SAN JOSE, Calif. –
We’re headed back to the Pacific Northwest! After a thrilling 3-2 winning against the Sounders on March 14, the Quakes will look to make it two in a row at CenturyLink Field on Saturday at 1 p.m. With both clubs jockeying for playoff position in the Western Conference, here are three match storylines heading into Saturday’s bout in the Emerald City.
Fresh and Hungry:
The Earthquakes got what they needed, and showed their trademark fighting spirit, in a U.S. Open Cup victory over Sacramento Republic FC on Tuesday. The 6-5 triumph in penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw gave the team an emotional lift heading into Seattle. Plus, Coach Dominic Kinnear got to rest many of his regular starters in the fourth-round contest, so the Quakes will step onto CenturyLink Field feeling reasonably fresh after a bye week from MLS play. In March, the Quakes notched a confidence-building 3-2 win in Seattle despite playing the final third of the match with 10 men. The gallant effort featured a season-high goal total for the Quakes, including two goals by U.S. international Chris Wondolowski. It also spurred the team’s positive start overall under Kinnear.
Seattle's Attacking Void:
The Sounders, who tend to struggle on offense against the Quakes' robust back four, suffered two major losses in a U.S. Open Cup defeat against Portland. Superstar Clint Dempsey was suspended three games by MLS for tearing up the referee’s notebook that resulted in a red card; and Obafemi Martins suffered a groin injury and will be lost for at least three weeks. Dempsey has seven goals, including three game-winners, and six assists. Martins has seven goals. That’s a heavy hit to the attack. But the nicked-up Sounders still have plenty of attacking firepower. Flashy midfielder Thomas, a Brazilian newcomer, looked good playing 61 minutes in the Sounders' 3-0 win over FC Dallas. Interesting stat: Seattle has scored more than two goals just once in 17 matches against San Jose.
Wondo and the Gang:
Wondolowski has eight of the 14 Quakes goals this season, sustaining his torrid pace even with the absence of injured Designated Player Innocent. He logged 120 minutes, scored two goals and converted in PKs against Sacramento Republic FC. Enough said. It looks like Wondo, who has nine goals in 14 matches against Seattle, will roll up front with target man Adam Jahn this time as Mark Sherrod is serving a one-game suspension for a red card against FC Dallas. But the Quakes are no one-man band. Soccer isn't designed that way. Two-way right back Marvell Wynne, whose explosive run and cross to Wondolowski assisted a goal in the Quakes’ 3-2 win at CenturyLink in March, has linked well with right mid Sanna Nyassi. Center backs/World Cup veterans Victor Bernardez and Clarence Goodson, and rookie holding midfielder Fatai Alashe, a U.S. Under-23 national team player, are in good form. Left wing Shea Salinas has worked well in combination with right back Jordan Stewart and has taken on more responsibility in possession. And don’t forget Matias Perez Garcia, the team's offensive catalyst who could well have to match wits with Thomas.
