Sporting Kansas City looks to make it four straight wins vs San Jose while the Earthquakes try to get back into the win column
April 2016 was the last time San Jose got the best of Sporting Kansas City, since then all three matchups have gone to Kansas City. Earlier this year Sporting got the better of the Earthquakes 2-1 at home. Now the two face off in San Jose with both teams coming off mid week Open Cup wins.
Sporting Kansas City
Current Record: 7-4-5 (26 points, 1st in Western Conference)
Last Time Out: 4-0 Win vs Minnesota United (US Open Cup)
Player To Watch: Roger Espinoza. One of those players where you don’t realize his importance until he’s gone. Espinoza is a key piece to the tempo of Sporting’s play, putting pressure on defense, putting the attacking players in good positions. His quiet but effective play will be key for Sporting on the road.
Why They Win: If Sporting KC can control the midfield, they can control the match. Benny Feilhaber didn’t start in the Open Cup match and should be fresh. It will be worth keeping an eye on seeing how fresh the rest of the team looks with the travel and the congested schedule.
Why They Won’t: If Sporting KC looks fatigued, they can be on the defensive for much of the match. That fatigue could allow some of San Jose’s difference makers to play the way they want to and find a way to get some goals.
Projected Starting XI:
San Jose Earthquakes
Current Record: 5-6-4 (19 points, 7th in Western Conference)
Last Time Out: 2-0 Win vs San Francisco Deltas (US Open Cup)
Player to Watch: Tommy Thompson. No Marco Urena in this match due to suspension. Chris Wondolowski will need to get some help from someone else in this one. Thompson is now at 60 MLS appearances without a goal. This weekend would be a good time to get that first one.
Why They Win: Urena plays a role in attacking a tired Sporting backline, whether it’s with a goal of his own or creating a chance in another way, his play will be crucial. Sporting is traveling a long way after a short week. The Earthquakes will need to take advantage of that.
Why They Won’t: San Jose has only scored more than one goal in just one of their last five against MLS opposition. That lack of fire power could be an issue against a strong Kansas City defense. If they don’t create good chances they have little shot at suceeding.
Projected Starting XI:
Prediction
How to Watch
Where: Avaya Stadium – San Jose, California
When: Saturday, June 17 – 9 pm ET
How to Watch: MLS LIVE