Josh: So Matt & I got to console each other in person before the final whistle of the 2024 San Jose Earthquakes, while neglecting our loyal readers, but now here I am. Thank you for your patience, dear readers, while we all caught our breath from all the heavy sighs that the 2024 Earthquakes season triggered in us.
Okay, let’s take one last look back, recognize how historic this year was, find some wins to celebrate, and then see what suggestions we have for that beautiful front office at PayPal Park. I don’t even know where we left off, but the Quakes tallied 4 points in all of September and October, including a draw against Seattle, and a win at home against Dallas. Total of 21 points on the season, with a Points-Per-Game average of 0.62, from six wins and three draws.
San Jose did not have the fewest goals scored this year - sixth from the bottom of MLS, thirteenth out of fourteen in the Western Conference, but took the highest goals against (GA) with 78, and tied with the New England Revolution for lowest Goal Differential (GD) at -37.
The 2024 San Jose Earthquakes join the 2018 San Jose Earthquakes tied for ninth in history for fewest points. They set a new record for most goals against, surpassing FC Cincinnati’s 2019 campaign at 75, and tied (with Matt’s Revs) for 2nd lowest GD in MLS history. Not how anyone wanted the Quakes’ 50th season to land in the record books, but have to take solace in the fact that this should trigger a lot of shake ups and focus for the upcoming 2025 season.
One of the bright spots of 2024 has to be the signing of Hernan López. With only 24 games played in his first, short season with the Quakes, he tied for second in goals scored by a single player with 6th. And yes, we should absolutely celebrate Cristian Espinoza’s 18 goal contributions, featuring his 14 assists during his 34 appearances - the only player to CAP every match the Quakes played this year.
The Quakes also continued the important tradition of recognizing the team in a few ways:
Cristian Espinoza was named Offensive Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year
Rodrigues won Defensive Player of the Year
Niko Tsakiris celebrated as Young Player of the Year
Paul Marie received the Media Good Guy award
and amazing, while injured, JT Marcinkowski for the Andrew Bedard Spirit of the Game Award/Humanitarian of the Year.
Obviously the house cleaning and movement has to start at the top. Ian Russell did not do enough during his interim stand to warrant signing on as Head Coach for 2025 - and Hot off the Presses, San Jose is welcoming former MLS and USMNT Legend Bruce Arena as Sporting Director and Head Coach for the upcoming season. Now that he’s signed on the dotted line, we’ve got about three weeks for Coach Arena and GM Leitch to validate or end the options by November 27th and pick players to protect before the San Diego Expansion draft on December 11.
Quick scan of where the current lineup is in contract status, tagged with Josh’s quick stay or go:
On contract for the 2025 Season: Bouda, Costa, Cowell, Espinoza, Gruezo, Judd, Kikanović, López, Marie, Medina, Mendoza, Ochoa, Pellegrino, Rodrigues, Skahan, Tsakiris, Verhoeven, Wilson.
Re-sign: Ebobisse
Club options that should be exercised: Baldisimo, Beason, Daniel, Marcinkowski, Munie, Ricketts
On the fence: Richmond, Thompson (hashtag emotional choices)
Let go: Akapo, Jackson, Morales, Walls, Yarborough, Yeuill
Hot take. But it could all change in a couple weeks when new Coach Arena makes his mark on the start of 2025 Business in San Jose!
Vamos SJ!
Comments