Afrigather 
Seattle Sounders will hope to take advantage of their dwelling benefit after they host San Jose Earthquakes, as Brian Schmetzer’s facet intention to additional their MLS playoffs bid.
The Sounders are fifth within the Western Convention standings after their 2-0 victory over Sporting Kansas Metropolis final day out.
Schmetzer’s males are 9 factors adrift of West leaders LA Galaxy heading into this conflict at Lumen Subject, the place the Sounders hope to enhance additional of their post-season chase.
“[We have] to maintain the momentum going, however one recreation at a time,” stated centre-back Jackson Ragen. “Hold successful, after which preserve that going within the playoffs.
“That is the house stretch, and each recreation is large, as a result of it’s going to come back right down to our place within the playoffs.”
An entire crew aim
Paul’s third aim of the common 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 an analogous sentiment, including: “We now have threats from plenty of completely different areas, and that’s what’s introduced success this season.
“I feel having plenty of weapons going into the postseason goes to be essential and likewise having a locker room full of men which are pushing collectively.”
San Jose have endured a troublesome season thus far, sitting backside of the Sounders’ division, however the guests did defeat Seattle 3-2 within the reverse assembly this marketing campaign.
They’re the one crew out of playoff competition already, owing to a woeful time period, with Ian Russell’s males solely successful 5 video games all season.
Russell will probably be determined the tide activates the highway in Seattle on Thursday.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Seattle Sounders – Raul Ruidiaz
The Earthquakes should be cautious of Raul Ruidiaz, given he has scored 9 profession regular-season objectives in opposition to San Jose, having solely managed extra in opposition to the Timbers (10).
Solely three gamers (Jeff Cunningham and Preki – 11, Paul Bravo – 10) have scored extra objectives in opposition to the Earthquakes in MLS historical past, with Ruidiaz dangerously near reaching these heights right here.
San Jose Earthquakes – Cristian Espinoza
Seattle could also be quaking of their cubicles pondering of San Jose’s Cristian Espinoza, who has been concerned in eight objectives (5 objectives, three assists) in 5 matches in opposition to the Sounders for the reason that begin of the 2022 season.
The one participant to document extra aim contributions in opposition to a single opponent in that point is Espinoza himself in opposition to Los Angeles FC (9), and the Earthquakes star will fancy carrying that run on right here.
MATCH PREDICTION – SEATTLE SOUNDERS WIN
The Sounders are the overriding favourites for this conflict, given their sturdy current head-to-head document and San Jose’s drab kind.
Seattle have received six of their final seven common season dwelling matches (L1), together with the aforementioned win over SKC on Sunday.
The Sounders had managed simply 4 wins of their earlier 19 dwelling league matches (D10 L5) courting again to Could 2023, however have since turned a nook – and issues could proceed to enhance right here.
San Jose’s defeat at Vancouver on Saturday was their twenty first loss in 28 matches within the 2024 common season. One other reverse would equal the second-most losses in a single season within the post-shootout period (since 2000) as solely D.C. United (24 losses) in 2013 misplaced greater than 22 occasions in a season.
But not all visiting hope is misplaced, contemplating San Jose have received three straight matches in opposition to Seattle for the second time (additionally in 2012—13). General, The Earthquakes are unbeaten in 4 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%
