MLS is Back: 3 dark horses for knockout stages
2. San Jose Earthquakes
Even great teams will struggle when put under pressure. The sweeping tactical revolution of pressing high up the pitch stems from a very natural and obvious fact: people make mistakes when they are forced into disadvantageous situations. This is the philosophy of the San Jose Earthquakes unique and brilliant high-pressing scheme.
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Matias Almeyda arrived at the beginning of last season and immediately set about changing the very basic tactics with which his team plays with. Unlike any other team in the league, he implemented a man-to-man pressing style where every single San Jose player man-marks an opposing player. The central striker covers both opposing centre-backs, thus leaving one San Jose player spare as a sweeper, usually the second centre-back.
It is a hugely risky system. One or two quick combinations can leave them entirely exposed as a result of the advanced positioning of their defenders when pressing forwards. However, when it is executed with the discipline and cohesiveness that they have done thus far in the MLS is Back Tournament, it is very difficult to beat.
The Earthquakes went unbeaten in the group stages. Their only blip was a 0-0 draw against the champions, the Seattle Sounders. Even that match was a show of domination from the Earthquakes, who did everything but score. The Earthquakes are ready to rumble with the best. They proved it already.