The San Jose Earthquakes are busy preparing for their biggest regular season match in years, with a win at home over expansion side Minnesota United FC pushing them into the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2012.
Here’s what some members of the local and national media have to say about Sunday’s match:
Robert Jonas, CenterlineSoccer.com
“The Earthquakes are expecting a sell-out this Sunday afternoon for their season-ender, and the atmosphere is expected to surpass any game since the stadium opened in 2015. This is the most important MLS game since the Quakes played in the playoffs back in 2012. The team knows it, the coaches know it, and the fans will be in full support.”
Alicia Rodriguez, MLSSoccer.com
“Their opponents are officially out of the playoffs, but Minnesota have played fairly well in the second half of their first MLS season. They were pegged back 3-0 in dominant fashion by the LA Galaxy last week, and their road record is not exactly stellar. Still, Adrian Heath's men seem to have played better overall when the pressure has been off, and they have nothing to lose. The Quakes have something very important on the line, and it should make for one of the most intriguing Decision Day contests this year.”
Jeff Carlisle, ESPNFC.com
“The San Jose Earthquakes are proving that there is a benefit to simply hanging around. Since Aug. 1, their record is a pedestrian 4-5-2. Yet thanks to FC Dallas' collapse -- which continued with a 4-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders on Sunday -- and Real Salt Lake's 1-0 loss to the Colorado Rapids, the Quakes have shoehorned their way into the sixth and final playoff spot going into the final weekend of the season. The Earthquakes did so thanks to a 1-1 tie against the Vancouver Whitecaps, which was down mostly to goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell's spectacular showing and a moment of brilliance from Vako, who bagged a precious second-half equalizer.”
Avi Creditor, Sports Illustrated
“San Jose has been solid at home this season (9-2-5), while Minnesota has struggled on the road (3-11-2), but FCD and RSL will be hopeful of a change in trend. Dallas, which has won just once in its last 14 games, hosts the LA Galaxy and has the inside track, while RSL hosts Sporting Kansas City needing a double dose of help. The Galaxy have nothing to play for as they conclude a lost season, but SKC can still secure a bye and shouldn't be holding back.”
