A Hopeful Start

PHOTO: San Jose Earthquakes

For the first in six seasons, the Quakes won their season opener.

With a transformed squad, many different players shined in Arena’s system. However, perhaps the most significant improvement came from the change in formation.

Over the past few seasons, the Quakes rotated through various formations, but they usually chose a 4-2-3-1. Most expected Arena to stick with a variation of Luchi’s system, but the manager surprised many this weekend.

The last time the Quakes used a type of 3-5-2 came under Almeyda. Under the Argentine, the choice to play this way came from a desire to play more attacking with wingbacks. Given the Quakes’ defensive issues, Arena hopes that playing three at the back will shore things up.

A big reason as to why this worked on Saturday came from the wingbacks that Arena chose to start. Ricketts and Espinoza complement each other well, with the Argentine putting together an impressive defensive stint and being able to transition between the different phases allowed for the rest of the team to have pressure relieved from them. 

Moving back to an essentially 5 man backline demands a certain floor of competency from the team.

By prioritizing defense, the team can then more easily be more free in the attack.

Almeyda’s tenure flashed the potential of how the team could be unlocked under a variation of a 5-3-2. It ultimately failed under Luchi due to a combination of the manager and players. 

A focus of the offseason centered around bringing in veteran players who could fit in Arena’s system. Most of the moves signaled that the team would look to play a different shade of Luchi’s system. After all, Arena revived the Revolution with a 4-2-3-1.

Playing a 3-5-2 in the modern MLS is a total outlier. With most sides looking to have their attack revolve around wingers and a creative hub, prioritizing wingbacks is a rarity. Additionally, seeing more defensive-minded teams is rare, but for the Quakes, it’s perfect.

As the worst defensive team in the past decade, the team desperately needed a rethinking defensively. From defensive improvements, the offensive transformation would follow, or that’s what the hope is.

On the attacking side of the ball, playing both Arango and Martínez allowed for both players to flow freely and occupy space wingers traditionally would. In turn, midfielders felt the freedom to move into that vacated space. Mark-Anthony Kaye exemplified this with his run, setting up the final goal of the game.

While the team held the ball well, they presented a unique danger on the counter. Perhaps Arena saw this as the best way to balance the side. Use the defensive block to catapult the team into an attacking threat.

In one game, Arena showed what most fans have wanted to see for years from the team.

A team that looks and feels competent.

By reverting back to a more defensive formation, Arena looked to address the team’s biggest issue of past seasons. From his first moments in charge, it became clear that fixing the backline was his top priority.

When Dave Romney joined the Quakes, he was expected to be a rotation player, one to bring for tired legs. Playing as the left-sided center back in the three, he did well to be that last line of defense and push Ricketts up. He shifted over well in response to Rodrigues’ runs up in the attack.

Finally fully healthy, Wilson fits in well as the stopper in a three-man backline. Playing that stopper role requires being able to provide total security to the keeper. Wilson looked great, contributing some good passes to push the attack forward.

On Rodrigues, the Brazilian looked better in a back three with more defensive cover for him. Especially when Espinoza cut in, Rodrigues played well as a makeshift right back. 

Espinoza deservedly won the player of the match, not only due to his offensive work, but he played well as a wingback. He was not the perfect wingback, but the Argentine stayed with his defensive line well and troubled opponents enough. If he continues to play well in this role, Lima may be a great backup to have.

Drafted last year, Jamar Ricketts spent most of last season on loan with The Town, and with Vítor Costa still on the roster, he seemed destined to go back out. Like Espinoza, he excelled in the attack, providing a great outlet while still crashing into goal. Costa never played great defense, so Ricketts must continue being average to keep the job.

A result like this, especially defensively, sways fans into believing many issues are fixed.

While the team played exceptionally well, if their defensive improvements are real, this may not be a one-off.

Saturday’s results provided Quakes fans with a hope that Arena can change this team. Defensive solidity built the platform from which the offense carved RSL on.

This team has one path towards MLS success, and that’s through its backline.

PHOTO: San Jose Earthquakes