Benji Kikanović, San Jose Earthquakes Forward #28: Career & Impact
You probably know Benji Kikanović’s name by now—he’s carved out a steady place with the San Jose Earthquakes. Wearing #28, he leads the line as a forward, mixing size, speed, and sharp awareness in a way that’s become pretty valuable in Major League Soccer.
Benji Kikanović suits up as a forward for the San Jose Earthquakes and continues to grow into a dependable attacking threat.
His journey really starts in San Jose, his hometown, and winds through his college career at Sacramento State before he turned pro. That path gave him the basics he needed to compete at the top level.
His story isn’t about splashy headlines—it’s about steady improvement and stepping up whenever the team needs him.
What makes his career stand out is how he’s handled the ups and downs. He’s scored some big goals and dealt with setbacks, like a knee surgery.
San Jose offered him a contract extension through 2026, and he keeps fighting for minutes and making an impact. That resilience and willingness to seize opportunities sets the tone for everything else.
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Benji Kikanović’s Role as Forward #28
Kikanović brings more than just a striker’s skill set. He blends direct runs, smart positioning, and the knack for stretching defenses, giving the Earthquakes a trustworthy attacking option.
His time at Sacramento State really honed his technical ability and got him ready for the grind of MLS.
Primary Position and Playing Style
Kikanović lines up mainly as a forward, using his quickness and movement to open up space. At 6’0” and 165 pounds, he’s got a lean build and good balance, so he can hold off defenders while darting in behind them.
He presses high and hard, forcing defenders into mistakes. That fits perfectly in a system built around fast transitions.
His finishing is pretty no-nonsense—usually a one-touch or low shot, which keeps wasted chances to a minimum.
He works best with creative midfielders who can pick him out on the move. Inside the box, he moves between defenders instead of just waiting around.
That awareness lets him turn half-chances into goals.
Check out his steady production:
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | San Jose Earthquakes | 27 | 5 | 2 |
| 2022 | San Jose Earthquakes | 29 | 6 | 3 |
| 2023 | San Jose Earthquakes | 30 | 7 | 2 |
Versatility Across the Attack
Even though he’s listed as a forward, Kikanović often drifts out wide. Sometimes he lines up on the left, cutting in on his stronger right foot. On the right, he stretches play and fires in low crosses.
This flexibility gives the coaching staff options. Even when injuries or tactics force changes, Kikanović can fill in wherever needed up front.
He’s not afraid to defend, either. When he’s out wide, he tracks back to help the fullbacks, which comes in handy against teams that press high.
His ability to play across the front line keeps him in the mix, no matter the formation.
Squad Number Significance
Kikanović wears #28 for the Earthquakes. It’s not a classic striker’s number, but it’s become part of his identity at the club.
Fans now link 28 to his direct style and steady presence in the lineup.
Squad numbers sometimes mean something personal. For him, 28 is a nod to his path from Sacramento State to MLS—a reminder that he carved out a spot even without being a top pick.
By sticking with 28, he shows loyalty to the club that gave him his start. Supporters see it as a symbol of his roots in San Jose and his consistency for the team.
San Jose Earthquakes Career
Here’s a forward who grew up in San Jose, stayed close to home for college at Sacramento State, and now plays for his hometown club in MLS.
His journey has included new contracts, key goals, and a regular role with the Earthquakes.
Joining the Club and Contract Details
Kikanović made the jump from college to pro soccer pretty quickly. After Sacramento State, he joined the Earthquakes in 2021, bringing a young forward’s energy and versatility.
San Jose backed his potential by extending his contract. In 2023, he signed on through the 2026 MLS season, locking in his spot for the long haul.
That contract shows how he’s gone from a depth piece to a regular contributor. According to MLS, the club signed him along with Paul Marie, aiming to build around younger players.
His 2025 salary comes in at $367,000 base, with a $403,700 cap hit, per Spotrac.
Notable Performances and Milestones
Kikanović made an early impact in 2021, scoring important goals that helped San Jose grab points late in the season.
His ability to slot in as both forward and winger gave the coaches options.
One highlight: he scored a big goal against Austin FC, a moment the club still points to as a top finish.
By 2025, he’d racked up steady appearances over several seasons. Here’s a look at his numbers:
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 19 | 3 | 1 |
| 2022 | 28 | 5 | 2 |
| 2023 | 27 | 4 | 3 |
| 2024 | 22 | 3 | 2 |
It’s all about consistency—no huge breakout, but always contributing.
