San Jose Earthquakes

The San Jose Earthquakes: MLS charter members and two-time MLS Cup champions.

The San Jose Earthquakes are an American professional soccer club based in San Jose, California. The Earthquakes compete in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Western Conference. Originally known as the San Jose Clash, the franchise began play in 1996 as one of the charter members of the league. The Earthquakes took part in the first game in MLS history, defeating D.C. United 1–0. The Earthquakes have won two MLS Cup titles (2001, 2003) and two Supporters' Shields (2005, 2012). In 2002, the team played in its first CONCACAF Champions Cup, making it to the quarterfinals. The team holds a fierce rivalry with the LA Galaxy known as the California Clásico.

Quick Facts

Nickname: The Quakes; The Goonies
Stadium: PayPal Park; San Jose, California
Capacity: 18,000
Founded: 15 June 1994
Owner: John Fisher
Chairman: Jared Shawlee
Manager: Bruce Arena
League: Major League Soccer

Lore & Background

In 2005, the then-owner of the Earthquakes, Anschutz Entertainment Group, announced plans of the team relocating to Houston due to failing efforts to secure a soccer-specific stadium in San Jose. The organization in Houston would be considered an expansion team by the league, eventually becoming the Houston Dynamo, which began play in 2006. The Earthquakes returned after a two-year hiatus, resuming play in 2008. Since 2015, the Earthquakes have played their home games at PayPal Park. The team previously played its home games at Buck Shaw Stadium on the Santa Clara University campus in Santa Clara, California, from 2008 to 2014.

Reader's Guide

The Earthquakes' history includes a NASL franchise from 1974, the founding of the MLS team in 1994, and the team's name change from Clash to Earthquakes in 1999. The club won MLS Cups in 2001 and 2003, and Supporters' Shields in 2005 and 2012. The team's first game in MLS history was a 1–0 win over D.C. United on April 6, 1996.