The 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season kicks off with a highly anticipated matchup between San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose on Saturday, February 22. This clash features two teams with high expectations and star-studded lineups.
San Jose Earthquakes
- 2024 Record: 4-21-9, 14th in Western Conference, did not qualify for playoffs
- Key Players: Bruce Arena (Head Coach), Chicho Arango, Josef Martínez, Dave Romney, Ian Harkes
- Strengths: San Jose Earthquakes have undergone a cultural revolution under Bruce Arena, bringing in proven veterans like Chicho Arango and Josef Martínez. Their defense, led by Dave Romney, has been solid.
- Challenges: The Earthquakes had a difficult 2024 season, conceding a league-record 78 goals and finishing at the bottom of the table. They will need to improve their defensive record and find consistency.
- Key Departures: Carlos Akapo, Tanner Beason, Jeremy Ebobisse, Carlos Gruezo, Jackson Yueill
- Key Signings: Chicho Arango, Ian Harkes, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Dave Romney, Josef Martínez
Real Salt Lake
- 2024 Record: 16-7-11, 3rd in Western Conference, reached the playoffs but lost in the Western Conference Round One
- Key Players: Pablo Mastroeni (Head Coach), Braian Ojeda, Diego Luna, Elias Manoel, Rafael Cabral
- Strengths: Real Salt Lake has a strong midfield with Braian Ojeda and Diego Luna, and a solid defense. They have a productive academy and a front office adept at finding undervalued targets.
- Challenges: Real Salt Lake struggled defensively at times and will need to address these issues to be successful this season.
- Key Departures: Chicho Arango, Gavin Beavers, Matt Crooks, Anderson Julio, Marcelo Silva
- Key Signings: Forster Ajago, Rafael Cabral, Kobi Henry, Sam Junqua, Elias Manoel
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
- Time: 8:30 PM ET
- Venue: PayPal Park, San Jose, California
- Broadcast: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Team News and Lineups
- San Jose Earthquakes: The Earthquakes have added several key players to their squad, including Chicho Arango and Josef Martínez. They will look to their experienced players to lead the team to a strong start to the season.
- Real Salt Lake: Real Salt Lake has a solid lineup and will rely on their midfield duo of Braian Ojeda and Diego Luna to provide the goals. They will need to find consistency in their starting lineup to be successful.
Key Matchups
- Chicho Arango vs. Real Salt Lake Defense: Arango’s presence on the field will be a major factor for San Jose Earthquakes. His ability to create scoring opportunities and finish them will test Real Salt Lake’s defensive capabilities.
- Real Salt Lake’s Midfield vs. San Jose Earthquakes Defense: Real Salt Lake’s midfield duo of Braian Ojeda and Diego Luna will look to exploit any weaknesses in San Jose Earthquakes’ defense and create scoring chances.
