Changes Coming To San Jose

The San Jose Earthquakes and new head coach Mikael Stahre have had the luxury so far this season of using the same starting XI in every game.

Such consistency should allow the team to find its rhythm, especially as Stahre, a newcomer to Major League Soccer’s coaching ranks, implements his preferred style of play in San Jose.

Team chemistry is certainly improving, but Stahre hinted that a new starting squad might take the field for Saturday’s game at the Philadelphia Union.

“For me, we have put out the same lineup the last three games in a row and it gave us more stability,” Stahre said.

San Jose’s offense has responded with six goals in three games, but the defense has allowed seven.

In training this week, he has put every player to the test starters and substitutes as he looks for a combination that can reverse the team’s two game losing streak, and Wondolowski is not exempt from any possible changes.

Almost the entire back line is new for San Jose this season, with second-year right back Nick Lima joined by Harold Cummings and Yeferson Quintana at centerback and veteran Shea Salinas on the left.

“We played two very good teams, and I think we played well for a lot or minutes during those games.

San Jose has been fortunate over the first month of the season to have such consistency, something Stahre is considering ahead of the trip to Philadelphia.