The San Jose Earthquakes have struggled to compete in the MLS during recent seasons, usually finishing in the bottom half of the Western Conference. But in today’s ever morphing MLS, a team’s fortune can change very quickly. This season, the Earthquakes happily reside in first place in their conference and could well be on their way to greatness.
San Jose has recently harbored the league’s best striker in Chris Wondolowski. The American has been leading the MLS in goals scored for the past three seasons and is currently atop the board with 14 goals in only 16 matches. He has nearly eclipsed his league-leading goal scoring marks of past years of 18 and 16, having only played half a full season so far. On this pace he could possibly break the MLS record of 27 set by Roy Lassiter in 1996.
But the Earthquakes this year go beyond simply their star striker. Other players have been in top form too. Recent signing Victor Bernardez has provided strength and steel in the defense. The former Anderlecht man also scored a fantastic volley off of a corner to get San Jose back in the California Classic right before half time. The Earthquakes built off of that momentum to earn a stunning comeback victory 4-3 over their rivals, the LA Galaxy.
Another Honduran player that has helped San Jose to this great start is Marvin Chavez. The winger hasn’t yet featured on the score sheet, but he has accumulated 8 assists on the season. His skill is paramount to the club’s success and has seen the Earthquakes net an MLS leading 36 goals for a two goals per game average. His pairing with Wondolowski has been giving defenses headaches all season.
Captain Ramiro Corrales is a versatile veteran of the MLS, who has featured since the inaugural 1996 season. He can play as a fullback, left midfielder, or a central midfielder. Although his speed isn’t what it once was, his leadership and forward thinking presence is also giving San Jose opportunities. He has five assists on the year so far.
Clearly this San Jose Earthquakes team has been smartly assembled for greatness. The team around Chris Wondolowski feeds him the balls and he can deliver the goals. They will be looking to continue their winning ways against FC Dallas tonight, who are in last place in the Western Conference. Where they go on from here is entirely in their hands and we can be sure to see to “wonderful” soccer ahead from this team.
