Niko Tsakiris returns to form as San Jose Earthquakes feature in MLSsoccer.com spotlight

Niko Tsakiris is back in the spotlight for the San Jose Earthquakes, with MLSsoccer.com reporting that the homegrown playmaker’s return from a serious groin issue helped spark a 3-2 road win over San Diego FC last week. Tsakiris scored early with a strike from outside the penalty box three minutes in, described in the report as his first goal since coming back ahead of schedule, following an injury that sidelined him for much of the summer and required surgery earlier in his career.

The win was also marked by more direct impact from Tsakiris, who provided assists on both of San Jose’s other goals, including an especially highlighted “trivela” delivery that set up Ousseni Bouda’s finish. MLSsoccer.com adds that Tsakiris finished the match with four key passes, 66 touches, and a perfect 50/50 record in passes completed, along with defensive contributions.

With Tsakiris fit and featuring prominently, MLSsoccer.com reports that San Jose is unbeaten in four matches after an earlier six-game winless skid in the second half of the season. The feature places that recovery in the lead-up to the Earthquakes’ “Walmart Saturday Showdown” against LAFC, set for a 7:30 pm ET kickoff on Apple TV at Levi’s Stadium, with the report noting the venue change five miles north of PayPal Park.

MLSsoccer.com also states that Tsakiris was left off the US men’s national team roster announced this week, while continuing to look toward future international opportunities. The story further references the February awarding of a U22 Initiative contract extension and Tsakiris wearing the No. 10 shirt, alongside his earlier involvement with US youth national teams.

Written by Vancouver Television Sports Desk