This game isn’t going to be a thing of beauty.
But that’s okay, you just know there will be a few late goals in this one. Hopefully.
The San Jose Earthquakes will be looking to bounce back quickly, after suffering that humiliating capitulation in last weekends 4-0 defeat to the Seattle Sounders.
San Jose have yet to reach the heights of last seasons Supporters’ Shield winning season. Not even close. But Saturday produces the opportunity to right a few wrongs and kick-start their season.
However Colorado probably aren’t the team Frank Yallop’s men would have picked to face on Saturday. The Rapids have won four of their last six and are just finding ways to get it done, by hook or by crook. Edson Buddle is gradually getting back to full fitness (although he will miss this clash due to suspension) and their staunch defensive displays has won them plenty of plaudits.
(More: Colorado Rapids; the MLS team we aren’t talking enough about)
Revenge will also be a key factor. Last season San Jose annihilated Colorado. They won all three games they played, outscoring the Rapids 10-3, with two 4-1 wins reflecting their dominance in the series.
Not sure if we’re going to get a game like that this weekend. I hope so. But Colorado are much harder to break down this campaign.
The ‘Quakes have won just once in their last eight matches and currently sit fifth in the West with 12 points from 14 games. Last weekends 4-0 loss to Seattle was their worst loss since losing by the same scoreline to Real Salt Lake on July 23, 2011.
Marvin Chavez, Adam Jahn and Steven Lenhart could all return for San Jose, as they hope to get back to winning ways.
San Jose’s ‘keeper Jon Busch hopes their rough patch is the making of them. “To be honest, this is a good test for us. Adversity is a great thing,” Busch said. “You find out the strength of a man through adversity — not when things are good, when things are tough. And that’s where we are right now ... We’re going to be fine. We’ve just got to tighten some things up.”
(More: MLS Salary Profiles, San Jose Earthquakes)
While Colorado have no such problems. Rookie ‘keeper Clint Irwin has grabbed his chance with both hands, pardon the pun, and has established himself as a top ‘keeper in Matt Pickens’ absence through injury.
Colorado are 4-1-1 since April 6, with four shutouts in that time. They are stubborn and San Jose will have to work hard to break them down.
What we are going to see at Buck Shaw Stadium on Saturday (10:30pm ET) is a battle of will and determination. There is no way San Jose can continue to give up soft goals and expect to win. So they will be solid, but so will Colorado. The Rapids have only lost twice on the road this season -- 1-0 losses to both LA and FC Dallas -- and they can cause an upset here.
I think San Jose will leave it late, as always, whether they can get in behind Colorado I’m not so sure. It’s going to be a closely contested tie but the Earthquakes could squeeze it at a push.