The offseason is a land of opportunity, where anything is possible. As such, we asked our esteemed broadcast team what their bold prediction for the 2019 would be.
Ted Ramey (English radio play-by-play): Earthquakes to finish as top-5 defense in MLS
“My bold prediction is that the Quakes will turn into a defensively solid team in 2019. Based on what we've seen in the preseason, new defensive midfielder Judson has remarkable touchline-to-touchline speed and seems to free up Anibal Godoy to play more naturally on both offense and defense. I think a full preseason for Guram Kashia and Harold Cummings to work together and be fully fit will also result in an uptick in performance from the Quakes back line as well. Nick Lima has shown the world now, including his star turn for the USMNT, that he can be an absolute shutdown defender, and 19-year-old Peruvian left back Marcos Lopez has shown flashes of why he is considered one of the best young players in the Peruvian system. And lastly, whether its Vega, Tarbell, Bersano, or Marcinkowski, whoever becomes the GK for the Quakes over the 2019 season, all of them offer something unique for the Quakes to deploy. So, bold prediction: the San Jose Earthquakes will be top-5 defense in MLS for the 2019 season.”
Chris Dangerfield (TV analyst): Quakes to reach postseason
“With seven teams now making the playoffs from each conference, I am looking for the Quakes to take one of those spots. It won’t be easy with SKC and Portland looking strong, Minnesota improving and the Galaxy having Zlatan. There will be ups and down as the new coaches get used to life in MLS, but with this coaching staff I am looking for the Quakes to improve throughout the season and look to be playing their best later in the season and hopefully into the playoffs.”
Danielle Slaton (TV analyst): Earthquakes to experience five-game unbeaten run
“With a new coach and a few new faces who I expect to get significant minutes, it may take the Quakes a little time to find their footing. There will be ebbs and flows to the season (there always are in MLS), but I anticipate a string of matches where the Quakes will have built some confidence and momentum, and as such, will get results. I'm predicting a five-game unbeaten streak at some point this season. I'm not bold enough to call which five games, but it'll happen!”
Anthony Passarelli (TV play-by-play): Quakes will have four double-digit scorers
“The Quakes will have four players with 10+ goals. Last year, Wondo, Hoesen and Vako eclipsed the 10-goal mark and with Espinoza and Godoy given more freedom to play forward (Judson covering the back four), I'm predicting the Quakes will add a fourth 10+ goal scorer to the mix.”
