Earthquakes Reinforce Squad to Challenge Mighty Crew in Columbus
When the San Jose Earthquakes step onto the field Saturday night against the Columbus Crew, they’ll be looking a little different—and a lot more familiar to fans of the New England Revolution.
First-year Earthquakes coach Bruce Arena has dramatically reshaped his roster this week, adding two more former Revs in DeJuan Jones and Noel Buck.
Arena now has six ex-Revolution players under his leadership in San Jose, creating a squad that could almost be nicknamed “New England Revolution West.”
DeJuan Jones Ready for Seamless Transition
For DeJuan Jones, Saturday’s match will be particularly surreal.
Traded midweek from Columbus to San Jose, all he has to do is switch locker rooms at Lower.com Field before facing his former teammates.
“DeJuan Jones is a welcomed addition to our team,” Arena said. “He is an experienced player in the league and has the versatility to play in both our backline and midfield.”
Jones’ MLS pedigree and familiarity with Arena’s system should allow him to contribute immediately as the Earthquakes aim to tighten their backline against one of the league’s most explosive offenses.
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Earthquakes Seeking a Fresh Spark After Rocky Stretch
San Jose (3-5-1, 10 points) began the season with promise, winning their first two matches.
But a rash of injuries and defensive lapses have led to a 1-5-1 skid, putting the Quakes in urgent need of points.
The addition of Noel Buck from New England gives the midfield a fresh boost of creativity and tenacity. San Jose will need both to keep pace with a Crew side that’s been dominant at home.
Ian Harkes captured the urgency ahead of the match:
“We’re going to the Columbus Crew and they’re flying as a team and as a whole culture and club. It’s going to be tough, but not impossible, and we have to get a desperate kind of three points now.”
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Crew Powering Forward Despite Minor Setbacks
While the Earthquakes are adding pieces to find form, the Columbus Crew (5-1-3, 18 points) continue to load up for a serious MLS Cup push.
On Wednesday, Columbus signed forward Ibrahim Aliyu from Houston Dynamo, adding depth and pace to their already potent frontline.
But the blockbuster move earlier this month was acquiring Daniel Gazdag, the Philadelphia Union’s all-time goals leader.
Gazdag made his Crew debut last week in a 1-0 loss to Inter Miami, where despite the result, he looked lively with four shot attempts—though none found the target.
Expect Gazdag to be a focal point against a vulnerable Earthquakes defense.
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Key Match Storylines: Earthquakes vs Crew
- New Faces for San Jose: DeJuan Jones and Noel Buck could debut immediately.
- Crew’s Home Dominance: Columbus has been tough to beat at Lower.com Field.
- Daniel Gazdag’s Impact: After a quiet debut, the Crew’s new star aims to break out.
- Desperation Mode for San Jose: The Earthquakes need a positive result to halt their slide.
- Battle of Cultures: Bruce Arena’s rebuild faces an early litmus test against the Crew’s cohesive squad.
FAQs About Earthquakes vs Crew
What time is the Earthquakes vs Crew match?
Kickoff is Saturday night at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.
Which new players will feature for San Jose?
DeJuan Jones and Noel Buck are expected to be available for selection.
How are the Crew performing at home?
Columbus has been dominant at home, losing just once in their past 11 matches at Lower.com Field.
Who should fans watch from the Crew?
Daniel Gazdag, recently acquired from Philadelphia Union, is poised for a breakout