SAN JOSE – Matias Almeyda is back, and so are the members of a San Jose Earthquakes squad last seen showing signs of brilliance during the 2020 MLS is Back tournament, and then backing that up with a regular season remainder where they posted a less than brilliant 6-9-4 record. There were definite signs of improvement, and despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, there was plenty to be optimistic about heading into 2021.
And so it happened, having last competed in a 3-3 tie that led to a shootout with Sporting KC that ended with Kansas City taking the points, the Earthquakes began 2021 with all the speed and strength fans witnessed the emergence of in 2020. First with a 6-1 thrashing of USL Championship side Sacramento Republic FC on April 2, Then a 3-2 defeat of neighboring Oakland Roots SC on April 9, they entered MLS play on the road.
The first match vs the Houston Dynamo on April 16 ended in a 2-1 loss that really could have swung the other way but for a few calls, a few no-calls, and an errant shot on goal. The Quakes wiped away the cobwebs and got serious. On April 24, the Quakes were fast, physical and dominant in a 3-1 victory over FC Dallas accompanied by a red card (89′) for the great Chris Wondolowski. Taking one for the team, setting the tone for the season, Wondo’s ‘Never Say Die’ style is not only a sight to behold, it’s a mantra and an energy to be absorbed.
And absorbed it was. The Quakes hosted DC United on May 1 in what can only be characterized as the most electrifying punch-in-the-throat power flex ever to occur on the club’s home pitch. PayPal Park, formerly Earthquakes Stadium, previously known as Avaya Stadium, is where home is, and last Saturday’s sabre rattle started early.
La Chofis got things going with a quick strike in the first minute of play that sent everyone erupting in cheers. It was his first MLS goal. With limited fans on hand, both the Ultras and Faultline supporters groups forced echoes off the seatbacks that filled the air. Who is Chofis, you might ask. For those who don’t know, he’s #9, an outstanding attacking midfielder/winger from Torreon, Mexico. His full name is Javier Eduardo Lopez Ramirez. Statistics sheets will often cite E. Lopez. Make no mistake, he is every bit the nickname earned while at Chivas de Guadalajara, he is fantastic, and he is La Chofis.
With heads spinning at how quickly the Quakes got on the board, the team played an up tempo aggressive style with as much athleticism from a backline coming up as from a frontline dropping back. It was indeed all hands at all levels across the pitch, and the Earthquakes were in clear control. A rocket from 17 year old phenom Cade Cowell (26′) burned a hole through the air and lit up the back of the net. He wasn’t done there. Cowell played strong, fast and physical all night, and he didn’t just stay forward. He ran the full pitch and played defense as well as any forward winger in the game. Cade’s footsteps literally sent vibrations across the line and to the north end wall. He is 100% Earthquake, and he embodies the Never Say Die spirit.
Keeper JT Marcinkowski played brilliantly in goal managing 18 shots, 7 of which were on target. Add nearly a half dozen set plays off the corner alone, and DCU kept him busy. A lone goal by Costa Rican international defender Jose Vazquez (31′) quickly reminded the Quakes that DC was not to be blown off, but that’s where it ended. From there, it was all Quakes. Not only did they control the ball and wear down the clock, midfielder Jackson Yueill added two goals (43′, 85′) to seal the outcome.
Not to be forgotten, center back Florian Jungwirth. Playing from back to front, and sporting the longest hair on the pitch, Jungwirth displays a raw on-the-edge energy unparalleled in backline play. With every step, he reminds opponents that he will not be beaten. His goal line save in the second half kept the match at 3-1 and all but ensured the Quakes mantra, Never Say Die.
San Jose finished the night with a dominant 4-1 statement supported by the two stars on their kit: this club is for real, and these men want the cup. It’s early, and a lot can happen, but even with Wondo out due to his red card the week before, every member of the club embraced and embodied equal energy and passion. The fight is real, and the San Jose Earthquakes will Never Say Die.
The Earthquakes compete on the road on Friday, May 7 at Real Salt Lake. That match kicks off at 6:30pm PST. The club returns home to PayPal Park on Wednesday, May 12 to host the Seattle Sounders. That kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm PST.
Ahsan Awan has been covering sports for over a decade, including professional soccer and the San Jose Earthquakes since 2014. All images taken by Ahsan Awan for American Presswire and ©2021 American Presswire. He can be found on Twitter as @quackarazzi and on Instagram as @quackarazzi.