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Colorado Rapids vs. San Jose Earthquakes: Preview and How to Watch

By Matthew Nelson

Oct 13, 2016; Commerce City, CO, USA; Colorado Rapids forward Kevin Doyle (9) defends against San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Anibal Godoy (30) in the first half at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2016; Commerce City, CO, USA; Colorado Rapids forward Kevin Doyle (9) defends against San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Anibal Godoy (30) in the first half at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Two teams on different sides of the Western Conference standings clash as the San Jose Earthquakes travels to take on the Colorado Rapids.

The Colorado Rapids, who used to dominate matches at home, going undefeated there until Seattle’s Western Conference final win last season, are 1-2-1 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park this season. They will be looking to turn that around on Saturday against the San Jose Earthquakes, who have started climbing the table as of late. San Jose is now in fifth place in the Western Conference and only three points off first place FC Dallas.

Colorado Rapids

  • Record (W-L-T): 8-1-6
  • Last Week: 0-1 loss vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
  • Player to Watch: Micheal Azira. San Jose has a deadly midfield with Hyka and Godoy if you give them too much space. Azira will need to play an important role in keeping those two quiet if the Rapids want to have a shot at winning on Saturday.
  • Why They Win: In the last game of the Rapids’ two-game home stand before heading on the road for two games, the Rapids will look to leave Denver with a victory. This motivation will push them to get a win against a San Jose side that has struggled on the road.
  • Why They Won’t: Colorado went from fighting for the Supporters’ Shield last year to occupying the basement of the MLS Standings. Confidence is at an all-time low and the injuries on the defensive side will gift San Jose plenty of chances. Since the Rapids haven’t scored a goal since March 15th, they will have trouble keeping up with the Quakes.

Projected Starting XI

San Jose Earthquakes

  • Record (W-L-T): 10-4-3
  • Last Week: 3-0 win vs. Portland Timbers
  • Player to Watch: Chris Wondolowski. Wondo has started to find his form after a slow start to the season. He is now leading the Earthquakes in goals scored with 4. With Colorado’s defense hurting so much from injury and missing the likes of Cronin and Burch, Wondo is bound to have plenty of chances to set up players around him and score himself.
  • Why They Win: Colorado have lost five games in a row and the defensive powerhouse that they once were hasn’t held a clean sheet since the first game of the season. San Jose is bound to score a few goals against the Rapids.
  • Why They Won’t: San Jose have struggled on the road this season, going 1-3-1. Even though Colorado is the worst team in the league right now, road games have been hard for the Quakes and their struggles could pop up again at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

Projected Starting XI

Prediction

Next: Dirtiest Teams in 2016 Regular Season

How to Watch

Where: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Denver, Colorado
When: Saturday, May 13, 4pm EST
How to Watch: Univesion Deportes, UniMás, MLS Live, FuboTV

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