYCFC), Yannick Djalo (loan expired), Sam Cronin (traded to Colorado)
The Big Question: Can Kinnear strike gold in year one?
At the final kick of the 2005 season, Dominic Kinnear and the San Jose Earthquakes had conquered MLS.
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The team waylaid an impressive core en route to becoming the 2005 Supporters Shield Winners. A dynasty seemed in place that would dominate the league for years to come.
In Houston.
Days after the season came to a close, the fans of San Jose learned that their team was relocating to Houston.
Nine months later–when the Dynamo were well on their way to winning an MLS title–MLS granted San Jose a second iteration of the Earthquakes. While the Dynamo sizzled, winning two MLS Cups in four MLS Cup appearances, the Earthquakes for the most part fizzled.
Kinnear born in Glasgow, spent the formative years of his life growing up in nearby Fremont, and considers the Bay Area home. Kinnear’s not just moving back to his root, he’s trying to right a wrong created over ten years ago.
Outlook: The playoffs are unlikely, but not altogether out of the question. There is rebuilding at generally every position in the field. The team is pinning its hopes to the idea of dynamic partnership between Swiss international Emeghara and Chris Wondolowski while hoping that Kinnear is able to find the right place to stick phenom Tommy Thompson.
The team would be a bottom-dweller if not for Kinnear. He’s as skilled as any other coach in the game at the American level. His teams tend to get draws out of losses and wins out of draws. Particularly late in the season.
San Jose’s best characteristic, it’s team chemistry, will be riding a wave of elation upon the return of the native. That’s adding to the fact Kinnear’s teams traditionally teams are smart, prepared and difficult to break down.
The health of their players, particularly the talent up top is paramount if they are going to have a go at the playoffs. Keeping the team’s young defense focused for 90 minutes will also be a concern. Finally, in the latest purge the team has left a leadership vacuum. How well that that void is filled is crucial to a young-ish team in transition.