The time has come! Major League Soccer is back and with some fans in attendance, no less.
The San Jose Earthquakes travel to BBVA Stadium to kick off their 2021 MLS season on Friday, April 16 against Houston Dynamo FC.
Head coach Matias Almeyda continues to have an unwavering faith in his team as he enters his third year with San Jose.
“Like everyone knows, I believe in my team before stepping on the field,” Almeyda shared looking ahead to Friday’s match. “We need to try to have a balance in the middle. Not start the season too high because it can be hard to maintain, and not too low because it can be difficult to pick ourselves up.”
The Quakes defeated the Oakland Roots 3-2 in a preseason match at PayPal Park on April 9. After a 2-0 deficit, newcomer Eduardo “Chofis” Lopez demonstrated that he is ready to play by scoring his first goal to cut the Roots’ lead in half. Subsequent goals by Carlos Fierro and Cade Cowell gave San Jose the comeback victory.
"We had some preseason matches against tough opponents,” said newcomer Eric Remedi. “Obviously, they weren't MLS clubs, but they were very solid teams, and we are just very excited to kick off the season."
Looking to keep the momentum going, San Jose has to continue to work together to get the first victory of the season, but it won’t be easy. The Quakes offense will now face an expectedly stronger defensive team as the Dynamo have made adjustments to their roster.
Houston may have lost Alberth Elis and Mauro Manotas but they gained former Red Bull center back Tim Parker, who helped guide New York to the 2018 Supporters’ Shield, and former LA Galaxy midfielder Joe Corona.
“Houston is looking good. They have a coach that makes the team play well,” said Almeyda. “I respect him. But it will be difficult.”
Friday’s match is slated for 5:00 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Bay Area Plus, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