Contribution to Team Success
Kikanović’s impact really shows when you watch how San Jose plays with him on the field. The Earthquakes rely on his pressing, movement, and ability to pull defenders around.
Even when he’s not scoring, he creates space for others.
In games where San Jose found the net a few times, his involvement often made the difference. The team’s record in those matches highlights his value, as AP coverage points out.
His versatility lets San Jose rotate lineups during long MLS stretches. Whether starting or coming off the bench, he brings energy and pace.
That reliability keeps him important as the Earthquakes push to stay competitive in the Western Conference.
Statistical Overview: Appearances and Goals
Kikanović has earned his spot with the Earthquakes, showing up consistently and growing as a goal threat.
His stats paint the picture of a forward who helps out as both a starter and a sub, making his value pretty clear.
MLS Regular Season Statistics
You can really see his progress in the regular season numbers. Since his 2021 debut, he’s made over 100 MLS appearances.
He’s scored 14 goals—maybe not a huge number, but it’s steady.
He often flips between winger and center forward, which helps him get on the field even if he’s not starting every match.
His minutes usually come when San Jose needs a boost in attack.
Here’s how his MLS regular season looks through 2025:
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 22 | 3 | 1,200+ |
| 2022 | 28 | 5 | 1,600+ |
| 2023 | 25 | 3 | 1,400+ |
| 2024 | 20 | 2 | 1,100+ |
| 2025 | 10+ | 1 | 500+ |
He’s involved every year, with his goals spread out over several seasons.
Performance by Season
Season by season, Kikanović adapts to what the team needs. In 2021, he jumped straight from Sacramento State and settled in quickly.
Early goals gave him a spot in the squad.
His best year so far came in 2022, with five goals. That season, he really showed how he could stretch defenses and finish chances.
He played more minutes, which showed the coaching staff trusted his progress.
After that, things balanced out. Injuries and squad rotation kept his totals in check, but he still managed to contribute in different competitions.
Even when his minutes dropped, he found ways to help—a big deal for a forward who gets moved around a lot.
Assists and Other Contributions
Kikanović isn’t just about scoring. Over his MLS career, he’s picked up four assists, proving he can set up teammates when he’s not finishing himself.
He links up well with midfielders and wide players, giving San Jose another attacking angle.
He’s also valuable for his pressing and defensive work. He’ll chase down defenders and force turnovers, helping the Earthquakes control the tempo in tough games.
His assist numbers might not jump off the page, but his off-ball movement opens lanes for others.
Forwards like him create chances that don’t always show up in the stats, but you can feel the difference when the attack clicks.
His blend of scoring, creating, and pressing makes him a useful part of San Jose’s system.
If you want to dig deeper, check out his San Jose Earthquakes stats or his career numbers on Transfermarkt.
Previous Experience and Development
Kikanović’s career has been a step-by-step climb, starting at the youth level, then to the USL Championship, and finally to MLS.
Every stage gave him something new—more minutes, tougher competition, and the need to adapt quickly.
USL Championship and Reno 1868 FC
Kikanović got his first taste of pro soccer with Reno 1868 FC in the USL Championship. He joined them in 2020 after leaving college, facing off against older, more experienced players.
Reno was a strong team, and that environment forced him to sharpen up fast.
During his time there, he played both forward and wing. That versatility made him a handy option, though his stint was short since the club folded later in 2020.
His USL experience gave him a real foundation. He learned how to handle the physical toll of a long season and built confidence against seasoned defenders.
Those matches set him up for the next step to MLS.
Reno 1868 FC Stats (2020)
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USL Championship | 12 | 2 | 1 | 640 |
Youth and Early Career
You can trace Kikanović’s early development to Sacramento State University, where he played two seasons of college soccer. At Sacramento State, he kept scoring goals and earned a spot as a reliable starter, which got professional clubs interested.
Before college, he grew up in San Jose and played for local youth programs. That background gave him a real connection to Northern California soccer—honestly, it made his move to the Earthquakes feel like it was meant to happen.
His time at Sacramento State didn’t last long, but he made it count. He played in 34 matches, scored 9 goals, and picked up 3 assists. Those stats proved he could finish chances and help out in the buildup, too.
Transition to Major League Soccer
You saw Kikanović take the next step when the San Jose Earthquakes signed him in 2021. The club saw his potential from his time in Reno and college, and they figured he could keep growing in MLS.
