The Western Conference will be treated to another blockbuster matchup Wednesday evening when the Seattle Sounders host the #1 team in MLS: the San Jose Earthquakes.
Where They Stand
The only blemish on an otherwise record-setting start by the Quakes is a 1-0 loss in the reverse fixture which took place back in Matchweek 4. Since then, they’ve gone undefeated in all competitions with eight wins and two draws. Along that journey they smashed the league’s record books by scoring three goals in under ten minutes in three different games, against LAFC, Austin FC and Minnesota.
Seattle, meanwhile, are no slouches. They’re currently sitting fourth in the West, and fifth in the Supporters Shield standings. They’ve only played 10 games, the fewest in MLS, making their 21 points from six wins, three draws and one loss all the more impressive.
Both teams, however, have drawn their last two games by an identical 1-1 scoreline.
Contrasting Styles
Seattle rely on their stiffling defense; Earthquakes on their potent offense.
Seattle might have walked off with the win from their first meeting, but San Jose was undoubtedly the more dangerous team. They outshot Seattle 25 to 6, on frame shots were 7 to 4, touches in the box favored the home team 54 to 14 and the Quakes had 18 corners to Seattle’s zero. It took some remarkable saves from Andrew Thomas, a free-kick off the post, and a goal-line clearance to ensure the visitor’s clean sheet.
San Jose’s accomplishments usually stem from that relentless attacking drive and overwhelming the opposition. But last week they took a page from Seattle’s book in their 1-1 draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps. They scored early, then settled into stymie a superior offensive onslaught for the remaining 85+ minutes.
Goalkeeper Daniel, who was named to MLS Team of the Matchday last weekend after producing four critical saves to keep the scoreline level, has had an outstanding season. .
He has recorded five clean sheets, and allowed in eight scores, tied for third fewest. Number one in that category happens to be Seattle, with only six goals allowed in ten games. And Seattle is the only team that’s managed to keep the Black and Blue out of the net all season
Black and Blue in More Ways than One
Injuries and exhaustion have taken a toll on the Earthquakes. They’ve played two extra games compared to their hosts, and have had eight matches over the past 28 days. The last time these two met the Quakes lost right back DeJuan Jones to a season-ending ACL injury. This week they’re missing Vítor Costa, Earl Edwards and Designated Player Timo Werner. Midfield maestro Niko Tsakaris underwent surgery today for a groin injury sustained in St. Louis and will be out three to four months.
Coach Bruce Arena, with his usual feigned nonchalance, was quite sanguine about San Jose’s predicament. “There are a lot of games left to play. We, like a lot of teams, have periods of time when you have injuries, or you’re not playing well, and it’s going to be part of it,” Arena said.
“Nobody sails right through the season. So right now, we’re in a little bit of a tough space with a couple of injuries and those types of things. We just have to hang in there. We have to look at that and maybe make a few other adjustments to try to close out the month, and then we’ll have plenty of time to get ready when the schedule resumes.”
For their part, Seattle are missing Nikola Petrović, Yeimar Gómez and Pedro de la Vega.
The Hooligan Take
Right now, the balance between these two long-standing rivals is level. I expect the status quo will remain unchanged.
Seattle’s last two draws came against some weaker sides (SKC and San Diego), while the Quakes drew the more dangerous Toronto and Vancouver. This momentum is tempered by the injury issues, and although Preston Judd will continue his torrid form (he has five goals in four games), Seattle will somehow manage to eke out an equalizer in the dying moments. Cause that’s what they do.
Prediction: Seattle 2 – 2 San Jose Earthquakes
