Week 24 did not turn out how the Quakes would have hope, but despite falling to Sporting Kansas City 2-1 at Children’s Mercy park on Saturday evening, it wasn’t all negative for the Quakes. In the 25' Chris Wondolowski was able to find the back of the net from a well-designed corner kick, marking the 10th consecutive season in which he has scored 10 or more goals. Cristian Espinoza returned from injury and tallied his 10th assist of the season as well.
The Earthquakes are one of five teams to have two matches this week, which means more points for you and more reason to have a couple Quakes players in your lineup. The Quakes start their double match week with a trip down south to take on LAFC, the last time the Quakes played LAFC was in the U.S. Open Cup. In that match, Vako was able to fire the Quakes into the lead in the 7', but LAFC leveled the score later in the half. The Quakes had an excellent defensive display until the 60' when LAFC got the go-ahead goal. The Quakes ultimately fell 3-1 to LAFC. The second match of the week is at home against Vancouver Whitecaps. In the previous matchup between these two clubs, the Quakes scored a 3-1 road victory with Vako, once again, opening the scoring for the Quakes in the first half. Chris Wondolowski put his name on the scoresheet in the 34' to give the Quakes the lead. Magnus Eriksson then wrapped up all three points for the Quakes with his goal in 79'.
Now, which Quakes players should you place in your Starting XI for this double match week.
Cristian Espinoza ($9.9m). Back from injury and back in the starting lineup. As mentioned, he tallied his 10th of the season, giving him four more assists than anybody else on the team. To put it simply, Espinoza has been instrumental for the Quakes. The creativity down the flank he provides is one of the major reasons the Quakes are in the position they are now. He’ll be a threat to LAFC and he’ll be a bigger threat to Vancouver.
There is no surprise with this next suggestion, Vako ($10.1m). The weekly message is the same about this guy. He’s versatile and he’s dangerous. Vako loves to have the ball at his feet and pulls defenders towards him, opening space for his teammates. From there he either dishes the ball to a teammate, or he’ll dance around defenders and get a shot off. His work rate on and off the ball has improved and he’s proving that he can be one of the best players in the league.
You can’t go wrong with either of these players in your lineup, although, since the Quakes have a double game week, it may be worth trying to find a way to include them both in your squad.
