Why Kelly Gray Chose MLS Over Europe — And What’s Wrong With Youth Soccer
Why did former San Jose Earthquakes player Kelly Gray choose Major League Soccer over opportunities in Europe? And why does he believe American youth soccer needs a major reset? Former MLS player and U.S. youth national team standout Kelly Gray joins Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban on Offside in the Bay to reflect on his professional career, his decision to play in MLS and the challenges facing youth soccer today. From playing under legendary coach Clive Charles at the University of Portland to competing in the 2001 U-20 World Cup and winning an MLS Cup, Gray shares the lessons that shaped his career. Now the founder of Cinch Sports, Gray explains why he believes youth soccer has become too expensive, too structured and too focused on winning — and why giving kids more freedom to play could change the game. In this episode: the road to professional soccer, MLS vs. Europe, burnout and retirement, youth soccer costs, pay-to-play, parental pressure, player creativity, coaching philosophy and the future of U.S. Soccer. Offside in the Bay: https://www.ktvu.com/tag/podcasts/offside-in-the-bay
Why did former San Jose Earthquakes player Kelly Gray choose Major League Soccer over opportunities in Europe? And why does he believe American youth soccer needs a major reset? Former MLS player and U.S. youth national team standout Kelly Gray joins Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban on Offside in the Bay to reflect on his professional career, his decision to play in MLS and the challenges facing youth soccer today. From playing under legendary coach Clive Charles at the University of Portland to competing in the 2001 U-20 World Cup and winning an MLS Cup, Gray shares the lessons that shaped his career. Now the founder of Cinch Sports, Gray explains why he believes youth soccer has become too expensive, too structured and too focused on winning — and why giving kids more freedom to play could change the game. In this episode: the road to professional soccer, MLS vs. Europe, burnout and retirement, youth soccer costs, pay-to-play, parental pressure, player creativity, coaching philosophy and the future of U.S. Soccer. Offside in the Bay: https://www.ktvu.com/tag/podcasts/offside-in-the-bay
San Jose Earthquakes Unified players selected for MLS All-Star Game
While soccer fans worldwide focus on the final match of the FIFA World Cup this Sunday, a unique pair from the San Jose Earthquakes are preparing for a major showcase of their own at the end of the month.
While soccer fans worldwide focus on the final match of the FIFA World Cup this Sunday, a unique pair from the San Jose Earthquakes are preparing for a major showcase of their own at the end of the month.
Former coaches cheer on USMNT winger Max Arfsten ahead of World Cup match in the Bay
The U.S. Men’s National Team has settled into the South Bay ahead of its upcoming game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, bringing winger Max Arfsten back to his former Northern California training grounds.
The U.S. Men’s National Team has settled into the South Bay ahead of its upcoming game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, bringing winger Max Arfsten back to his former Northern California training grounds.
San Jose Earthquakes sign head coach Bruce Arena to contract extension
The San Jose Earthquakes have officially locked in head coach Bruce Arena for three more seasons.
The San Jose Earthquakes have officially locked in head coach Bruce Arena for three more seasons.
San Jose to turn downtown into 39-day World Cup watch party
While only six World Cup matches will be played in the Bay Area, viewing parties and fan zones are popping up across the region. The largest, hosted by the San Jose Earthquakes, will transform San Pedro Square in downtown San Jose into a central hub for soccer fans.
While only six World Cup matches will be played in the Bay Area, viewing parties and fan zones are popping up across the region. The largest, hosted by the San Jose Earthquakes, will transform San Pedro Square in downtown San Jose into a central hub for soccer fans.
San Jose Earthquakes partner with juvenile hall for soccer program
The San Jose Earthquakes partnered with a juvenile detention center to teach lessons in soccer which can help youth succeed in the outside world --including teamwork and personal responsibility.
The San Jose Earthquakes partnered with a juvenile detention center to teach lessons in soccer which can help youth succeed in the outside world --including teamwork and personal responsibility.
