For the first time in over a year, fans will be in attendance at PayPal Park! The Earthquakes are looking to pick up their first win of the season over FC Dallas this Saturday.
Head coach Matias Almeyda is making some adjustments after the Quakes fell short in their season opener against Houston Dynamo FC 2-1 last Friday.
“I think we need a little bit more mobility, a little bit more speed, and to play a little bit more,” Almeyda shared during a press conference earlier this week. “Surely as these games keep going, this team will get to where they want to get to.”
San Jose struggled to find their playing style, allowing Houston to score first with goals from Memo Rodriguez and Maximiliano Urruti. Defender Paul Marie, who entered as a substitute in the 66th minute, was later able to cut the lead in half after scoring a rocket goal, but the Quakes weren’t able to find an equalizer.
"In order to have a good buildup, we have to work as a team and have more movement and make better decisions to go and make the plays happen and try different things,” explained defender Oswaldo Alanis. “It takes the whole team, and we know that. We’re working on it."
San Jose will look to bounce back at home, but it won’t be easy. The Quakes offense will have to get past one of the top center backs in the MLS and 2016 Defender of the Year, Matt Hedges. Defender Ryan Hollingshead is another notable Dallas player who not only supports their back line but also tends to be very active on the attack.
“I have visited their facilities and they have tools that one wishes to have. I think the work that their coach and all of Dallas do is in plain sight,” Almeyda shared. “We are going to face a very difficult team.”
Saturday’s match kicks off at 12:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live nationally on Univision and TUDN, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
