A look at the San Jose Earthquakes roster changes, major story lines, predicted starting XI and finishing position for the upcoming 2017 season.

The MLS season is almost upon us, as the San Jose Earthquakes will have their first match of the season on March 4th against the Montreal Impact at Avaya Stadium. After bringing in a new General Manager and adding some new players to the squad, things are looking up for this San Jose team ahead of this season.

2016 Recap

Record: 8-12-14

Finishing Position: 9th

Last season the Earthquakes spent much of their time chasing the sixth spot in the West, and came close a few times, but that was all. One problem that held the team back was that they couldn’t score often, if at all, during the season. This year should be different as they add new pieces to improve the team.

UNITY. DEVOTION. HERITAGE. – Nuevo San Jose Earthquakes adidas Primary Kit 2017. ¿Te gusta? https://t.co/rZFWN37ief pic.twitter.com/2kV6Cq0phP — Marca de Gol (@marcadegol) February 18, 2017

Transfers In:

Danny Hoesen (FC Gronigen)

Marcos Urena (Brondby IF)

Florian Jungwirth (Darmstadt 98)

Harold Cummings (Arabe Unido)

Nick Lima (UC Berkley)

Transfers Out:

Clarence Goodson (N/A)

Chad Barrett (Real Salt Lake)

Henok Goitom (N/A)

Innocent Emeghara (N/A)

Steven Lenhart (FC Imabari)

Projected Starting XI for Opening Weekend:

4-4-2

GK: David Bingham

Def: Harold Cummings Victor Bernardez Florian Jungwirth Shaun Francis

Mid: Simon Dawkins Darwin Ceren Shea Salinas Cordell Cato

Fwd: Danny Hoesen Chris Wondolowski

2017 Predictions

The Earthquakes have been stuck in a rut the last few seasons, and this year will be the one where they show signs of getting out of that rut. With only one offseason so far to see if new Quakes GM, Jesse Fioranelli, could turn this team in the right direction the signs look promising. The players he’s brought in so far it look like the Earthquakes are actually trying to improve their weak areas.

Recent moves the past few seasons saw this team add players who couldn’t contribute to the team, but this year it looks as though the Earthquakes might have added a couple of new starters to their 11.

This isn’t gonna be a season where the Earthquakes will be competing for the top spot in the league, but they should show progress over 2016. With the players they had in place already, and with the new ones getting situated within the squad, this could be an exciting season for the Quakes.

Last season they finished in the 9th spot but this season I see the Earthquakes managing to finish in 6th once the regular season closes this year.

2017 MLS Team Previews: