Seattle Sounders vs. San Jose Earthquakes: A Comprehensive Preview

Tonight, the Seattle Sounders are set to host the San Jose Earthquakes in what promises to be an electrifying match at Lumen Field. This encounter marks the second and final regular-season meeting between these two teams, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT. Fans who haven’t yet secured their tickets still have the opportunity to do so, and for those who prefer to watch from the comfort of their homes, the match will be broadcast on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. Additionally, local radio stations 950 KJR AM and El Rey 1360AM will provide live commentary, with the latter offering a Spanish-language broadcast.

The Seattle Sounders enter this match with a record of 13-9-7, currently holding the fifth spot in the Western Conference standings with 46 points. On the other hand, the San Jose Earthquakes have had a challenging season, sitting at the bottom of the conference with a dismal record of 5-21-2 and only 17 points. Despite their struggles, the Earthquakes have shown flashes of potential, having won two of their last five matches. The Sounders, meanwhile, have been in excellent form, winning four of their last five games, which has bolstered their playoff aspirations.

The last time these two teams faced off, the Earthquakes managed to secure a 3-2 victory in San Jose. This result adds an extra layer of intrigue to tonight’s matchup, as the Sounders will undoubtedly be looking to avenge that defeat. Key players like Jackson Ragen and Paul Rothrock have been instrumental in the Sounders’ recent success, with both players receiving accolades for their performances in the last match. Goalkeeper Stefan Frei has also been a standout, earning his second consecutive shutout and moving up to second place on the all-time MLS clean sheet record list.

Defensively, the Sounders have been one of the strongest teams in the league, conceding only 32 goals this season. In stark contrast, the Earthquakes have struggled mightily on the defensive end, allowing a league-high 65 goals. This defensive frailty has been a significant factor in their poor season, which has already seen them eliminated from playoff contention. The Earthquakes’ woes led to a coaching change in June, with Ian Russell taking over the reins after the departure of Luchi Gonzalez.

Despite their struggles, the Earthquakes do have some bright spots, particularly in the form of Cristian Espinoza. Although he has had a lower goal-scoring season, Espinoza remains one of the top chance creators in the league, boasting 11 assists. His ability to create opportunities for his teammates will be crucial if the Earthquakes are to pose any threat to the Sounders’ defense. On the flip side, the Sounders will be celebrating their 50th anniversary season, and fans are encouraged to secure their seats for the 2025 season by placing a $100 deposit. The sooner fans act, the better their chances of securing prime seating.

The importance of tonight’s match cannot be overstated, especially for the Sounders. A win could propel them into second place in the Western Conference, provided other results go their way. Specifically, they would need LAFC, Real Salt Lake, and the Colorado Rapids to lose their respective matches. While this scenario may seem unlikely, it underscores the competitive nature of the Western Conference, where every point is crucial. With only five matches left in the regular season, the Sounders will need to maintain their strong form to secure a favorable playoff position.

Injuries will play a significant role in tonight’s match, with several key players from both teams sidelined. For the Earthquakes, Michael Baldisimo, Vítor Costa, Benji Kikanović, JT Marcinkowski, Will Richmond, Jamar Ricketts, and Bruno Wilson are all out due to lower body injuries. Additionally, Jack Skahan will not be playing for non-injury-related reasons. The Sounders will also have to navigate their injury concerns as they aim to secure a vital three points.

One of the most memorable moments in recent encounters between these teams came when Paul Marie scored an 89th-minute goal for the Earthquakes, resulting in a 2-2 tie with the Sounders. This was Marie’s first goal of the season and highlighted the unpredictable nature of MLS matches. Amahl Pellegrino also found the net for the Earthquakes in that game, while Jordan Morris was the standout performer for the Sounders, scoring two goals in the first half. Morris has been in scintillating form, recording his second multi-goal game of the season and setting a career-best with 13 goals.

The Earthquakes’ recent form has been abysmal, losing five of their last seven games. Their poor record of 17 points and a minus-31 goal differential makes them the worst team in MLS this season. Only the New England Revolution have worse statistics, with 27 points and a minus-24 goal differential. Marie’s late goal against the Sounders came off a pass from Jeremy Ebobisse, showcasing the Earthquakes’ ability to capitalize on fleeting opportunities.

For the Sounders, maintaining their position in the Western Conference standings is of utmost importance. They are currently tied with the Colorado Rapids for fourth place with 47 points. The Sounders’ defensive solidity will be tested against the Earthquakes, who will be eager to improve their standing and end the season on a high note. Stefan Frei’s misread of a chip-shot from Cristian Espinoza allowed Pellegrino to score in their last encounter, a mistake the Sounders will be keen to avoid repeating.

Albert Rusnák’s free kick set up the opportunity for Morris’s first goal in that match, with the shot deflecting off goalkeeper Daniel de Sousa Britto’s hand and into the net. Morris then gave the Sounders the lead with a goal in the 39th minute, demonstrating his clinical finishing ability. Having been with the team for nine seasons, Morris’s experience and goal-scoring prowess will be vital for the Sounders as they push for a higher playoff seed.

As the season draws to a close, both teams will be looking to make a statement in tonight’s match. For the Earthquakes, it’s an opportunity to salvage some pride in an otherwise disappointing season. For the Sounders, it’s a chance to solidify their playoff position and potentially climb the standings. Fans are eagerly anticipating this crucial encounter, which is sure to be filled with excitement and tension. Be sure to grab your tickets or tune in to support the Sounders in their quest for victory, and stay updated on all the latest news and performances throughout the season.