After a season full of ups and downs, the San Jose Earthquakes come off their longer-than-expected offseason and look to take MLS by surprise once again in 2021. Chris Wondolowski is back for another season, and the all-time leading scorer will surely get playing time, although he’s likely going to need to work his way into the starting XI yet again. Can San Jose not only reach the playoffs this season but really show they are ready for a step up? It’s going to be another fascinating season in the Bay Area.
San Jose Earthquakes (2020 record: 8W-9L-6D, 8th in Western Conference, lost in opening round of playoffs on penalty shootout)
Head coach: Matias Almeyda (3rd season)
Key additions: Eduardo “Chofis” Lopez, Luciano Abecasis, Eric Remedi
Key losses: Nick Lima, Vako, Guram Kashia, Danny Hoesen
Projected Best XI (4-2-3-1): GK - Marcinkowski; Abecasis, Jungwirth, Alanís, M.