Seattle Sounders v San Jose Earthquakes: Hosts chasing post-season berth at Lumen Subject
Seattle Sounders v San Jose Earthquakes: Hosts chasing post-season berth at Lumen Subject


Seattle Sounders will hope to benefit from their house benefit after they host San Jose Earthquakes, as Brian Schmetzer’s aspect purpose to additional their MLS playoffs bid.

The Sounders are fifth within the Western Convention standings after their 2-0 victory over Sporting Kansas Metropolis final day trip.

Schmetzer’s males are 9 factors adrift of West leaders LA Galaxy heading into this conflict at Lumen Subject, the place the Sounders hope to enhance additional of their post-season chase.

“[We have] to maintain the momentum going, however one recreation at a time,” stated centre-back Jackson Ragen. “Hold successful, after which hold that going within the playoffs.

“That is the house stretch, and each recreation is large, as a result of it’s going to return right down to our place within the playoffs.”

Midfielder Paul Rothrock echoed the same sentiment, including: “We’ve threats from quite a lot of completely different areas, and that’s what’s introduced success this season.

“I feel having quite a lot of weapons going into the postseason goes to be essential and in addition having a locker room full of fellows which can be pushing collectively.”

San Jose have endured a troublesome season thus far, sitting backside of the Sounders’ division, however the guests did defeat Seattle 3-2 within the reverse assembly this marketing campaign.

They’re the one crew out of playoff rivalry already, owing to a woeful time period, with Ian Russell’s males solely successful 5 video games all season.

Russell shall be determined the tide activates the highway in Seattle on Thursday.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Seattle Sounders – Raul Ruidiaz

The Earthquakes should be cautious of Raul Ruidiaz, given he has scored 9 profession regular-season objectives towards San Jose, having solely managed extra towards the Timbers (10).

Solely three gamers (Jeff Cunningham and Preki – 11, Paul Bravo – 10) have scored extra objectives towards the Earthquakes in MLS historical past, with Ruidiaz dangerously near reaching these heights right here.

San Jose Earthquakes – Cristian Espinoza

Seattle could also be quaking of their cubicles considering of San Jose’s Cristian Espinoza, who has been concerned in eight objectives (5 objectives, three assists) in 5 matches towards the Sounders because the begin of the 2022 season.

The one participant to document extra purpose contributions towards a single opponent in that point is Espinoza himself towards Los Angeles FC (9), and the Earthquakes star will fancy carrying that run on right here.

MATCH PREDICTION – SEATTLE SOUNDERS WIN

The Sounders are the overriding favourites for this conflict, given their sturdy latest head-to-head document and San Jose’s drab type.

Seattle have received six of their final seven common season house matches (L1), together with the aforementioned win over SKC on Sunday.

The Sounders had managed simply 4 wins of their earlier 19 house league matches (D10 L5) courting again to Might 2023, however have since turned a nook – and issues could proceed to enhance right here.

San Jose’s defeat at Vancouver on Saturday was their twenty first loss in 28 matches within the 2024 common season. One other reverse would equal the second-most losses in a single season within the post-shootout period (since 2000) as solely D.C. United (24 losses) in 2013 misplaced greater than 22 instances in a season.

But not all visiting hope is misplaced, contemplating San Jose have received three straight matches towards Seattle for the second time (additionally in 2012—13). General, The Earthquakes are unbeaten in 4 straight visits to Seattle in all competitions (W2 D2).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Seattle Sounders win – 68.5%

Draw – 17.5%

San Jose Earthquakes win – 14%





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