There’s one common refrain among all the player on the San Jose Earthquakes roster in 2020: Always be ready.
The high-energy pressing and marking style deployed by Matias Almeyda is physically and mentally demanding, and with games coming at a rapid clip in this most unusual 2020 season, it is hard for Almeyda to play the same starting XI game after game.
And so, after waiting nearly three years, 18-year-old Jacob Akanyirige had his name called for the first time in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw against the Portland Timbers.
Playing center back, the Homegrown player made his MLS debut with an assured performance that left him as an anchor of sorts in the back on the night, after Oswaldo Alanís exited the match with a knee injury midway through and Florian Jungwirth was shifted around to cover for the Mexican international’s exit.