It’s been quite a momentous first two weeks in the Bruce Arena era. After a challenging 2023 season, the Earthquakes have emphatically flipped the script so far, with two wins in as many outings to start the campaign for the first time since 2017.
In fact, the 4-0 result against Real Salt Lake on Feb. 22 was the largest season-opening margin in club history, while last Saturday’s gutsy 2-1 road triumph over Sporting Kansas City was the Quakes’ first win in the Show-Me State in 10 years.
But don’t take our word for it; the national media is also starting to pay attention. Four websites have placed the Quakes in the top 10 of their respective power rankings:
Previous ranking: 5
“Could life be going any better for the San Jose Earthquakes right now? After trouncing Real Salt Lake, they got goals from key signings Josef Martinez and Chicho Arango this week, beating Sporting Kansas City 2–1, despite playing with 10-men from the 52nd minute.
For a team that finished last in 2024 and had a historically bad MLS season, Arena has shown he can adapt to a new era of American soccer, and the Earthquakes are the lucky beneficiaries of that.”
Previous ranking: 25
“Bruce Arena is off to a strong start with the Quakes. San Jose beat Kansas City 2-1 despite going down to 10 men in the second half. Newly signed striker Josef Martínez scored the decisive goal, marking his 117th all time, level with Bradley Wright-Phillips for sixth most in MLS history. It's early days, but as one of just five teams to win both of their games so far this season, the Quakes deserve their early perch toward the top of the rankings.”
Previous ranking: 9
“San Jose is reinvented under Bruce Arena. Two weeks, two wins, and six goals scored. Their attack is hustling, and it's incredible to watch. Both Josef Martinez and Chicho Arango found the back of the net for the first goals for the club in a 2-1 victory over SKC, and they sit top of the West alongside Vancouver and LAFC on six points.”
Previous ranking: 13
“Yeah, the competition hasn’t been the stiffest, but six points from two games is a massive step forward for last year’s Wooden Spoon-winning side. Chicho Arango and Josef Martínez scored early and the Quakes survived playing with 10 men for most of the second half in a 2-1 win at Sporting KC. The Bruce Arena era is off to a predictably competent start.”
Can the Black and Blue stay perfect Saturday night against Minnesota United FC (7:30 p.m. PT kickoff)? A win would mark the very first 3-0-0 start in club history.
The only way to guarantee a seat to all 2025 Earthquakes home games is by purchasing season tickets. Single-game tickets for matches at PayPal Park, Stanford Stadium and Levi’s Stadium are now available to the general public HERE.
