The Seattle Sounders will attempt to extend their win streak to three matches when they play host to the San Jose Earthquakes for a Wednesday clash in the Pacific Northwest.
Seattle (13-9-7, 46 points), which has points in three of four matches, will also be out for a measure of revenge on Wednesday. The Sounders dropped the only other meeting between the two clubs this season 3-2 on March 23 in the Bay Area.
The Sounders enter the match in fifth place in the Western Conference standings, just two points behind second-place Los Angeles FC.
Forward Jordan Morris has paced the Sounders this season with 11 goals as well as three assists in 29 matches. Raul Ruidiaz and Albert Rusnak have eight goals apiece.
“We have threats from a lot of different areas, and that’s what’s brought success this season,” forward Paul Rothrock said. “I think having a lot of weapons going into the postseason is going to be crucial, and also having a locker room full of guys that are pushing together.”
The Earthquakes head north to Seattle looking to snap a two-match skid.
San Jose (5-21-2, 17 points) has gone just 2-13-1 since May 15. The Earthquakes sit at the bottom of the Western Conference and have been officially eliminated from MLS Cup Playoff contention.
The Earthquakes enter Wednesday’s match following a 2-0 loss in Vancouver last Saturday.
“We’re not clinical enough. I think we need to keep the ball better, and we need to hurt (our opponent) more,” defender Paul Marie said. “We were not able to (in Vancouver). I think we ran a lot defensively and just used a lot of energy where we were trying to press a lot. We were not doing great with that. When you get to the final third, we need to do way better. We need to work on it.”
The Earthquakes have been led by Amahl Pellegrino, who has six goals in 26 matches this season. Midfielder Cristian Espinoza has 15 goal contributions (four goals, 11 assists) in 28 matches.
–Field Level Media