The final stretch of Major League Soccer is in view, and Wednesday's Seattle Sounders-San Jose Earthquakes matchup perfectly reflects the extremes this league can offer. The Sounders come into this game in solid form, fighting to secure a top spot in the Western Conference, while the San Jose Earthquakes are one of those teams that have already been eliminated for playoff qualification, weighed down by a season marked by losses and troubling stats.
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But don't be deceived: though the standings may make for a telling statement, soccer is never fully predictable, and San Jose still has things to fight for-whether it's for pride or finishing the year high.
Seattle Sounders Moment
The Seattle Sounders come into Wednesday's match on the back of a very important 2-0 win over Sporting Kansas City, the first of three straight home games, with those three points surely not coming at any better time. The team was sitting in fifth position in the West with 46 points and will be seeking to cement that position, probably even go up.
The defense has been the strong suit of the Sounders this season as Seattle boasts one of the best defensive records in the MLS, with only 32 goals conceded. In goal, Stefan Frei is on fire after back-to-back clean sheets and has just jumped Kevin Hartman to become second in the all-time MLS shutout rankings. These are impressive numbers for a team that seems to have found the balance needed to be a strong playoff contender.
Pains of the San Jose Earthquakes
Meanwhile, the San Jose Earthquakes are living out their worst nightmare in this season. With only five wins, 65 goals conceded, and the worst defense in the league, the team is already out of playoff competition. Still led by former assistant coach Ian Russell, who came into the main seat after the dismissal of Luchi Gonzalez, the Quakes haven't found their way in 2023.
Undeniably, there is talent on this roster, and Cristian Espinoza was once again in line with the Argentine being one of the best creators of chances in the league while accumulating 11 assists-this was his third straight season, reaching double digits. But San Jose hasn't been able to capitalize on those chances for wins.
Breakdown of Expectations: Sounders Dominant?
So, with all things considered, Seattle Sounders seem like clear favorites? After all, they're upward swinging, playing at home, and fielding a nearly impenetrable backline. Across them, San Jose isn't just eliminated but carrying numbers which reflect a season to forget. Yet again, the beauty of the sport lies in the fact that expectations are just part of the story.
The Earthquakes may be out of the playoffs, but they are not on holiday. They need more than three points as they are fighting for respect and a chance to close out a season that, though mediocre, could still end with a bit of redemption. That provides tension to a match that is critical the Sounders not take the pitch and believe it's already won.
The Impact of a Win
A win for Seattle Sounders will mean something more than just three points. Since the team is fighting for a higher position in the West Conference, any slip-up in this regard may cost them much-needed breathing space in the race for a better playoff spot. Strength to their defense, keeping the winning streak alive, and even fighting for a higher position remain some of the immediate goals of the Sounders.
Meanwhile, for the San Jose Earthquakes, a win in Seattle will probably be like oxygen this season. Finishing with dignity, at least against one of the giants in the conference, would also give a bit of relief to both players and the coaching staff after months of poor results. At least, that would be a moral victory.