He started out getting minutes off the bench, then worked his way into the starting lineup. His speed and direct runs into the box gave San Jose another way to attack.
In 2025, he’s still with the Earthquakes as a forward wearing #28, and he just signed a new deal through 2026. Even after knee surgery in 2025, the team continues to value what he brings.
MLS Career Stats (2021–2024)
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | San Jose Earthquakes | 23 | 3 | 2 | 1,050 |
| 2022 | San Jose Earthquakes | 28 | 5 | 2 | 1,430 |
| 2023 | San Jose Earthquakes | 27 | 4 | 1 | 1,210 |
| 2024 | San Jose Earthquakes | 19 | 3 | 1 | 940 |
Injuries and Comebacks
Benji Kikanović has faced setbacks that really tested his durability, but he’s always managed to get back and shape his role with San Jose. His recovery process and how it affected his minutes show just how much injuries can change a season.
Knee Surgery and Recovery
In 2025, Kikanović had a patella tendon debridement on his right knee after he aggravated the injury in training. Dr. John Kao did the procedure, and they said it went well, but it meant he’d need about three to four months to recover. That basically ruled him out for a big chunk of the MLS season, including some big rivalry games.
You know how important rhythm is for a forward. Surgery breaks that up, especially when it’s the knee—the joint you need for quick sprints and winning headers. Kikanović’s game depends on those bursts into space, so the medical staff focused on slow, steady strengthening before he got back into full training.
The Earthquakes watched his workload closely, keeping him in controlled sessions before letting him play in matches again. His time at Sacramento State already showed he could bounce back, and he brought that same attitude to his pro rehab.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Injury | Right knee, patella tendon |
| Surgery Date | May 2025 |
| Estimated Recovery | 3–4 months |
| Doctor | John Kao, West Coast Sports Institute |
Impact on Playing Time
The timing of the surgery kept Kikanović off the field during the summer stretch. You could see it on the lineup sheets—San Jose suddenly looked thin up top. The club had to lean on younger attackers and rotate some veterans to fill in.
When he came back, his role changed. He usually came off the bench instead of starting every game, just to keep his workload manageable. That way, he could get fit again without pushing too hard.
Forwards need rhythm, and after surgery, you can’t expect it to come back instantly. His touches per game dropped, and his pressing wasn’t quite the same, but having him available gave the team more tactical options.
By the fall, you could see him improving. Kikanović’s minutes started to climb, and he won some key headers—like in the May 28, 2025 win over LA Galaxy—showing his recovery was working. The staff kept managing his minutes, always balancing what the team needed now with his long-term health.
Key Matches and Rivalries
You can’t judge a forward just by goals—it’s about how he changes games that matter. Benji Kikanović earned a bit of a reputation for stepping up when the pressure’s on, whether it’s a rivalry match or a game with playoff stakes.
Matches Against Minnesota United FC
If you look at Kikanović’s record, his games against Minnesota United FC really stand out. Coaches have used him as a runner behind the defense, making their center backs uncomfortable and forcing mistakes. That’s led to chances and some big momentum swings.
In 2022, he scored with a 71st-minute strike in a 2-0 win over Minnesota. That goal showed his knack for timing runs into the box. Performances like that proved he could be a difference-maker in matches where patience and sharp finishing matter.
Here’s a quick look at his output against Minnesota United FC:
| Season | Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 145 |
| 2022 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 178 |
| 2023 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 67 |
You can spot the pattern: he doesn’t always score, but his involvement tends to shift the pace of the match.
Performance in High-Profile Games
You really see a forward’s value when the pressure’s on. Kikanović steps up in big moments, especially in rivalry matches and when the cameras are rolling. He’s got this quickness and direct style that makes him dangerous, especially when defenders start to tire late in the game.
He’s scored decisive goals against LAFC and the LA Galaxy, which helped San Jose grab crucial points. That 57th-minute finish against LAFC? It showed he doesn’t panic when it counts.
And then there was his late goal against the Galaxy—he just found space in a packed box, almost out of nowhere. That’s the kind of instinct you can’t really teach.
Kikanović played college soccer at Sacramento State, and you can tell he brought that competitive fire with him to MLS. When he rises to the occasion like this, it feels like more than talent—it’s a sign he’s maturing.
Honestly, it’s pretty clear why coaches put their trust in him when the situation calls for discipline and execution.
