Matias Almeyda’s Second Season2020 marks head coach Matias Almeyda’s second season at the helm. The Argentine led San Jose to a nine-win improvement from 2018 to 2019. Wondo’s Final SeasonQuakes forward Chris Wondolowski enters the final season of his career, which has seen him garner the MLS record for goals scored (159), game-winning goals (44) and goals for one team (155), among many others.Success Opening at Home
The Earthquakes have won four of the five home openers at Earthquakes Stadium since the venue opened in 2015. The Quakes defeated Minnesota United FC in 2018, the Montreal Impact in 2017, the Colorado Rapids in 2016 and the Chicago Fire in 2015.Undefeated at HomeThe Quakes are undefeated in two prior matches against Toronto FC at Earthquakes Stadium. San Jose earned a 2-1 victory in 2016 despite playing nearly the entire second half with nine men. The two teams later tied 1-1 in 2018.North of the BorderSan Jose has only dropped two matches against Canadian teams at Earthquakes Stadium, currently holding a 5-2-4 record.From the Ground UpThe Quakes enter 2020 with a club-record eight Homegrown players on the roster: Jacob Akanyirige, Cade Cowell, Gilbert Fuentes, Nick Lima, JT Marcinkowski, Emi Ochoa, Tommy Thompson and Casey Walls. Only four teams in MLS currently have more Homegrowns on their respective roster.Consistency is KeyThe Earthquakes are returning more than 95% of non-goalkeeper minutes from 2019. Returning players accounted for 32,168 minutes, while players no longer with the club totaled 1,483 minutes.
