San Jose Earthquakes continue to be one of the early surprises of the MLS season with young talents emerging

Niko Tsakiris, 20, is in the midst of a breakout season, taking the creative reins for San Jose following Espinoza's departure, but he's also heavily involved defensively, something that Espinoza didn't do. That has helped the team improve from allowing 1.85 goals per game last season to boasting the best defense in MLS with only .38 goals allowed per game this season. Those numbers again aren't sustainable, but not only is this a playoff team, but it's one that no one will want to play because of their defense, which Tsakiris is leading from the front.

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Tsakiris is coming into his own a little late to break into the World Cup squad for the United States during the 2026 cycle, but there's a lot to like about his game. The shooting can improve, and he is running hot in some areas just like the rest of San Jose, but when taking into account his age and that Bruce Arena is a coach who can help iron out the kinks in his game, Tsakiris could be among the next of a talented crop of young American players to make the jump from MLS to abroad.

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There's plenty to do before that, though, and it starts with San Jose keeping their from going while facing Austin FC on Wednesday night. Austin has been struggling to score, so it's a perfect opportunity for the press to continue making things work and continue San Jose's goal of making the playoffs for the first time since the 2023 season. This is a team that has come a long way in the wrong direction since the days of Chris Wondolowski leading the line, but with a talented academy bearing fruit, which Arena is putting into positions to succeed, there's light at the end of the tunnel.

Tsakiris is part of a unit that has something to prove, and slowly but surely, they're converting doubters into believers, but continued success will be needed.