Looking ahead to the Earthquakes’ 2017 campaign, all eyes are on the two players the team has relied on for years now: Forward Chris Wondolowski, and goalkeeper David Bingham. Wondolowski, the league’s 2012 MVP, currently sits at 4th on the all time MLS goal scoring list with 121 goals and has been a mainstay with the U.S.A Soccer Men’s National Team. David Bingham has emerged as one of the top keepers in the country, now seeing time with the USMNT, and was named Soccer America’s “Best GK in MLS.”
The keys to this team’s success will be offense, however, and much has been made of the acquisition of two foreign offensive standouts in German forward Danny Hoesen, and Albanian midfielder Jahmir Hyka. Combined with the scoring savvy of Wondo, the Earthquakes are expected to see an uptick in goals scored, which, combined with one of the top defenses in the league for the past few seasons, should equal more wins and hopefully, a return to the postseason for the first time since 2012.
Looking at MLS’s Western Conference, it’s as dangerous as it’s ever been, breeding the past two MLS Cup champions in the Portland Timbers, and Seattle Sounders. In the Southland, the Quake’s chief rivals, the LA Galaxy are in the process of reloading following the departure of their head coach Bruce Arena to the USMNT, as well as some key players. LA remains a premiere destination for talent, be they American or foreign born, and the team is always in talks for any big names that could become available. The Western Conference also sees the addition of the expansion franchise Minnesota United FC, coming into the fold to make a parity driven league and conference that much more unknown as we head towards the opening weekend.