The San Jose Earthquakes are showing renewed energy and excitement this season, with standout performances from both new signings and homegrown talent. Despite recent challenges, the team's intensity on the pitch is captivating fans.
Key points
San Jose Earthquakes show renewed energy this season
Team has made only three playoff appearances since 2012
Standout performances from Timo Werner and Niko Tsakiris
Intensity on the pitch is captivating fans
Tsakiris' injury is a significant setback for the club
Itâs not the winning thatâs making the San Jose Earthquakes so intriguing this year, itâs the way in which theyâre doing it.
Theres a new energy around the San Jose Earthquakes these days. Itâs been a tough stretch of years for the club, which has made just three playoff appearances in the 13 seasons since winning the MLS Supportersâ Shield in 2012. But roughly one-third of the way through the 2026 season, and things look to be turning around.
Thereâs a new level of intensity on the pitch. Whether itâs big signings like Timo Werner or homegrown products like Niko Tsakiris, âQuakes fans have seen standout individual performances, in addition to a cohesive team effort on both sides of the ball. Tsakirisâ recent groin injury was a big blow to the club, however.
The score lines tell an even more compelling story.
Wins make an impact, but they also raise expectations. Sure, teams can force results, but when theyâre consistently blowing out opponents, that sends a statement. Big wins, including a 4-1 rout away at LAFC which was immediately followed by a 5-1 thrashing of Austin FC at home, put the league on notice â the âQuakes arenât messing around this year. The clubâs +18 goal differential is tied for the second-best mark in the league.
But even more fascinating is whatâs going on off the pitch.
Q&A
What changes have made the San Jose Earthquakes more exciting this season?
The Earthquakes have introduced a new level of intensity and have seen standout performances from both new signings and homegrown players.
How many playoff appearances have the San Jose Earthquakes made since 2012?
Since winning the MLS Supporters' Shield in 2012, the San Jose Earthquakes have made just three playoff appearances.
Who are some key players contributing to the San Jose Earthquakes' success?
Key players include big signings like Timo Werner and homegrown talent Niko Tsakiris, who have both delivered impressive performances.
What impact did Niko Tsakiris' injury have on the San Jose Earthquakes?
Niko Tsakiris' recent groin injury was a significant setback for the club, affecting their performance and cohesion on the pitch.
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Thereâs always something fractured about the Bay Areaâs relationship with soccer. There are simply too many teams, too many loyalties, too many foreign connections. Whether due to inconsistent performances on the pitch, or a lack of connection with the community off of it, the âQuakes havenât completely ingrained themselves with the area that has historically adored the sport, but not necessarily the team.
Things may be changing, slowly but surely.
Thereâs a quiet buzz building around the Earthquakes. Youâll notice the team being brought up in conversations amongst friends, or in the office first thing Monday morning after the weekend slate of games. The âQuakes will be squeezed into the group chat while big European fixtures are on. A general curiosity has evolved into belief, something that hasnât been felt in PayPal Park for quite some time.
It doesnât feel overwhelming. But itâs real.
And maybe thatâs why it feels unique. Itâs not forced or overhyped, and you donât feel like youâre hopping on the bandwagon. Itâs natural. Itâs people tuning into the game knowing they have a reason to.
Turning on the TV or seeing it live feels less like a duty and more like something you fear missing out on. The energy around the team is different, in an indescribable way. Bruce Arenaâs men employ a modern style of play thatâs genuinely enjoyable to watch.
Those spells each week begin to build something larger than getting positive outcomes. It tends to build trust. For the last decade or so, watching the âQuakes almost felt like expecting disappointment but still cheering on. With this season, it most definitely feels the complete opposite.
Photo by Brandon Vallance/Getty Images
However, thereâs always this second thought: How much better can it get?
If youâve been following the team for a while, you come to realize that you shouldnât have full faith early on. Youâve witnessed promising runs before. Youâve had this feeling of momentum growing, only for it to disintegrate in a heartbeat. That narrative never leaves because of a positive run.
However, this start to the season feels unique. Big wins can happen anywhere, but the personality of this team hits different. The simplicity in which it plays breeds consistency, which is cause for hope.
Sure, a bright start doesnât promise an MLS Cup. Seasons are extensive and irregularity can occur at any given time. But that doubt isnât the primary emotion steering this episode.
Right now, itâs delight up in the air.
Itâs making sure to check for the upcoming match and actually being excited to support your club. Looking up highlights a couple times, not out of shock, but admiration. Itâs discussions that start to raise interesting questions.
Watching the Quakes for once doesnât perceive towards a negative experience especially after a long period of time.
It tends to feel like being a part of a proper experience that is hopefully going in the right direction.
