In 2022, the San Jose Earthquakes finished in dead last in the Western Conference, with a record of 8-15-11. They legitimately did not win two consecutive games for the entire season, which feels almost impossible. Even the wooden spoon winning DC United, who had eight less points, won their first two games of the season. Anyways, the point is that the Quakes did not have a fun run-out last year. One of their lone bright spots was striker Jeremy Ebobisse, who quietly scored 17 goals, which was team-leading by quite a bit. Cristian Espinoza had a respectable year as well, scoring seven goals and assisting 14. The attack was not the issue, they scored the ninth most goals per game. The problem was in the defense, where they conceded a second-worst 2.0 goals per game. Luckily, they have attempted to address their defense this off-season.
Unfortunately on the defensive front, Brazilian starting center back Nathan went out with a torn ACL in preseason. Their corresponding move was adding the solid Jonathan Mensah in a trade with the Columbus Crew, in which they sent up to $500K in GAM. The biggest move was the addition of a new Desginated Player, Carlos Gruezo. Gruezo is a proven presence in central midfield, transferring from the Bundesliga's FC Augsburg for $4m. FC Dallas sold him to Germany back in 2019, for $4.5m. They also added Daniel, who is expected to be the backup goalkeeper behind J.T. Marcinkowski. The Brazilian keeper arrived from Internacional. They also acquired Michael Baldisimo from the Vancouver Whitecaps via the Re-Entry Draft. Leaving the club will be Remedi, who returned to Banfield after stints with Atlanta United and San Jose. Goalkeeper Matt Bersano joined Austin FC, while Siad Haji signed for Tulsa FC. Jan Gregus became a free agent and Shea Salinas retired.
The Earthquakes have a decent lineup, one that will inspire some excitement. The Quakes have developed some young depth as well. Starting from the back, Miguel Trauco and Carlos Akapo are expected to run the fullback spots, with Paul Marie as the best form of depth on both sides. The day one starter at center back is still up in the air. The Brazilian, Rodrigues, will likely start next to either Tanner Beason or Jonathan Mensah, if he's ready. Gruezo and Jackson Yueill will patrol the middle, with Jamiro Monteiro just up ahead of them. Judson is the defensive midfield depth, while the trio of young players in Tsakiris, Skahan, and Baldisimo will provide the rest of the central midfield depth. On the wings, San Jose will deploy Cade Cowell, who is garnering European interest, and Cristian Espinoza. Jeremy Ebobisse will be the starting striker. Benji Kikanovic can play any of the attacking positions. He is a 23-year-old that was linked with a move to AEK Athens earlier this off-season, but it did not go through. Overall, the roster makeup is a promising one due to the combination of youth and experience. The Quakes have been good at developing players, and it will be crucial to their success that they continue doing so. Ultimately, the San Jose Earthquakes' form in 2023 will come down to their defensive prowess, as the attack has already shown it can be dangerous.
Projected XI:
GK: Marcinkowski
DEF: Trauco, Beason, Rodrigues, Akapo
MID: Gruezo, Yueill, Monteiro
FWD: Cowell, Espinoza, Ebobisse
Off-Season Grade: B
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