MLS is Back: Top 3 surprising teams thus far
2. San Jose Earthquakes
The San Jose Earthquakes were one of the wildest rides in 2019. After a historically poor 2018, they brought in Matias Almeyda to entirely uproot the culture of the team. They did not acquire many new players but simply trusted in Almeyda’s coaching. He delivered in spades.
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By the end of the year, the Earthquakes faltered, failing to replicate Almeyda’s hugely intense high-pressing system for the entire season. But during the middle stretch of the season, they were one of the most dominant teams in the entire league. After conceding six goals in their opening two games of the 2020, it was thought that maybe that was merely a purple patch.
Not so. San Jose have performed at their very best in this tournament. They have already secured top spot in Group B. They went unbeaten in all three matches and soundly dominated all three opponents, including MLS Cup champions, the Seattle Sounders — the match ended in a 0-0 draw but San Jose were substantially superior in every way.
Whether a team that still has not been invested in properly can perform at this level for a full regular season or not remains to be seen. But in a World Cup-style competition where form is more important than class, San Jose have everything going for them.