Will We See Vako’s Home Debut?
San Jose's new designated player signing Vako graced the Avaya Stadium pitch during the club’s friendly against Eintracht Frankfurt on July 14, but he’s yet to appear in a home MLS match. After appearing in two away games in July, the Georgian international has an opportunity to make his first MLS appearance at home against Columbus Crew SC.
Building on Home Success
The Quakes are searching for their fourth consecutive home win this Saturday against Columbus. In all competition, San Jose boasts a six-game win streak and an eight-game undefeated streak at Avaya Stadium.
Coaching Against His Hometown Club
Chris Leitch will face off against his hometown club, Columbus Crew SC, for the first time as head coach Saturday. Leitch, who coached his first MLS match July 1 at Stanford Stadium, started his professional career with Columbus in 2002 before returning to the Crew in 2006.
Defending Avaya Castle
It’s safe to say the Quakes have had their fair share of success at home against Saturday’s opponent. Since 2010, San Jose boasts a five-game undefeated streak and have only lost once in their past nine meetings.
Jumping the Red Line
With a win Saturday against Columbus, the Quakes could move up as high as fourth place in the Western Conference standings. San Jose currently sits in seventh place in the Western Conference, sitting just a point behind Vancouver Whitecaps FC for the final playoff spot. The Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders FC are tied for fourth with 31 points, while the Houston Dynamo sit in third place with 33 points.
Quakes Legend Returns
He helped San Jose win the 2003 MLS Cup and lift the 2005 Supporters Shield, and now he’s returning to San Jose on the opponent touchline. Pat Onstad, the 2003 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, returns to Avaya Stadium as Crew SC’s assistant coach. Onstad also won MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2005 in addition to winning MLS Best XI honors in 2003 and 2005.
