San Jose Earthquakes vs. Portland Timbers
2017 MLS Regular Season
Avaya Stadium – San Jose, Calif.
Saturday, Sept. 30 – 10:30 pm ET
WATCH: MLS LIVE
After conceding four goals in back-to-back losses, the San Jose Earthquakes have their backs against the wall as the Portland Timbers come to town looking to deal a mortal blow to their West Coast foes' playoff hopes.
Heading into last weekend, the Quakes were above the playoff line and looking to make a late push for the postseason. They then proceeded to drop a 4-0 decision in a cross-country trip to D.C. United only to return home on Wednesday and promptly get blown out once more, losing 4-1 to the playoff-bound Chicago Fire.
San Jose may still only be two points behind the chasing back, but have played one more game than all but one of the three teams they’re chasing. With a trip to West-leading Vancouver next on the agenda, a win against Portland is all but essential if the Quakes want to be in contention on Decision Day.
The Timbers will be feeling good about themselves after getting back on track with a comprehensive win that kept them right in the mix for a top two spot in the West. That battle will likely come down to the wire, and Portland’s cause will be helped immensely by the form of Diego Valeri, who will be looking to extend his MLS-record streak of nine games with a goal after netting twice in the Timbers’ 3-0 win over Orlando City on Sunday.
San Jose Earthquakes
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: D Andres Imperiale
- International Duty: None
- Injury Report: OUT – D Harold Cummings (leg surgery), D Marvell Wynne (heart abnormality), M Fatai Alashe (quad injury)
Projected Starting XI
(4-4-2, right to left)
GK: Andrew Tarbell – Kofi Sarkodie, Francois Affolter, Andres Imperiale, Shea Salinas – Danny Hoesen, Jackson Yueill, Florian Jungwirth, Vako – Chris Wondolowski, Marco Urena
Notes: San Jose have now lost five of their last eight MLS games (2W-1D) and have conceded four goals in four of those eight matches. … Following his Wednesday night strike, Chris Wondolowski is now tied for third all-time in MLS goals with 133.
Portland Timbers
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: M Sebastian Blanco
- International Duty: None
- Injury Report: OUT – D Gbenga Arokoyo (Achilles tear, out for season), D Chance Myers, D Marco Farfan; QUESTIONABLE – F Fanendo Adi (hamstring injury), M David Guzman (quad injury)
Projected Starting XI
(4-2-3-1, right to left)
GK: Jeff Attinella – Zarek Valentin, Larrys Mabiala, Liam Ridgewell, Roy Miller – Diego Chara, Darlington Nagbe – Dairon Asprilla, Diego Valeri, Sebastian Blanco – Darren Mattocks
Notes: The Timbers have scored in nine straight MLS road games, tied for the second-longest such streak in team history. They have gone 2W-4L-3D in those games, matching their win total from their previous 24 games prior to this run. … Valeri has scored five goals in 10 career appearances against San Jose, tied for his second-most goals against any MLS foe.
All-Time Series
Since the start of the 2014 season, the Timbers have won six of their 10 meetings with San Jose (2L-2D). In those 10 games, Portland has kept five clean sheets and conceded multiple goals three times. The teams have split the two games they’ve played so far this year, with San Jose taking a 3-0 decision at Avaya Stadium on May 6 and Portland returning the favor with a 2-0 win at Providence Park on June 2.
- Overall: San Jose 2 wins (16 goals) … Portland 7 wins (24 goals) … Ties 7
- At SJ: San Jose 2 wins (9 goals) … Portland 1 win (8 goals) … Ties 4
Referees
Referee: Kevin Stott
Assistant Referees: Mike Rottersman (near side), Felisha Mariscal (far side)
Fourth Official: Dave Gantar
Video Assistant Referee (VAR): Ricardo Salazar
