The San Jose Earthquakes are Fun Again | OneFootball

It’s not the winning that’s making the San Jose Earthquakes so intriguing this year, it’s the way in which they’re doing it. 

Theres a new energy around the San Jose Earthquakes these days. It’s been a tough stretch of years for the club, which has made just three playoff appearances in the 13 seasons since winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield in 2012. But roughly one-third of the way through the 2026 season, and things look to be turning around.

There’s a new level of intensity on the pitch. Whether it’s big signings like Timo Werner or homegrown products like Niko Tsakiris, ‘Quakes fans have seen standout individual performances, in addition to a cohesive team effort on both sides of the ball. Tsakiris’ recent groin injury was a big blow to the club, however.

The score lines tell an even more compelling story.

Wins make an impact, but they also raise expectations. Sure, teams can force results, but when they’re consistently blowing out opponents, that sends a statement. Big wins, including a 4-1 rout away at LAFC which was immediately followed by a 5-1 thrashing of Austin FC at home, put the league on notice — the ‘Quakes aren’t messing around this year. The club’s +18 goal differential is tied for the second-best mark in the league.

But even more fascinating is what’s going on off the pitch.

Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

There’s always something fractured about the Bay Area’s relationship with soccer. There are simply too many teams, too many loyalties, too many foreign connections. Whether due to inconsistent performances on the pitch, or a lack of connection with the community off of it, the ‘Quakes haven’t completely ingrained themselves with the area that has historically adored the sport, but not necessarily the team.

Things may be changing, slowly but surely.

There’s a quiet buzz building around the Earthquakes. You’ll notice the team being brought up in conversations amongst friends, or in the office first thing Monday morning after the weekend slate of games. The ‘Quakes will be squeezed into the group chat while big European fixtures are on. A general curiosity has evolved into belief, something that hasn’t been felt in PayPal Park for quite some time.

It doesn’t feel overwhelming. But it’s real.

And maybe that’s why it feels unique. It’s not forced or overhyped, and you don’t feel like you’re hopping on the bandwagon. It’s natural. It’s people tuning into the game knowing they have a reason to.

Turning on the TV or seeing it live feels less like a duty and more like something you fear missing out on. The energy around the team is different, in an indescribable way. Bruce Arena’s men employ a modern style of play that’s genuinely enjoyable to watch.

Those spells each week begin to build something larger than getting positive outcomes. It tends to build trust. For the last decade or so, watching the ‘Quakes almost felt like expecting disappointment but still cheering on. With this season, it most definitely feels the complete opposite.

Photo by Brandon Vallance/Getty Images

However, there’s always this second thought: How much better can it get?

If you’ve been following the team for a while, you come to realize that you shouldn’t have full faith early on. You’ve witnessed promising runs before. You’ve had this feeling of momentum growing, only for it to disintegrate in a heartbeat. That narrative never leaves because of a positive run.

However, this start to the season feels unique. Big wins can happen anywhere, but the personality of this team hits different. The simplicity in which it plays breeds consistency, which is cause for hope.

Sure, a bright start doesn’t promise an MLS Cup. Seasons are extensive and irregularity can occur at any given time. But that doubt isn’t the primary emotion steering this episode.

Right now, it’s delight up in the air.

It’s making sure to check for the upcoming match and actually being excited to support your club. Looking up highlights a couple times, not out of shock, but admiration. It’s discussions that start to raise interesting questions.

Watching the Quakes for once doesn’t perceive towards a negative experience especially after a long period of time.

It tends to feel like being a part of a proper experience that is hopefully going in the right direction.