If the San Jose Earthquakes are to have any hope of making the postseason, tonight’s match is a must win. A virtual “six-pointer” is on the cards at BC Place tonight, as the Vancouver Whitecaps look to take a major advantage on the ‘Quakes in the postseason push. San Jose has twelve matches remaining, three of them against the Whitecaps. What can we expect from their clash with Vancouver tonight?
Quakes-Whitecaps: Why San Jose Needs All Three Points Tonight
What to expect?
Neither of these teams have won since July 16th, and Vancouver hasn’t scored a goal since July 17th. Two bottom seed playoff hopefuls will try to get a result against the other and break their less than playoff worthy run of form. The Earthquakes have certainly been playing the more organized soccer of the two, but their finishing has proved to be absolutely terrible. Tonight? You can expect the Earthquakes to pressure higher up the field. That was something that proved successful in the match against New York City FC last Friday. There also is a chance we see a few lineup changes from the Earthquakes, but nothing too drastic.
Starting XI
Dom Kinnear has only had two games where he’s kept the same starting XI, and I’m sure you’ll see a slight tweak from the last game. The ‘Caps have major struggles against the counter attack and defending against through balls in behind the defense. I expect Kinnear to swap out one of Anibal Godoy and Fatai Alashe for Darwin Ceren. His passing from deep could help spur a couple of counter attacks with San Jose’s dangerous wingers.
Another possible change is Chad Barrett for Quincy Amarikwa. Kinnear has been faithful to Amarikwa though, so I doubt that changes, despite his goalscoring record this season. I do expect him to keep the backline the same. Jordan Stewart and Cordell Cato shut down NYCFC’s attack last week and should earn another start for it.
‘Quakes Keys To Victory:
Outside Backs’ Passing
The key to a counter attack is quick, accurate, decisive passing. The backline will have to be at their best, and especially out on the wings. Vancouver loves to pressure teams into their defensive third. The quicker the ‘Quakes can break out of the back, the more pushed forward they will catch Vancouver. To spring the dangerous wingers, Stewart and Cato will have to be accurate tonight.
FINISH CHANCES
The Earthquakes’ shot conversion ratio the past few weeks may just be one of the worst in the league, and it has been for a while. Quincy Amarikwa has only two goals and two assists in 1400+ minutes this season. That is really, really bad. Chad Barrett has nearly the same production (one less assist) in roughly 1000 less minutes. You most likely won’t see Henok Goitom in the starting XI this week. But if the he’s available off the bench, I’d be shocked if Kinnear didn’t get him a run-out for at least ten minutes.
Tonight’s match can be seen on UniMás, TSN, or MLS LIVE. Kickoff is at 8PT/11ET.
