Soccer By Ives reports -- er, SI reports and SBI links, but whatever -- that the much-speculated-upon return of the San Jose Earthquakes to MLS will occur next year. This is excellent new for the league and people who like their soccer with an atmosphere that reminds you of something other than a Hilary Duff concert. The 'Quakes had been one of MLS' best-supported teams until their fairly inexplicable move to Houston last year. The controversial move of Landon Donovan from San Jose to the Bundesliga and then back... to the Galaxy created one of MLS's only real rivalries. Lando was booed every time he touched the ball in San Jose, which probably made him cry into the ample bosoms of his hot fiance. That sucked for him but was great for the neutral observer. Hopefully San Jose-eans(?) have long memories and cheap whiskey.
Also: San Jose will bring MLS back to an even number of teams and significantly reduce this year's wack scheduling hijinks.
