As a longtime MLS analyst who’s followed the San Jose Earthquakes for over a decade, I’ve seen plenty of ups and downs—but this season has been something else entirely. When I sat down to analyze their performance, I couldn’t help but think about how team dynamics shape outcomes, not just tactics or individual brilliance. And honestly, it reminded me of that now-famous quote from an entirely different sport: “Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers.” While that’s from the NBA, the sentiment resonates deeply with what I observed in San Jose’s campaign—especially when key players seemed disconnected or disengaged at crucial moments.
Let’s rewind a bit. The Earthquakes entered the 2023 MLS season with cautious optimism. They’d finished 14th in the Western Conference the previous year, and with new signings like midfielder Carlos Alvarez and defender Tomás Rodríguez, fans hoped for a turnaround. But early on, cracks appeared. In their home opener against LA Galaxy, they conceded two soft goals in the final 15 minutes, losing 2-1 despite dominating possession. Stats showed they completed 88% of their passes in that match, but when it mattered, the final third execution was just… lacking. I remember thinking, “This team has talent, but do they have the collective spirit?” It’s a question that haunted them all season.
One of the key matches that stood out to me was their 3-2 comeback win against Seattle Sounders in May. Down 2-0 at halftime, the Earthquakes looked disjointed—almost like some players were going through the motions. But then, something clicked. Forward Jeremy Ebobisse, who ended the season with 12 goals, sparked the rally with a fierce header in the 58th minute. That game highlighted a recurring theme: when the squad played as a unit, they could compete with anyone. But consistency? That was the issue. By mid-season, rumors swirled about locker room tensions, and I couldn’t shake that Jimmy Butler analogy. While no one publicly demanded a trade, the body language of certain players during the 4-0 loss to Austin FC spoke volumes. Passes went astray, defensive assignments were missed—it felt like some had mentally checked out, much like Butler’s situation where actions signal a desire to move on.
Digging deeper into the data, San Jose’s defensive stats were concerning. They conceded 48 goals in 34 matches, averaging 1.41 per game, and their expected goals against (xGA) was around 1.38, suggesting the issues were systemic, not just bad luck. Personally, I think the midfield shield was too often bypassed, leaving the backline exposed. But beyond numbers, what struck me was the emotional rollercoaster. In a tight 1-0 victory over Portland Timbers, the team showed grit, with goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski making 7 saves. Yet, the very next week, they collapsed 3-1 against Colorado Rapids—a match where they had 65% possession but only 3 shots on target. It’s those swings that make you wonder about player buy-in. If a key figure isn’t fully committed, as in that NBA scenario, it can ripple through the whole squad. I’ve seen it before in my years covering the league: one disgruntled star can undermine morale, even if they never say a word publicly.
Offensively, there were bright spots. Ebobisse’s partnership with Cristian Espinoza produced 18 combined goals and assists, and their 4-3-3 formation often created chances—they averaged 12.5 shots per game, which isn’t bad. But in big moments, like the 2-2 draw with LAFC where they blew a late lead, you could sense a lack of cohesion. It reminds me of how, in that Jimmy Butler reference, a player’s disengagement forces a team to adapt, sometimes mid-stream. For San Jose, that meant shuffling lineups frequently; they used over 25 different starting XI combinations, which probably didn’t help stability. From my perspective, the coaching staff deserves credit for trying to rally the group, but when core players aren’t aligned, it’s an uphill battle.
Looking ahead, the Earthquakes have pieces to build on. Youngsters like Cade Cowell showed flashes of brilliance—his pace and dribbling led to 5 assists—and if they can retain their top talent, a playoff push isn’t out of the question. But they must address the unity issues. As that trade scenario illustrates, when someone’s heart isn’t in it, everyone feels it. I’d love to see them invest in team chemistry, maybe through more collaborative off-field activities, because on paper, this squad is better than their 10th-place finish suggests. In the end, soccer, like basketball, is as much about mindsets as it is about skills. For San Jose, finding players who truly want to be part of the journey could be the key to turning those close losses into memorable wins.
