2023 MLS Regular Season Record: 10W - 14D - 10L
Key Takeaways from 2023
A Step Forward
After a tumultuous 2022 season, San Jose entered 2023 with the announcement of Luchi Gonzalez as the new manager for the club. Luchi last coached in MLS with FC Dallas, experiencing mixed success, and spent the last few years with Gregg Berhalter and the USMNT.
The Earthquakes deployed both a 4-3-3 and a 4-2-3-1 formation. During his time at FC Dallas, Luchi's primary formation was the 4-3-3, also known as “Luchi-Ball,” which he used most frequently. This style emphasizes possession, plays through the midfield, while also focusing on creating width. However, in an Athletic article, Luchi alluded to changes in his tactics after spending time with Berhalter.
In the 4-2-3-1, Cade Cowell typically started on the left wing, and Matthew Hoppe or Jamiro Monteiro moved to the CAM spot. Unfortunately, Nathan, who played a crucial role in their backline in 2022, suffered an ACL injury during the preseason. Tanner Beason and Jonathan Mensah took over his spot at centre-back.
The Quakes struggled to score throughout the season, despite boasting one of MLS' top goal scoring duos from 2022, Jeremy Ebobisse and Cristian Espinoza. The club ranked eighth lowest in goals and third lowest in shots on target.
Espinoza, in particular, played a pivotal role this season. He took every single corner throughout the regular season—198 in total—and was responsible for approximately 40% of free-kick shots.
San Jose finished with a Goals minus Expected Goals difference of -7.2, the sixth-lowest in the league.
Espinoza (13 goals vs. 7.9 xG) and Ebobisse (10 goals vs. 9.5 xG) emerged as the top goal scorers for the Quakes in 2023.
However, several players fell short of their expected goal performances, including Cade Cowell (1 goal vs. 4.8 xG), Jamiro Monteiro (1 goal vs. 3.9 xG), Rodrigues (1 goal vs. 2.9 xG), and Ben Kikanovic (1 goal vs. 2.8 xG).
Despite Luchi's reported emphasis on possession, the club performed at an average level in most of these statistical categories. In 23 out of their 35 total MLS matches, they were out-possessed, averaging just 43% possession in those games. I won't delve too deeply into analyzing this stat line, as it could be tactical, but considering the changes made to the Quakes' midfield this offseason, I don't believe it was entirely intentional.
The highlight for the Quakes this year was their goalkeeping. While they conceded a slightly below-average number of goals, their save percentage and post-shot expected goals were among the league's best. They ranked fourth in save percentage and claimed the top spot in PSxG at +8.7.
However, the backline allowed a high rate of shots on-target, which is understandable considering their struggle to dominate possession.
Starting goalkeeper Daniel missed some time this season due to injury and a red card suspension, but he concluded as one of the league's best shot-stoppers with a PSxG of +7.3, while backup goalkeeper J.T. Marcinkowski finished at +1.4.
This season marked a step in the right direction for San Jose, despite finishing on the lower end of the Western Conference table. If they can revitalize their attack with a new signing in this window, I believe they'll be poised for a great season.
Only other note I’ll add is the the urgent need for a new stadium. The current field, in comparison to their California counterparts, is extremely outdated.
Top Sorare Fantasy Performers
Goalkeeper: Daniel | L15: 50 | 60+ pts games: 7 | Clean sheets: 6 | Penalties saved: 1
Defender: Rodrigues | L15: 64 | 60+ pts games: 19 | Goals: 1 | Assists: 1 | Clean sheets: 9
Midfielder: Cristian Espinoza | L15: 57 | 60+ pts games: 17 | Goals: 13 | Assists: 8
Forward : Jeremy Ebobisse | L15: 53 | 60+ pts games: 13 | Goals: 10 | Assists: 2
Extra: Jackson Yueill | L15: 58 | 60+ pts games: 9 | Goals: 1 | Assists: 4
2024 Outlook
Last Updated 2/4/2024
GIF Rating:
Outgoing Players
Oskar Ågren - Centre-back - Option Declined
Nathan - Centre-back - Option Declined
Keegan Tingey - Left-back - Option Declined
Miguel Trauco - Left-back - Option Declined
Cam Cilley - Defensive Midfielder - Option Declined
Judson - Defensive Midfielder - Option Declined
Jamiro Monteiro - Central Midfielder - Option Declined
Jonathan Mensah - Centre-back - Out of Contract
Ayo Akinola - Centre-forward- Loan expired
Matthew Hoppe - Centre-forward - Loan expired
Cade Cowell - Winger - Transferred to Chivas for $4m with add-ons and sell-on percentage.
Incoming Players
Rodrigues - Centre-back - Exercised purchase option for loan from Grêmio
Preston Judd - Centre-forward - Acquired from LA Galaxy in exchange for up to $250k in General Allocation Money (GAM)
Alfredo Morales - Central Midfielder - Acquired rights to sign from NYCFC in exchange for third round draft pick
William Yarbrough - Goalkeeper - Signed as free agent
Rumor Mill
Amahl Pellegrino - Left Winger - Rumored transfer from Bodø/Glimt
Filling in the Missing Pieces
Several players left the club after its return to playoffs in 2023, including Jamiro Monteiro, Jonathan Mensah, and Matthew Hoppe. More significantly, one of San Jose's featured prospects, Cade Cowell, has been transferred to Chivas in Liga MX in a reported $4 million deal.
In general, I like these moves as they provide San Jose with the opportunity to strengthen their midfield and attack, as well as find a partner for Rodrigues in the center-back position.
Currently, the club hasn't made any major or unexpected moves. While acquiring Rodrigues permanently was important, the additions of Preston Judd and Alfredo Morales seem more like depth signings and don't fully address their immediate needs.
Overall, if they can secure a high-quality attacker with their last designated player spot, I am optimistic San Jose can continue their upward trajectory in the Western Conference table. If not, they may face regression or stagnation.