The biggest question for the San Jose Earthquakes in preseason

At this point, with the San Jose Earthquakes’ preseason just underway, there’s plenty of optimism for the 2020 season, but there’s also some big questions surrounding the team. The first is a holdover from last year, with MLSsoccer.com’s Matt Doyle among the leading voices to ask: Who will be the leading scorer in 2020? Chris Wondolowski once again led the way last year, with 15 goals in league play, almost double what the next-closest players had.

That remains a real concern, but the fanbase seems increasingly agitated by the lack of signings for San Jose this season. You can argue that they were very early on some moves, as Carlos Fierro and Andy Rios were brought in last summer and really only had some extra time to acclimate. This year could be their time to shine, or so the thinking goes.

Beyond that, the Earthquakes have signed a couple academy products this offseason and draft pick Tanner Beason comes in under contract, but they haven’t made any other new signings yet. Here’s the catch: They have 29 players listed on their roster. There’s really not much room for anyone else unless they get rid of some guys. Still, if you have a chance to upgrade, you have to do it, right? Especially if you are looking to get back in the playoffs?

So what’s the biggest question coming in: Who will take up the scoring mantle in 2020, or where are the signings going to happen to bolster the roster?

Here’s more news for your Wednesday morning:

• Stanford Stadium presale on Wednesday: The Cali Clasico at Stanford Stadium this year will be on June 27, and the Quakes’ are advertising the presale, according to one Twitter user. Is it a coincidence this comes the day after the Galaxy signed Chicharito? Hmmmmmmmmm
• Chatting up the equipment manager: What makes Matias Almeyda’s training sessions different from most managers? Over at the Earthquakes website, there’s an interview with head equipment manager Andy Dunbar as they gear up (pun intended) for the preseason trip to Cancun. His answers about what makes Almeyda’s sessions different from other managers he’s worked with is quite interesting.
• Youthquakes on international duty: Quakes academy player Brandon Zelaya was called up to Mexico’s U-18 national team for a camp and some friendlies in Spain. And Jacob Akanyirige started and went the distance for the U.S. U-20s in a 2-0 friendly win over Mexico’s U-20s in Florida last week, Anthony Hudson’s first game in charge of the USMNT U-20s.

• MLS hot stove: Aside from Chicharito’s signing on Tuesday, there’s been plenty of movement around MLS on the signing front. Among the highlights, FC Dallas announced the summer arrival of Franco Jara, the trade of Jacori Hayes from FCD to Minnesota United, Julian Gressel being traded to D.C. United, and Real Salt Lake added longtime Toronto FC defender Ashtone Morgan.

So once again: What’s your big preseason question for the Quakes? Leave a comment below and let’s chat about it!