- San Jose opens 2024 season with back-to-back wins under new coach Bruce Arena
- Martínez ties MLS legend Wright-Phillips with 117th career goal
- Sporting KC extends losing streak to 9 matches across seasons
The San Jose Earthquakes delivered a statement performance Saturday night, defeating Sporting Kansas City 2-1 in a match showcasing their dramatic franchise transformation. New signing Cristian 'Chicho' Arango electrified the crowd with a third-minute opener, demonstrating why management prioritized his acquisition after his 29-goal contribution season with Real Salt Lake.
Venezuelan striker Josef Martínez cemented his legacy in the 19th minute, netting his 137th career goal contribution to equal Bradley Wright-Phillips' MLS record. This historic strike proved crucial as San Jose navigated nearly 40 minutes with 10 men following Hernán López's second yellow card.
Bruce Arena's tactical adjustments highlighted why he's the league's most decorated coach. Despite being shorthanded, San Jose maintained 52% possession through strategic positioning and rapid counterattacks. Goalkeeper Daniel De Sousa Britto's two critical saves preserved the lead, including a spectacular 78th-minute stop against SKC's $8 million designated player Dejan Joveljic.
The victory underscores a growing trend in MLS: veteran coaches revitalizing struggling franchises. Similar turnarounds have been seen in Philadelphia (Jim Curtin, 2020) and Austin FC (Josh Wolff, 2022), where experienced leadership transformed last-place teams into playoff contenders within single seasons.
Sporting KC's continued struggles raise questions about roster strategy. Despite Joveljic's penalty conversion marking his 22nd goal in 12 months, the team has now conceded first in 14 consecutive matches - an MLS record. Analyst Taylor Twellman noted post-game: 'When you're constantly chasing games, it exposes defensive vulnerabilities that quality opponents exploit.'
With this win, San Jose moves top of the Western Conference while demonstrating key championship qualities: clinical finishing (2 goals from 3 shots on target) and mental resilience. As the Earthquakes prepare to host Minnesota United, all eyes will be on whether they can sustain this momentum through March's grueling 5-match schedule.