Where we left off last year
2025 season: 41 points, 10th in the Western Conference, 20th in MLS
Progress? Progress.
With Bruce Arena at the reins and a revamped tactical setup that saw an increased emphasis on throwing numbers forward, the San Jose Earthquakes took a much-needed step forward last season after a historically poor 2024 campaign. With the then-newly acquired Chicho Arango and Josef Martinez in the attack alongside Cristian Espinoza, the Quakes scored more goals than all but six teams in MLS and looked like a potential playoff outfit in the West before ultimately missing out.
Of course, you don't throw a team a party for almost making the postseason. But for the Quakes, who have made the playoffs just three times since 2013? Maybe you do.
What changed in the offseason
Notable arrivals:
- Timo Werner, FW: When Bruce Arena was hired as the Quakes’ head coach and chief soccer officer, he cited ownership’s willingness to “improve the roster” by spending more on player salaries. Werner’s arrival from RB Leipzig sure looks like a living, breathing example of San Jose taking a step forward in that area. The 29-year-old forward, who can play on the wing or through the middle, never quite made the cut at Chelsea but regularly put up strong numbers for Leipzig in the Bundesliga. If Werner stays healthy, which is no guarantee, he’ll hit at least 15 goals on the back of his excellent off-ball movement.
