San José Earthquakes' MLS Slide Deepens
- San José Earthquakes have collected just one point from six MLS matches since the World Cup break, losing 1–5 to Minnesota United in their most recent outing.
- Timo Werner, who joined from RB Leipzig in January, has scored six goals and contributed five assists in 15 appearances and is not considered the source of the club's problems.
- Fan criticism has centred on goalkeeper Angus Gunn and a lack of further signings, with the MLS transfer window closing on 2 September.
San José Earthquakes are enduring a damaging run of form in Major League Soccer, taking just one point from six matches since the World Cup break — a spell that includes a 1–5 home defeat to Minnesota United that has intensified scrutiny on the Californian club ahead of a pivotal stretch of fixtures.
One point from six and a faltering playoff push
The Earthquakes, currently fourth in the MLS Western Conference, have not won since late May. Their sole return from six post-break outings came from a 1–1 draw against LA Galaxy. San José finished tenth in the Western Conference last season and narrowly missed the play-offs; a repeat of that fate looks increasingly plausible if results do not improve. The club's next opportunity comes against Houston Dynamo on Sunday morning.
Werner blameless as club falters around him
Whatever the source of the club's difficulties, former RB Leipzig and Germany international Timo Werner — who joined the Earthquakes from the Bundesliga club in the winter window — does not appear to be among them. The 30-year-old opened the scoring against Minnesota United with a penalty in the fourth minute and captained the side in the absence of Maya Yoshida, the 38-year-old regular skipper. Werner was substituted after roughly an hour and watched the remainder from the bench, including an extraordinary stoppage-time interruption when referee Jair Marrufo halted play after a baby made its way on to the pitch.
Across 15 competitive appearances for the Earthquakes, Werner has scored six times and registered five assists — a record that indicates his individual adaptation to American football has been a success even as the collective effort has misfired.
Goalkeeper and squad depth under scrutiny
Supporters have pointed in different directions when attributing blame for the poor run. A number of fans have criticised goalkeeper Angus Gunn, who joined on a free transfer from Nottingham Forest at 30 and replaced the previously dependable Daniel, who moved to Dallas. Others are calling for further signings before the MLS transfer window closes on 2 September. Whether the club will act in the remaining window is unresolved.
With the play-off places still within reach from fourth position, the Earthquakes cannot afford further slippage. The visit to Houston Dynamo represents an immediate test of whether the club can reverse a slide that risks undoing the promise of their early-season standing.
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