Sounders prepare for top-of-table clash with Quakes
RENTON — Two of the league’s greatest groups will sq. off when the Seattle Sounders host the San Jose Earthquakes at Lumen Field on Wednesday.
The Sounders are at the moment tied for sixth within the Supporters’ Shield race on 21 factors. They have completed it principally via protection, having allowed a league-low six targets. Notably, they’ve additionally performed not less than one fewer recreation than everybody else within the prime 14.
The Earthquakes are main the Shield race with 29 factors, having performed two extra video games than the Sounders. They have thus far been the league’s greatest offense with 27 targets scored.
Both groups have only one loss and are available into this one driving eight-game unbeaten streaks.
Despite the apparent storylines, the Sounders insist that they’re much less targeted on the desk and extra on their earlier expertise with the Earthquakes. In their first assembly this 12 months, the Quakes dominated statistically however Seattle managed to tug out a 1–0 highway victory.
“I don’t think that performance was something that is up to our standard,” Sounders midfielder Albert Rusnák mentioned following Tuesday’s coaching session. “We want to improve on that.”
The Earthquakes have been arguably the league’s largest shock via the primary few months of the season. After lacking the playoffs final 12 months, they misplaced three of their prime offensive gamers, but are actually on tempo to attain 17 extra targets whereas additionally permitting 40 fewer. While that tempo is probably going unsustainable, it is a notably outstanding turnaround for a crew that had a -37 objective differential as just lately as 2024.
What modified? Mostly the hiring of Bruce Arena as head coach.
“Coaching is an art form,” Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer mentioned. “I love Bruce. He’s the GOAT of MLS coaches. He commands respect from his peers, his players. He gets the best out of his players. He maximizes guys’ potential.”
Quakes undergo a blow
As good because the Earthquakes have been, they’ve additionally managed to remain remarkably wholesome, not less than up till now. Niko Tsakiris, who has two targets and 7 assists this season, underwent groin surgical procedure and will probably be out 3–4 months. Timo Werner, who has 4 targets and 5 assists, additionally missed the Quakes’ final recreation and is questionable for this one.
Nouhou able to go
After popping out of Saturday’s match slightly early and holding his thigh, it appeared as if Nouhou could have suffered some form of damage. It seems it was simply cramps. The left again was a full participant in Tuesday’s coaching and will probably be accessible on Wednesday.
