So it goes like this for the Earthquakes as of late:
Win (at Minnesota United FC)
Win (hosting Portland)
Loss (at Colorado)
Draw (against Orlando)
Win (at Dallas)
Loss (hosting Los Angeles)
You can look at only one win in their last four matches, or three wins in their last six. Either way, the Quakes are sitting competitively (there is no “comfortably” in Major League Soccer) at 4th in the Western conference (19pts) entering Friday night’s match, sitting one point ahead of Portland in 5th (18pts).
Although coming off a loss, there were some positives for the Quakes in their defeat at the hands of the Galaxy. The attack continues to grow, with offseason acquisition Danny Hoesen netting his first goal of the season, off a nice cross from Tommy Thompson, who notched his second assist of the season, as well as his second career assist, and his second assist in the last three games.
Chris Wondolowski, known for scoring goals in bunches, has continued his hot streak as of late, with four goals in the last six games, and the last time San Jose played the Timbers (a 3-0 win for the Quakes in early May), Wondo had two goals, and took over as the MLS’ all-time scoring leader against the Timbers. That could very well play in the Earthquakes’ favor. Another thing to consider is that the Quakes gave up a goal off a penalty, and an own goal off an unexpected deflection. That separates the Galaxy by two goals in what proved to be a two goal win for LA, 4-2. That’s not to say the Galaxy didn’t deserve to win, they did, but there is context, as always.
Here’s the rub: Even though there have been positives, as well as negatives for San Jose as of late, the team has never won at Providence Park since the Timbers entered the league in 2011. A whopping six losses and three ties in nine matches in Portland. San Jose must be feeling long overdue for a win in Rip City.
But Portland, with one of the most potent attacks in Major League Soccer, is feeling long overdue themselves, having gone winless since a 2-1 win over Vancouver back on April 22nd, and since, have only put two points on the table over the five match winless streak. Something has got to give.
Things to watch:
Diego Valeri: This guy was a huge part of Portland’s championship run in 2015. He scores, he creates, he incites, he does everything. He has six goals (tied for the team lead) to go with four assists (tied for the team lead), but his contributions go beyond his numbers. He can be a key part of a press, and can help link the chain at various field position along the Timbers attack when they build from the back.
The Portland D: The Timbers have given up the 7th most goals in the Western Conference, and now that Portland head coach Caleb Porter has a fully healthy backline, you would expect things to have tightened up, but the Timbers have given up 11 goals over their last five matches. If the Quakes net two goals in Portland, that could very well mean San Jose’s first win at Providence Park.
Danny Hoesen: Much like the predictions surrounding Tommy Thompson and his offensive productivity (he’s had his first two career assists in the last three matches), the idea has been that once Hoesen breaks through with a goal, he would start to score in bunches. Well, that goal came this past Sunday (as well as an assist on Wondolowski’s opening goal), as we pointed out earlier, but we have seen Hoesen, whether lining up as a forward or as a target winger, simply look more comfortable on the pitch in Major League Soccer, and he has shown a greater understanding of what his teammates like to do. Now that he’s getting comfortable, the possibilities for him, as well as Wondo, and Marco Urena, seem to be opening up before our very eyes.
Prediction: 2-1 win for San Jose.
Man of the Match: David Bingham
Play of the Game: Wondo go ahead goal after 70th minute.
The broadcast starts at 8pm on KNBR 1050.
