So far in 2017, the San Jose Earthquakes are much like an old-school light switch: the only two settings are “On” and “Off.” Last week’s strong 1-0 win at home against the Houston Dynamo was brightly encouraging, but this weekend’s dismal 4-0 loss at D.C. United — the Eastern Conference last-place, Wooden Spoon contenders — was a dimmer on the Quakes playoffs hopes. Is there light at the end of the MLS regular season for San Jose’s postseason chase?
The Earthquakes, despite their capitulation in the nation’s capital, sit in sixth place in the West and would be the last team in the MLS Cup playoffs if they were to start now.