SJ Earthquakes launch program to teach soccer fundamentals to Bay Area kids
The "Beautiful Game Assembly Program," intends to impart to youths from across the South Bay fundamental soccer skills ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The "Beautiful Game Assembly Program," intends to impart to youths from across the South Bay fundamental soccer skills ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
SJ Earthquake celebrate 50th anniv., community art ahead of 2026 World Cup
The San Jose Earthquake unveiled the latest World Cup-themed mural to be displayed in the South Bay ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
The San Jose Earthquake unveiled the latest World Cup-themed mural to be displayed in the South Bay ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
San Jose Earthquakes' owner John Fisher looking to sell his part of soccer team
The San Jose Earthquakes may be up for sale.
The San Jose Earthquakes may be up for sale.
Fans flock to see Messi, Inter Miami take on the San Jose Earthquakes
It's Messi mania outside PayPal Park as soccer great Lionel Messi prepares to take the field. It's a much-anticipated matchup between Messi's Inter Miami and the San Jose Earthquakes.
It's Messi mania outside PayPal Park as soccer great Lionel Messi prepares to take the field. It's a much-anticipated matchup between Messi's Inter Miami and the San Jose Earthquakes.
San Jose hosts well-known DJ Steve Aoki for block party series
A block party was held in Downtown San Jose on Tuesday, where a Grammy-nominated artist performed against the backdrop of the SOFA District.
A block party was held in Downtown San Jose on Tuesday, where a Grammy-nominated artist performed against the backdrop of the SOFA District.
Lionel Messi practices in San Jose before Inter Miami takes on the Earthquakes
The San Jose Earthquakes are gearing up to host one of the most famous soccer stars in the world: Lionel Messi and his team Inter Miami.
The San Jose Earthquakes are gearing up to host one of the most famous soccer stars in the world: Lionel Messi and his team Inter Miami.
Coachella Valley Invitational Soccer: How and when to watch Bay FC, San Jose Earthquakes
Soccer season doesn’t officially start until February 22 – but fans can get an early look at the San Jose Earthquakes and Bay FC when the Coachella Valley Invitational kicks off Feb. 5.
Soccer season doesn’t officially start until February 22 – but fans can get an early look at the San Jose Earthquakes and Bay FC when the Coachella Valley Invitational kicks off Feb. 5.
Oakland Roots v. San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park
For the first time in a competitive match, the Oakland Roots will play the San Jose Earthquakes on Tuesday night at PayPal Park.
For the first time in a competitive match, the Oakland Roots will play the San Jose Earthquakes on Tuesday night at PayPal Park.
San Jose Earthquakes plan practice facility, public fields at county fairgrounds
At the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, the San Jose Earthquakes are building a massive new training facility complete with medical facilities, locker rooms, a theater and a dining hall.
At the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, the San Jose Earthquakes are building a massive new training facility complete with medical facilities, locker rooms, a theater and a dining hall.
San Jose Earthquakes fans rally behind team in 1st playoff game since 2020
Fans of the San Jose Earthquakes packed the house Wednesday night at the Old Wagon Saloon in San Pedro Square.
Fans of the San Jose Earthquakes packed the house Wednesday night at the Old Wagon Saloon in San Pedro Square.
Earthquakes showcase power wheelchair soccer at PayPal Park
Power soccer is the first sport designed for power wheelchair users, who have physical disabilities like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and many others.
Power soccer is the first sport designed for power wheelchair users, who have physical disabilities like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and many others.
San Jose Earthquake fan nails kick during halftime show: video
A soccer fan stunned the crowd when he nailed a kick during the San Jose Earthquakes halftime show Saturday night. Video shows the perfect boot land smack dab on the center mark.
A soccer fan stunned the crowd when he nailed a kick during the San Jose Earthquakes halftime show Saturday night. Video shows the perfect boot land smack dab on the center mark.
San Jose Earthquakes, fans set new world record
The San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday have officially made history by breaking the world record for the largest soccer lesson.
The San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday have officially made history by breaking the world record for the largest soccer lesson.
8 arrested following fights, shooting after San Jose Earthquakes soccer match
Fox soccer analyst Stu Holden took some video showing someone in the stands jumping on the field and throwing a punch at a member of the San Jose Earthquakes. Other players tried to pull him away.
Fox soccer analyst Stu Holden took some video showing someone in the stands jumping on the field and throwing a punch at a member of the San Jose Earthquakes. Other players tried to pull him away.