We’re halfway there.
On Saturday, the Quakes will take on Western Conference rival Real Salt Lake in what will mark the midway point of the 2017 season. As the club looks for three points that will keep them in playoff contention, we break down what to keep an eye on during the Quakes' 17th match of the season:
- THIS WEEKEND: Quakes vs. Real Salt Lake at Avaya Stadium!
- NEXT WEEKEND: California Clasico at Stanford Stadium!
Seeking an Edge
Saturday’s contest will be the 28th time the Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake have faced each other in MLS play since the latter joined the league in 2005. Heading into this match, the two sides are 9-9-9 in that time span, and if that wasn’t enough indication of the parity between them, eight of their past nine matchups have been decided by a single goal or ended in a draw.
Club Leaders
Chris Wondolowski has faced Real Salt Lake 17 times as a Quakes player, scoring a club-leading eight goals from those matches. That means our captain is two strikes away from equaling the record for most all-time goals against the Utah club, which is currently held by Edson Buddle with 10. On a similar note, midfielder Shea Salinas leads San Jose with six assists against Real Salt Lake from his 15 appearances against them in a Quakes jersey, which is tied for third-most all-time.
The Return
It’s no secret that the Quakes roster has been a bit depleted over the past few matches due to injuries and suspensions, but that will be less of the case on Saturday as forward Marco Ureña and midfielder Darwin Ceren make their return from suspension. They will look to help the Quakes extend a four-game undefeated streak against Real Salt Lake that dates back May 1, 2015.
Saturday’s matchup against our visitors from Utah will kick off at 7:15 p.m., with gates at Avaya Stadium opening at 5:30 p.m. If you can’t make it out to the match, you can follow the action live on NBC Sports California, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
