Recapping A Busy Week in San Jose

It was a busy week on Coleman Avenue with almost daily news coming out of the San Jose Earthquakes, let’s break it down.

Shea Salinas Undergoes Foot Surgery

Defender Shea Salinas underwent surgery on his left foot on Friday. The 32-year-old should take 6-weeks to recover according to a press release released by the team. As is usually the case they team released no other information about the speedy defender, but foot surgeries can be tricky to recover from, with so many bones and connections down there. If Salinas can maintain the 6-week timeline set out by the team, he should be ready for the March 2nd opening game against Montreal.

Earthquakes Announce Opening Day Opponent

For the fourth season in a row, the Earthquakes will start their MLS campaign at home when they play host to Montreal Impact on March 2. The Earthquakes shut out the Impact on opening day in 2017, and new Earthquakes manager Matias Almeyda is hoping for a similar start to his tenure in San Jose. Almeyda has the unenviable task of trying to change the direction of the team who have been a bottomfeeder for most of the last decade. Almeyda brought in a talented staff that he has worked with for years to support his endeavor. The team also announced the loan of a young Brazilian midfielder.

Judson Joins Earthquakes on Season Long Loan

The first signing of the Almeyda era is a 25-year-old defensive midfielder from Brazil that merely goes by Judson. The midfield is already crowded, but Almeyda sees something in Judson that he wants for his squad. According to Almeyda, “ His tireless work ethic and physical style of play are evident in the games I’ve watched. His ability and willingness to cover a lot of ground will make him an invaluable piece of our defensive structure next season.” After giving up 71 goals last season, the defense can use a shakeup.

Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Lima Called Up to USMNT Camp in January

For the second year in a row, the Earthquakes young defender is called up to the January camp, this time with a new manager and hopefully a new direction. Lima has been a stalwart defender since coming up to the Earthquakes having missed only 11 minutes of the 2018 season, earning him a defender of the year award from the Earthquakes. Avaya Stadium will play host to the USMNT on Feb. 2 when they face off against fellow CONCACAF squad Costa Rica.