First and foremost, preseason results account for very little in the grand scheme of things. After all, the Quakes went undefeated during preseason in 2018, including lopsided wins over the LA Galaxy and Reno 1868 FC.
However, things can certainly be learned by a team’s performance through January and February and Quakes fans should be feeling good about their team heading into Saturday’s season opener.
Two things that can be pointed to as key factors for last season’s demise were physical fitness and a less-than-perfect mentality. The team wasn’t out of shape per se but conceded so many goals in the waning moments of matches that it seems they may have simply run out of steam towards the final whistle.