A Decisive San Jose Trio

Going into the next half of the season, barring any moves, the Quakes will need to depend on this group to continue improving. While a number of players broke out this season, there is still plenty of room for growth.

In fact, a few key players may ultimately split if this team is to be a true playoff threat. 

From youngsters with a chance to truly reach the next level to vets who may decide the team’s ceiling, almost every player has something to prove. Even Arena, who turned the club’s fortunes around, wants to show that this first half wasn’t a fluke.

While the team started the season at a pace never before seen by Quakes fans, a poor run of form in May laid bare concerns with the roster. At their best, they proved that this Quakes squad can compete with any MLS side. However, the biggest challenge for Arena going into the second half is making sure they can actually show up in the fall.

Perhaps the front office acts on this incredible start to the season and makes moves in the summer. However, given the slow manner in which they acted in seasons past, the likeliest outcome is that they don’t make any moves in the coming months. This essentially necessitates internal improvements. 

The internal developments will likely revolve around three players who will determine their chances in the playoffs.

These three players either showed they could be key cogs in this team’s machinery or that they can still improve and play a big part.

Niko Tsakiris

Starting with a player who could do both, Tsakiris finally broke out this season. After seasons of showing glimpses of potential while receiving few chances, he finally became the team’s main playmaker.

Fitting in perfectly in that ten spot under Judd, his ability to drift across the front line offers the team so many ways to unlock an opponent’s backline. Either through interplay with the wingers or pushing forward in the space vacated by Judd, Tsakiris creates chances at ease. Having him as a threat who can drift forces opponents to game plan differently.

Other managers tried to play Tsakiris deeper or on the wings, but Arena decided to hand over playmaking duties to the academy product, which fit him much better. Rather than being a secondary playmaker, Tsakiris strings plays together. Alongside a mercurial talent like Werner, he can showcase his true potential, making his return vital for the youngster as well. 

While the Quakes clearly missed him since his injury in the Toronto game, the combination of his injury and Werner’s hurt the team more. Jack Skahan gives Arena a decent impression of Tsakiris, but the lack of any other option heaps more pressure on the youngster. Hopefully, this hamstring injury resolves during this break, as they can’t afford to lose him for an extended period.

Finally getting a chance to show his talent, Tsakiris emerged as a key piece on a Quakes team hoping to make noise in the playoffs. An injury derailed what promised to be the season where he cemented himself as one of the premier talents in the MLS.

Timo Werner

A bit of a cop out, but the Germans’ presence proved to be much-needed in May. Werner has already proved that he could be one of the best players in MLS, but his availability remains a concern.

A very small acclimation period was needed for Werner, who almost immediately found his footing in MLS. With goal contributions in almost every game played so far, he proved to be one of the best transfers in Quakes’ history. The Quakes’ rise up the standings was aided by Werner, but not solely due to him.

While many expected him to take up the number nine spot, Arena chose to play him on the left, which proved to be an excellent decision. Acting as a playmaking hub on the left, he picked out passes quite well for the crashing Judd or right winger. Additionally, Werner remained a goal-scoring threat as a late runner to clean up chances in the box.

Fortunately for the team, they navigated the myriad of absences from the German quite well. With Judd picking up the scoring load and a mixture of players taking on playmaking duties, Werner’s impact was replicated well. However, as the schedule got tougher, the team desperately missed a player of his caliber.

Without Werner, the Quakes’ ceiling likely tops out as a first-round exit. Getting the German healthy for a post-season push is what will make this team into a real contender.

Jamar Ricketts

After DeJuan Jones tore his Achilles, Ricketts was left as the team’s best option at the left fullback position. While Vitor Costa still fills in well, a mix of injuries and not being selected has left the Brazilian on the outside looking in.

Ricketts started last season off so well with an incredible goal to open his MLS career. However, defensive issues coupled with an awkward fit in that 3-4-3 pushed him out of Arena’s plans. Before Jones’ injury, the manager allowed for Ricketts to play further up the pitch on the left wing, which truly fit his style.

Perhaps the best role for Ricketts on a playoff team mirrors that of Paul Marie in seasons past. Both fullbacks are limited defenders but can offer more going forward, especially off the bench. Had Jones never gotten that season-ending injury, this role would have been perfect for Ricketts.

The defensive lapses persist, but the fullback has improved there and remains a league-average defender. Ricketts remains one of the best creators on the team with his runs posing real threats. However, that combination tends to be exposed in the playoffs when defensive issues surface.

All things considered, Ricketts stepped up well in the absence of Jones. The issues surrounding his play last season still persist, but his improvements allow him to keep a starting spot.

As the team prepares to spend the next few months gearing up for the playoffs, a handful of players promise to play a key role in whatever comes next. These players, ranging from vets to players carving out a role for themselves, won’t be totally responsible for the team’s fortunes, but may swing important moments.

With the World Cup break giving the Quakes some space to regroup, everyone in the organization must now focus solely on getting this team across the line.