Cade Cowell shoots in a practice exercise during the San Jose Earthquakes 2022 preseason camp in Santa Barbara, Calif. Photo credit: San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose Earthquakes heads coach Matias Almeyda is known for his grueling preseason camps. In the past, his players have talked about how the camps are a uniquely formative experience for his teams in which they regain their fitness and learn his unconventional tactical strategies. For the last two years, these camps have been completely shut off to any outside observers. This year, however, Quakes Epicenter was allowed inside Almeyda’s preseason camp in Santa Barbara to watch San Jose’s 2-0 victory over Ventura County Fusion SC. After the match, we also got a chance to talk to Cade Cowell and Ján Greguš.
Almeyda Tests New 3-5-2 System
For the past three years, Almeyda has almost exclusively used a 4-2-3-1 formation with a strict man-marking scheme. Against the Fusion, he experimented with a bold new strategy, adopting a 3-5-2 formation. Although there was some man-marking, it definitely didn’t define their system like it did in the past. Instead, this new system is built on the pace of their wingers and their ability to play quickly in transitions.
Jackson Yueill started the game at center-back, having been tested in that position toward the end of last season. At times, Judson would also drop back into the back-line and the setup looked more like Almeyda’s familiar 4-2-3-1.
This was the club’s full starting lineup:
Almeyda tried other configurations as well. Most notably, he tried one arrangement with Judson at RCB and Jackson in the midfield.
It is important to keep in mind that center-back Francisco Calvo and left-back Marcos Lopez were absent for international duty. Other players were also sidelined with minor knocks. When everyone returns, it is entirely possible that Almeyda will revert to the 4-2-3-1 formation. Nevertheless, it is clear that the 3-5-2 is an appealing option because it allows San Jose to take advantage of Cade Cowell and Cristian Espinoza’s pace on the wings. Moreover, it means that Almeyda can get his four best midfielders (Eric Remedi, Judson, Yueill, and Greguš) all on the field at the same time.
The Earthquakes won the preseason scrimmage with Ventura County Fusion SC 2-0. Photo credit: Alex Morgan, Quakes Epicenter
GM Chris Leitch also hinted that Almeyda would use that tactical system in an interview with Quakes Epicenter last week.
Cowell Striving for Consistency
A record number of young players made the leap from MLS to Europe this winter, including Ricardo Pepi and Kevin Paredes. Cade Cowell, now eighteen-years-old, also had interest coming from Europe. However, no deal materialized.
“It’s every kid’s dream to go play in Europe and play at the highest level,” he said. “My time is not yet. Whenever that comes, I’ll be ready for it.”
Photo credit: San Jose Earthquakes
Cowell still had a busy winter, making his debut for the USMNT in a friendly win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in December. Since he already has the physical attributes to succeed at the highest level, his focus during the offseason was improving his technique.
“What I’ve been working on is basically just my ball control on the first touch and then just more dribbling,” he said. “I’ve practiced that a lot.”
Photo credit: San Jose Earthquakes
Last season, he exploded onto the scene with two goals and three assists in the first three games of the season. However, he says he wasn’t entirely prepared for the media storm that ensued.
“I didn’t know how to really react with all the stuff that was going on,” he said. “I really didn’t know what to do with it, but now I’m ready.”
His main goal this year is consistency. “I’m really just trying to do better than what I did last year,” he said. “I want to stay consistent and level-headed and just have another great season.”
If Almeyda’s new 3-5-2 system succeeds in creating more space out wide, he could be one of the main beneficiaries.
“We got a new system coming up, so I’m excited about it,” he said. “Up top, we’re just trying to make a lot of runs. We have a lot of speed, so we’re trying to use that and trying to work on it.”
Greguš has Optimistic Mentality
Greguš, with his commanding 6’3” presence, is expected to be at the heart of Almeyda’s new system.
Photo credit: San Jose Earthquakes
He said that their style of play will be based on “a lot of ball possession” and “a lot of pressing.” Equally important is “being tight in defense.”
“Just having control of the game all the time or most of the time,” he said.
Greguš was a DP at Minnesota United for three years before getting picked up by the Earthquakes in the reentry draft this winter. He said that his first impression of the team has been positive.
“I am very surprised by the work ethic and discipline of all the players,” he said. “It’s a very young group and the work that they put in every single day and every session surprised me a lot in the most positive way possible. I’m very happy I’m part of this group because that’s something I value as well. I like the discipline, the hard work, and no excuses. That’s what I felt from the first day that I came here.
“There was a lot of energy in this group and a lot of passion and hard work, so we will try to also put it on the field against our opponents. If we do that well, we are going to play well.”
Photo credit: San Jose Earthquakes
Youth Players Given Opportunity to Shine
16-year-old homegrown signing Nico Tsakiris was one of the standout players in the friendly, scoring the first goal of the game with a cool finish from the edge of the penalty area.
He came on with the rest of the team’s bench players in the second half and dominated the midfield. Will Richmond and Paul Marie also worked well together down the right side of the field, though draft pick Ousseni Bouda saw less of the ball on the opposite wing.
Members of San Jose’s academy and prospective players for the Earthquakes II team were also training with the first team in Santa Barbara. Although the Quakes have already begun the process of recruiting players for their second team, a team spokesperson said they are waiting to finalize more moves before they make any official player announcements.
