Seattle Sounders v San Jose Earthquakes: Hosts chasing post-season berth at Lumen Field

Seattle Sounders will hope to make the most of their home advantage when they host San Jose Earthquakes, as Brian Schmetzer’s side aim to further their MLS playoffs bid.

The Sounders are fifth in the Western Conference standings after their 2-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City last time out.

Schmetzer’s men are nine points adrift of West leaders LA Galaxy heading into this clash at Lumen Field, where the Sounders hope to improve further in their post-season chase.

“[We have] to keep the momentum going, but one game at a time,” said centre-back Jackson Ragen. “Keep winning, and then keep that going in the playoffs.

“This is the home stretch, and every game is huge, because it’s going to come down to our position in the playoffs.”

A complete team goal

Paul’s third goal of the regular season is your @EQCasino Play of the Match from #SEAvSKC! pic.twitter.com/O0IgAyQ6WA

— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) September 16, 2024

Midfielder Paul Rothrock echoed a similar sentiment, adding: “We have threats from a lot of different areas, and that’s what’s brought success this season.

“I think having a lot of weapons going into the postseason is going to be crucial and also having a locker room full of guys that are pushing together.”

San Jose have endured a tough season to date, sitting bottom of the Sounders’ division, but the visitors did defeat Seattle 3-2 in the reverse meeting this campaign.

They are the only team out of playoff contention already, owing to a woeful term, with Ian Russell’s men only winning five games all season.

Russell will be desperate the tide turns on the road in Seattle on Thursday.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Seattle Sounders – Raul Ruidiaz

The Earthquakes must be wary of Raul Ruidiaz, given he has scored nine career regular-season goals against San Jose, having only managed more against the Timbers (10).

Only three players (Jeff Cunningham and Preki – 11, Paul Bravo – 10) have scored more goals against the Earthquakes in MLS history, with Ruidiaz dangerously close to reaching those heights here.

San Jose Earthquakes – Cristian Espinoza

Seattle may be quaking in their booths thinking of San Jose’s Cristian Espinoza, who has been involved in eight goals (five goals, three assists) in five matches against the Sounders since the start of the 2022 season.

The only player to record more goal contributions against a single opponent in that time is Espinoza himself against Los Angeles FC (nine), and the Earthquakes star will fancy carrying that run on here.

MATCH PREDICTION – SEATTLE SOUNDERS WIN

The Sounders are the overriding favourites for this clash, given their strong recent head-to-head record and San Jose’s drab form.

Seattle have won six of their last seven regular season home matches (L1), including the aforementioned win over SKC on Sunday.

The Sounders had managed just four wins in their previous 19 home league matches (D10 L5) dating back to May 2023, but have since turned a corner – and things may continue to improve here.

San Jose’s defeat at Vancouver on Saturday was their 21st loss in 28 matches in the 2024 regular season. Another reverse would equal the second-most losses in a single season in the post-shootout era (since 2000) as only D.C. United (24 losses) in 2013 lost more than 22 times in a season.

Yet not all visiting hope is lost, considering San Jose have won three straight matches against Seattle for the second time (also in 2012—13). Overall, The Earthquakes are unbeaten in four straight visits to Seattle in all competitions (W2 D2).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Seattle Sounders win – 68.5%

Draw – 17.5%

San Jose Earthquakes win – 14%