San Jose Earthquakes Get Busy Over Summer Break | OneFootball

The Earthquakes certainly didn’t sit idle during the World Cup break in the MLS season. One of the surprise teams of 2026, San Jose currently sit second in the Western Conference, and third in the Supporters Shield standings.

Friendly Match

Outside of their mandatory 18 day “vacation” mandated by the league, they hosted a friendly against Liga MX’s Tijuana on July 3rd. The Xolos emerged victorious on that night 2-1, with all the goals coming in the first half. Quakes responded quickly after going down early when Beau Leroux had a tap in, but the team squandered many other chances. They were ultimately undone by Tijuana striker Adonis Preciado, who scored a header from a corner in the sixth minute, and unleashed a wicked curling strike from outside the box just before halftime.

Quakes swapped their entire lineup for the second half, while Xolos switched up five players. No goals were scored despite a number of decent chances created. Overall, the Quakes’ reserves were bright and aggressive, particularly towards the waning minutes when they pressured Tijuana hard. Goalkeeper Francesco Montali made his debut and kept a clean sheet in the second half, while homegrown midfielder Edwyn Mendoza also got a debut call, subbing on in the 76th minute and having his one shot on goal blocked. 

Big Shake Up Between the Sticks

Daniel’s absence in that friendly wasn’t surprising, but the news only days later was. The 32 year-old keeper was traded to FC Dallas on July 9. This followed the breaking news one day earlier that San Jose had signed Scottish international Angus Gunn. Gunn, who started all three games in Scotland’s disastrous World Cup group stage, was a free agent after his contract with Nottingham Forest expired in June. He’ll occupy an International Roster spot previously sold to LA Galaxy, who were obligated to return it on July 13 since they didn’t fill it. D’oh.

FC Dallas forked over a guaranteed $700K in GAM for Daniel ($300K now; $400K in 2027) plus an additional $300K if he meets performance incentives. The Brazilian was exceptional in the first half of the season. He earned 5 clean sheets in 15 games, and conceded 15 goals (9 of them during a rough four game stretch before the break where they lost three). Over four years, Daniel experienced highs and lows, vacillating from starter to back-up to bench warmer. But he clearly stepped up in 2026, and seeing him go is tough.

Key Contract Extensions Lock in Talent

Looking to lock in some key players, San Jose announced a number of contract extensions. The biggest was Preston Judd. With 11 goals, he’s sitting fifth in the Golden Boot race and undoubtedly one reason for the Quakes’ strong start. Earthquakes Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena had this to say: “He has made very good progress over the past year and a half, and has had an impressive goal scoring record. He is most deserving of a new contract.” He’ll remain an Earthquake through the 2028-29 season, with another year option.

But it didn’t end there.

Shoring up the defensive line in front of Gunn was also important. To that end, Benji Kikanović, Jamar Ricketts and Reid Roberts were also given new contracts through the 2028-29 season. This ensures three of the four starting defenders will remain in the Black and Blue. Kikanović, 26, is entering his sixth season with San Jose. A converted forward, he played with Sacramento State before going pro.

Roberts and Ricketts were both MLS SuperDraft selections (in 2025 and 2024 respectively). San Jose has the more SuperDraftees on their roster than any other MLS squad. Roberts, 22, is among one the league’s most exciting center back prospects. He made what is widely considered the best defensive play of the year so far with his overhead kick clearance against Toronto FC.

Adding Some New Blood

Luke Jovanović. Image courtesy of San Jose Earthquakes.

Quakes also made a move to fill in a U-22 Player Initiative slot. Australian youth international Luka Jovanović was transferred from the A-League’s Adelaide United FC, it was announced last week. The 21 year-old forward is eligible to compete for Australia or Serbia, and just wrapped up an A-League season where he was the Golden Boot winner, scoring 11 goals. Arena commented: “Luka is a young striker with outstanding potential as demonstrated by his play this past year as the Golden Boot winner in the Australian First Division. His work ethic and goal scoring make him an excellent addition to our roster….”

Upcoming Matches

San Jose gets the second half of the season underway on Wednesday, June 22 against Orlando City SC. This is a highly anticipated match-up, as the Lions should be bringing new signing and former Atlético Madrid legend Antoine Griezmann along. This match is at PayPal Park

Then comes El Clásico, one of the longest running derbies in MLS. On Saturday, July 25, LA Galaxy will come north and the venue will move a bit west to Stanford Stadium, the Quakes old home pitch. It promises to be San Jose’s biggest match of the year, with an estimated 50,000 folks coming out.