Matias Almeyda Departs as San Jose Earthquakes Coach
San Jose Earthquakes, a struggling team in the Western Conference, have bid farewell to their coach, Matias Almeyda. With the team sitting at the bottom of the standings after seven winless games, Almeyda’s departure marks a significant change for the struggling franchise. Almeyda took charge of the Earthquakes in October 2018, hoping to turn the team’s fortunes around.
A Transition in Leadership
Accompanying Almeyda in his exit are his trusted aides, Omar Zarif, Carlos Roa, Daniel Vega, Guido Bonini, Fabio Alvarez, and Agustin Zalazar. This dedicated staff has been an integral part of Almeyda’s coaching team. During his tenure, Almeyda made lasting connections and contributions to the San Jose Earthquakes. Moving forward, Alex Covelo, the coach of Earthquakes II in the MLS NEXT Pro, will take the interim reins until a permanent replacement for Almeyda is found. Covelo will receive support from former San Jose forward Chris Wondolowski, who retired last season, and seven-time MLS All-Star Steve Ralston.
A Potential Departure Foreseen
Hints of Almeyda’s potential departure emerged in February, prior to his team’s home opener against the New York Red Bulls. Almeyda expressed his awareness of speculation surrounding his coaching staff. He had transparent discussions with the team’s owner and general manager about his future. After 10 months, Almeyda reassured that he was free to explore new opportunities.
Image: Twitter/@SJEarthquakes
A Closer Look at Matias Almeyda
Matias Almeyda, a well-respected figure in the soccer world, leaves the San Jose Earthquakes with a record of 33 wins, 26 draws, and 44 losses. Prior to joining the Earthquakes, Almeyda enjoyed a successful three-year stint as the coach of Chivas de Guadalajara, where he clinched five trophies. In his playing days, Almeyda represented Argentina, earning 40 caps and scoring one goal. He proudly donned the national team jersey in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups. On the club level, he showcased his skills at renowned clubs such as Inter, Lazio, Parma, and Sevilla.
A Coaching Journey
Almeyda embarked on his coaching journey in 2011, starting at Argentinian giants River Plate, the same club where he concluded his illustrious playing career. He subsequently moved to Banfield in the same league, further enhancing his coaching expertise. Rumors have recently surfaced suggesting a possible return to Chivas de Guadalajara once his contractual obligations with San Jose are resolved.
The Earthquake’s Recent Performance
In 2021, the San Jose Earthquakes finished tenth in the Western Conference, failing to secure a spot in the playoffs. This season, the odds were stacked against the team’s chances of reaching the post-season, with bookies estimating their playoff potential at a mere 9.8%, the second-lowest in the league, just above Miami FC’s 5.7%. According to the current moneyline, both San Jose and Inter Miami have the same odds of +16000 to lift the MLS Cup at the end of the campaign. These two franchises find themselves at the bottom of the list of MLS favorites. In contrast, LAFC leads the chart with odds at +500, closely followed by the Philadelphia Union at +850.
Conclusion
Matias Almeyda’s departure from the San Jose Earthquakes marks a significant turning point for the struggling franchise. The talented coach, accompanied by his loyal staff, has left a lasting impact on the team. As the Earthquakes search for a permanent replacement, interim boss Alex Covelo, supported by the experienced Chris Wondolowski and Steve Ralston, aims to steady the ship. The Earthquakes face an arduous task in turning their season around but remain determined to improve their standing in the Western Conference.
FAQs
1. Who is Matias Almeyda?
Matias Almeyda is an Argentinian coach who recently departed from his role as the head coach of the San Jose Earthquakes. He has an impressive coaching career, including successful stints at Chivas de Guadalajara and River Plate.
2. How long did Matias Almeyda coach the San Jose Earthquakes?
Matias Almeyda served as the coach of the San Jose Earthquakes for three-and-a-half years, starting in October 2018.
3. What is the San Jose Earthquakes’ recent performance like?
The San Jose Earthquakes struggled in the recent seasons, finishing outside the playoff spots in 2021 and currently sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference standings this season.
4. Who will take over as the interim coach?
Alex Covelo, the coach of Earthquakes II in the MLS NEXT Pro, has been appointed as the interim boss following Matias Almeyda’s departure.
5. What are the chances of the San Jose Earthquakes winning the MLS Cup?
According to bookies, the San Jose Earthquakes have odds of +16000 to win the MLS Cup, placing them among the least-favored teams in the league.
