Here’s what to expect from the San Jose Earthquakes over their next five games
The San Jose Earthquakes had a decent showing in the MLS is Back Tournament but were unable to rid themselves of their Minnesota United demons, falling to them once again by a 3 goal margin in the quarterfinal stage. To add to the challenge that this next phase of Major League Soccer provides, Magnus Eriksson has left the club.
Can this club build on a solid quarter-final finish in the tournament or will they struggle in tough run fixtures featuring rivals and other solid Western Conference opponents? The following are the upcoming fixtures and after previewing each of them, a goal will be set that indicates a reasonable measurement of success for the San Jose Earthquakes.
Game 1 vs Portland – POSTPONED
Game Info: 8/26 7:30 pm (All times PST) @ Earthquakes Stadium
To be the best you have to beat the best at some point, but to face one of the best teams in the league right away can be a daunting task. Both clubs are powered by South Americans on the field and on the touchline, and after seeing San Jose Earthquakes’ gameplay frustrate their Cascadia rivals (who did beat the Timbers 3-0 over the weekend), maybe a repeat performance could be in store.
The additional rest from this scheduling as well as going out earlier in the MLS is Back Tournament could play into San Jose’s hands, but they’ll have to earn any positive result against the experienced and effective Portland Timbers with some younger talent in Jeremy Ebobisse and Jaroslaw Niezgoda making themselves known too. This match was postponed on 8/26 and will be played at a later date.
Prediction: 1-1 draw
Game 2 vs LA Galaxy
Game Info: 8/29 7:30 pm @ Dignity Health Sports Park
LA Galaxy is the only opponent San Jose will face twice in this run of fixtures, and it is still unclear what version of the Galaxy to expect when traveling to Carson. They were awful in the MLS is Back Tournament and Mexican soccer icon Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez has yet to hit the ground running (or be 100% healthy).
However, they recorded a stunning 2-0 win over LAFC to inflict some minor revenge on Carlos Vela and company. David Bingham is a familiar face between the sticks, and he’s been largely unconvincing as a starting goalkeeper in either half of California. The Quakes need to be assertive and test this defense and backline, and while it won’t be an easy win, this is a game they could likely get 3 points from.
Prediction: 2-1 win