After their captivating run in the MLS is Back Tournament and full-team training in home facilities, the San Jose Earthquakes return to regular season action, facing a couple of challenges but with the same winning ambition.
The Quakes have not had an easy 2020 so far. First, the team had to remain in their homes and continue their trainings individually while living in one of the most affected markets in the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The measures were so strict that San Jose could not even train as a full team and was left no choice but to travel to Orlando early, becoming the first team to arrive in the bubble. Even though the team was going to be on the opposite coast for over a month, away from their families, the players were able to bond and build their chemistry both on and off the field.
After returning home in early August, the team also returned to a Bay Area that continued to suffer from COVID-19. As if things couldn’t get worse, the Bay was hit with record-breaking heat waves, power outages, lighting storms and public anxiety. Those lighting strikes triggered current historic wildfires across Northern California, burning everything in their path and spreading ash and smoke up in the air. The Quakes had to once again be flexible, moving training schedules to evenings in search of better air quality and lower temperatures.
All that aside, the Quakes will look to resume play on the right foot in search of their first home victory of the season. Portland is fresh off winning the MLS is Back Tournament, with quality players Sebastian Blanco, Diego Valeri, and Diego Chará leading their squad. Their game results did not only earn them the MLS is Back cup, but also helped them move up the rankings, sitting them at fourth place in the Western Conference standings.
However, Portland fell at home to reigning MLS Cup champions Seattle Sounders FC 3-0, breaking their winning streak and momentum. San Jose, now well-rested, will look to use Portland’s loss to their advantage on local ground. Earthquakes Stadium has provided strength for San Jose against Portland, most notably last season when they chopped down the Timbers 3-0 on April 6.
Despite not having a live audience present Wednesday night, the Earthquakes are continuing their viewing party experience for the Quakes’ upcoming phase one matches, starting with Wednesday’s game. Although no fans will be sitting in the stadium bowl, they will have the opportunity to cheer on their team from their vehicles and watch the match on the scoreboard while the match is happening live just yards away. Exclusively for Quakes Season Ticket Holders only, fans that would like to attend future viewing parties can still do so by joining the Earthquakes family and putting down a $20 deposit before Aug. 26. To sign up, click here.
Fans will also see some lineup changes on Wednesday. Midfielder Magnus Eriksson departed the club last week and returned to his former Swedish team Djurgårdens IF, leaving an open spot in the starting XI and the captain’s armband up for grabs. Will Vako return to the ‘10’ position he once previously played in, or will Carlos Fierro fill in that spot and play as an attacking midfield how he once did in Mexico? Will we see youngsters Cade Cowell and Jack Skahan have more minutes, or will MLS legend Chris Wondolowski return as a starting forward and wear the captain’s armband once again?
Tune in to find out this Wednesday as the Earthquakes look to take down the MLS is Back Tournament champions Portland Timbers, presented by Fastmetrics. The match is set for kickoff at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports California+, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
