With the 2017 season officially in the books, the San Jose Earthquakes have plenty to be proud of on and off the field. A trip to the postseason for the first time in five years and a spot in the U.S. Open Cup semis for the first time since 2004 highlight the calendar year.
Let’s takes a look at how individuals on the team fared this year and how they impacted the club.
Anibal Godoy
Anibal Godoy has meant a whole heck of a lot to the Quakes since joining the team in August of 2015. This season was certainly no exception. In 2017, Godoy set career highs (MLS) in appearances (26), starts (24) and minutes played (2,134), while tallying two crucial goals and one assist.
In 22 matches when Godoy started and played 90 minutes, the Quakes lost seven times (32%). In just 12 games that he didn’t, the Quakes also lost seven times (58%). He’s a true difference-maker.
After scoring the game-winner in each of the first two games of the season, Godoy was just one goal shy of the three he scored in 2015 (partial season) and 2016 combined. But as the team’s formation changed, Godoy’s role changed as well. He sat deeper, protecting the backline in a 4-2-3-1 and didn’t tally an assist or goal after Week 3.
Nonetheless, the Panamanian was a valuable piece on both sides of the ball as an aggressive ball-winner and distributor. The fact that he was also the lone lefty on the field for much of the season didn’t hurt either.
Godoy’s talent will be on display for the world to see next summer at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, as he helped Los Canaleros punch their ticket for the first time ever.
