In some ways, this might not seem like a big deal. The San Jose Earthquakes made the playoffs in a league where over half the teams do, and are only assured of one game (as heavy underdogs) in the wildcard. Yet this single playoff berth could not be more meaningful to the club and its supporters.
It's hard to think of a fanbase more deserving. Not only do their roots stretch back over four decades, but they have explicitly grounded themselves in loyalty to the team regardless of results on the field. When their great rivals to the south have a rare down year (such as this one), their stadium in Carson is barely half full when it hosts a California Clasico.