As expected, Mikael Stahre’s San Jose Earthquakes are heading into their inaugural away match at Children’s Mercy Park with cautious optimism. Given that 2017 was a nightmare year for the club when playing on the road, — earning 11 points out of the possible 51 — it’s the most sensible way of approaching it.
In part, it’s a managers duty to express their commitment on delivering positive results on the road — Dom Kinnear and Chris Leitch did it over and over again in 2017. So, it’s not a surprise that a year later, newly-minted manager Mikael Stahre is speaking the same language prior to the Quakes match in Kansas City.
However, the Swede’s tactical ingenuity backed by his well-rounded squad makes it reasonable to think that the Quakes can consistently earn points from away bouts this season. Aside from the final 10 minutes against Minnesota United, the Black and Blue played an effective brand of soccer that may challenge the opponent, home or away.
With strengths and deficiencies in mind, these are three things that the Quakes need to demonstrate against Sporting Kansas City:
Magnus Eriksson’s effectiveness in dismantling Sporting’s three-man midfield
When it comes to tactical organization and playing with a distinct style outside of a 4-2-3-1, which is heavily favorited in MLS, there are few like Peter Vermes. Against the Quakes, who are one of many sides that run a 4-2-3-1, Vermes’ traditional 4-3-3 grants Sporting a numerical advantage in the midfield.
With that being the case, Magnus Eriksson, who frequently dropped deep between the lines against the Loons, will likely play a similar role against Kansas City. For the Swede’s off-the-ball nous, awareness, and quick thinking, on top of playing deep, could grant San Jose more than the equilibrium they need in the center of the park.
Continue to give Danny Hoesen looks at goal
The element behind Hoesen’s first-week success was simple: multiple opportunities at goal.
Unlike last season, in which the striker averaged 1.7 shots per game, 2018 is off to a polar opposite start. In 90 minutes during the season opener, Hoesen had seven looks at goal — scoring a brace. If San Jose plans on heading home with any points, the Dutchman will have to, again, be the focal point of the fluid, four-man attack.
Hoesen for the Golden Boot? The hype-train is filling up.
Protect the backline more efficiently
Step up (back), Florian Jungwirth and Anibal Godoy. Stahre must have drilled that into his midfielders these past two weeks. Fingers could be pointed at a displaced backline, but the German-Panamanian tandem failed to mark outside the 18-yard-box, almost resulting in a disastrous Quakes season opener.
With that being said, the backline could benefit from finer structuring and compactness, too. Sporting, like the Quakes, are a team that can strike from any angle.
