The Earthquakes dropped a difference of 18 points from winning positions versus what they won from losing positions. The league average difference was 3.25 dropped. 15 more points would have moved the Earthquakes from last to…well, tied for 10th with Minnesota United. But a few more home wins would have made the season more tolerable.

In what might be one final chance from the Earthquakes front office, Fioranelli had a master-stroke and went out and hired Matias Almeyda before the season even ended. The Argentinian and former River Plate and Chivas Guadalajara manager, along with his full set of assistants, has a thing for turnaround projects. Almeyda saved both of the aforementioned clubs from relegation and helped restore them to glory, including winning the Concacaf Champions League final against Toronto FC in 2018. Doubtless he sees San Jose as a project while he waits to see what happens with former Atlanta United manager, Tata Martino, as the head of El Tri. In Mexico, Chivas is known for only using Mexican players and would not sign Almeyda’s transfer targets. Purportedly, this is the main reason for Almeyda’s split from the club. From the Chivas frying pan and into the frugal San Jose fire, he has already stated in interviews given in Spanish that he was unable to get the Liga MX players he wanted for this season.

Instead, Almeyda, with a few cheaper-than-Liga MX acquisitions at left back, defensive midfielder, and right midfielder will be asked to “coach ‘em up” and get San Jose back to some level of respectability.

Outgoing Players (from mlssoccer.com)

D - Yeferson Quintana (11/29/18 - option declined)

DM - Jahmir Hyka (11/29/18 - option declined)

M - Chris Wehan (11/29/18 - option declined)

F - Danny Musovski (11/29/18 - option declined)

F - Mohamed Thiaw (11/29/18 - option declined)

F - Dominic Oduro (11/29/18 - out of contract)

The problem with this list is it isn’t nearly enough for a last-place team. Quintana did not even play in the second half of the season. Jahmir Hyka, a fan favorite, known as the “FC Dallas killer” scored three goals, but simply was not effective making the Quakes more dangerous in the final third, opting to go backwards more often than not. Dominic Oduro came in a trade with Montreal for Quincy Amarikwa and barely saw the pitch. Chris Wehan, who was the Rookie of the Year in USL in 2017, saw some field time but didn’t make a tangible impact in any appearance.

Others who likely should have been on this list include: Andrew Tarbell, who, despite being known as a shotstopper, had the worst G-xG in the league; Paul Marie, whose option was picked up even though he didn’t feature much in Reno apparently due to injuries; backup goalkeeper Matt Bersano, who has been amazing in USL but can’t even get on the pitch for an Open Cup game; Qwiberg for obvious reasons; and Cummings who, outside of a couple games, hasn’t shown anyone he’s the beast he appears to be up close.

There’s a big question mark around Eriksson, whom Djurgårdens IF sports manager Bosse Andersson has said he wants to bring home. Rumors abounded that he and the Earthquakes were looking to deal him or loan him out. Given the departure of Stahre, Eriksson may to want to get back to Sweden as soon as possible. Colin Etnire of Quakes Epicenter has estimated a cap hit of $400K for Eriksson in his excellent salary spreadsheet, believing his transfer fee was paid off with Discretionary TAM last year in order to make the team salary cap compliant. Or maybe it wasn’t we really don’t know for sure.

Given earlier public and rumored locker room comments by Florian Jungwirth, it’s somewhat surprising his option was picked up, especially considering it’s not clear if he will be playing his preferred defensive midfielder spot as he did for most of 2018 or will be moving back to his 2017 spot of centerback. If he has gotten his head right as he says he has, his estimated $150K cap hit is a good deal given he’s probably the first player on if anyone is injured in those positions.

Incoming Players

M - Judson (12/20/18 - loan from Tombense)

F - Cristian Espinoza (1/2/19 - loan from Villarreal)

D - Marcos López (1/6/19 - transfer from Sporting Cristal)

M - Siad Haji (1/11/19 - SuperDraft)

GK - Daniel Vega (1/18/19 - free)

F - Cade Cowell (1/23/19 - Homegrown)

Not only did the Quakes not get rid of enough baggage, they didn’t sign anyone of significant note in the winter. Judson, a Brazilian second-division central midfielder who is known for shutting down counter-attacks, may be their best pickup. Second division in Brazil is still a top league in South America, and, by all accounts, he will provide good quality where the Quakes have been lacking as a true 6.

Christian Espinoza will give San Jose the pace on the right wing they lack with Eriksson. Not known as a goal scorer, but instead providing decent service into the box, San Jose will hope Espinoza will show the abilities Villarreal thought they were getting when they signed him.

Marco López might be the most intriguing pick-up. The Peruvian media was abuzz when it became known the Quakes might have gotten him for a transfer fee song from Sporting Cristal due to a wrinkle in their older contracts. A 19-year-old, the Earthquakes have touted López as the best young player in Peru and recently received a call-up to the senior team. López looks to plug the hole the Quakes have had at left back since the departure of Justin Morrow after the 2013 season.