What Is 2004 San Jose Earthquakes Roster

Overview

The 2004 San Jose Earthquakes competed in Major League Soccer’s Western Conference and captured their second MLS Cup in franchise history. The season marked a pivotal year for the club, combining veteran leadership with emerging talent to achieve postseason success.

Under head coach Frank Yallop, the Earthquakes finished the regular season with a 12–12–8 record, earning 40 points and securing second place in the Western Conference. The team’s resilience culminated in a championship victory, defeating D.C. United 2–1 in the MLS Cup final held on November 14, 2004, at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

• Landon Donovan served as team captain and contributed 7 goals and 8 assists during the regular season, playing a crucial leadership role on and off the field.
• Jeff Agoos, a veteran defender, provided defensive stability at age 36, anchoring the backline with 23 appearances and strong set-piece execution.
• Joe Cannon was the starting goalkeeper, recording 6 clean sheets and making critical saves throughout the playoffs to secure the championship run.
• Wade Barrett, a consistent presence in central defense, played in 28 matches and was known for his physicality and tactical awareness.
• Richard Mulrooney delivered versatility, logging 2,432 minutes primarily as a defensive midfielder and contributing 3 assists during the campaign.

Key Players and Roles

Each member of the 2004 roster played a distinct role in the team’s tactical structure and championship success. From goalkeeping to attack, the squad balanced experience with youthful energy.

• Position: Goalkeeper – Joe Cannon was the primary starter, with backup duties handled by Patrick Ring, who appeared in 3 matches.
• Center Back: Jeff Agoos partnered with Wade Barrett to form a reliable central defensive duo that limited opponents’ scoring chances.
• Right Back: Craig Waibel started 24 games, providing width and defensive cover, logging over 2,100 minutes on the season.
• Midfield Engine: Richard Mulrooney disrupted opposition attacks and transitioned play efficiently, completing 82% of his passes in key zones.
• Attacking Midfield: Landon Donovan operated as a playmaker and secondary scorer, often dropping deep to create opportunities for forwards.
• Striker: Brian Ching emerged as a key target forward, scoring 5 goals in 23 appearances, including one in the playoffs.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2004 roster compared favorably to previous championship squads in terms of balance and depth. The table below highlights key contributors and their stats.

This core group exemplified consistency and cohesion, with five starters appearing in at least 23 matches. Their ability to perform under pressure was evident in the playoffs, where they defeated the Colorado Rapids and Los Angeles Galaxy before overcoming D.C. United in the final. The team’s success was built on defensive discipline and opportunistic scoring, traits that defined their championship run.

Why It Matters

The 2004 season remains a landmark in Earthquakes history, symbolizing resilience and team unity during a transitional era in MLS. The championship validated the club’s competitive model and elevated its national profile.

• The title was the second MLS Cup win for the franchise, following their 2001 victory, establishing them as a powerhouse in the early 2000s.
• Landon Donovan’s dual role as captain and playmaker highlighted his growing influence, foreshadowing his future as MLS’s all-time leading scorer.
• Winning on the road in the final without home advantage demonstrated the team’s adaptability and mental toughness under pressure.
• The roster included five players aged 30 or older, showing that experience played a vital role in navigating the demands of a long season.
• Several players, including Joe Cannon and Jeff Agoos, earned MLS Best XI honors or playoff accolades, boosting individual recognition.
• The championship helped solidify fan support in San Jose, contributing to the long-term push for a soccer-specific stadium, later realized with PayPal Park.

The legacy of the 2004 San Jose Earthquakes endures as a benchmark for excellence, combining leadership, tactical discipline, and clutch performances to achieve the highest honor in American club soccer.