After just missing the MLS Cup playoffs last season, the San Jose Earthquakes are looking for a positive start as they prepare to face Sporting Kansas City in their season opener this Saturday night.
The Earthquakes are the fifth MLS team led by 74-year-old coach Bruce Arena, a former U.S. men’s national team head coach and a National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee. Notably, all four of his previous teams reached the playoffs in their second full season, with three winning the Supporters’ Shield.
San Jose narrowly missed the playoffs last year, losing a tiebreaker to Real Salt Lake. They had a strong preseason, winning three matches, with two ending in shutouts. A significant addition this season is German international Timo Werner.
Werner, 29, has scored 24 goals in 57 international appearances for Germany. He has joined the team on a Designated Player contract following a challenging season at RB Leipzig. His arrival comes as the team looks to replace striker Josef Martinez, who scored a team-high 14 goals, and Cristian Espinoza, who provided 12 assists before leaving the team in the offseason.
However, Arena mentioned that Werner might not play in the season opener due to visa issues. “He has not arrived yet; we’re working on his visa,” Arena explained in an interview. “I expect him to be here over the weekend or early next week.”
Sporting Kansas City enters the matchup after finishing last in the Western Conference last year, achieving just seven wins, 28 points, and a minus-24 goal differential.
Peter Vermes, who had been coach during their 2013 MLS Cup victory, was replaced by Raphael Wicky. Wicky, who previously led BSC Young Boys to the Swiss Super League title in 2022-23, has also managed the Chicago Fire but was dismissed after two seasons without a playoff appearance.
Wicky aims to focus on ball control and pressing while rebuilding Sporting KC. “I like to have the ball, but when we don’t, I want us to be aggressive,” he stated.
In a recent move, Sporting KC traded longtime striker Daniel Salloi to Toronto FC. They ended their preseason on a high note with a 2-0 victory over Austin FC. “I think we’re on a good track to instill the DNA of who we want to be,” Wicky added.