San Jose Earthquakes vs. LAFC | 2020 MLS Match Preview

2020 MLS Regular Season – Week 23
San Jose Earthquakes vs. LAFC
Earthquakes Stadium – San Jose
November 4 – 11 PM ET

STREAMING: MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US

LOCAL TV: YouTube TV [LA region only], KRCA 62.2, NBC Sports California

The San Jose Earthquakes will get a chance to clinch an Audi MLS Cup Playoffs berth in their final regular season home match in a rescheduled match from Week 22. The match was originally slated for Sunday, Nov. 1, but it was rescheduled out of an abundance of caution after three LAFC players tested positive for COVID-19. Since the announcement on Oct. 31, LAFC announced that all other players and members of the club have returned multiple negative results.

The Earthquakes currently occupy the 8th and final playoff spot in the West with 27 points in 21 matches (1.29 PPG) and a win against LAFC would clinch a berth. A draw could also do the trick with some help.

Victory for the Quakes would ensure they would finish with a minimum of 1.30 PPG, mathematically preventing pursuers Vancouver Whitecaps (maximum potential PPG of 1.17) and LA Galaxy (maximum PPG of 1.23) from catching up if they win their final matches. San Jose can also clinch with a draw as long as the LA Galaxy don't win against the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, LAFC have already secured a spot in the postseason and they are hoping to move up into the top four spots in the West, guaranteeing they would host their First Round match.

This is the third meeting this season, with the Quakes bouncing back from a 5-1 loss on Sept. 2 to defeat LAFC 2-1 Sept. 27 at Banc of California Stadium for their first-ever regular season win over LAFC after five straight lopsided defeats. 

San Jose Earthquakes

Chris Wondolowski scored in each to increase his MLS all-time leading total to 165 goals and lead the Earthquakes to a 2-0 win over RSL at Earthquakes Stadium Wednesday night. For his efforts, the veteran forward was named MLS Player of the Week for Week 21 of the regular season on Thursday.

“I am happy with what the team has done and how far we’ve come," Matias Almeyda said after the match. "Keeping in mind where we were before, in a negative rut for a period of time, realistically it’s very difficult to bounce back from those moments. I think we’ve maintained composure and were able to stay calm. To think and to analyze ourselves. We know that going into playoffs will be difficult considering our next two opponents that we have left. We are aware that it will be difficult, however nobody will take our dream away. So, we will move forward calmly, and enjoy tonight’s victory. I am happy that the players were able to bounce back this season. In my experience coaching, I know it’s not easy. I am just happy for everything, the players, and how far we’ve come.”

• Updated team roster
• Injury Report:
  • OUT: Danny Hoesen (F) - core muscles injury
• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: Andres Rios (M)
• International duty:  None

LAFC

Almost back to full health, LAFC are starting to round into form at the perfect time. A 2-1 win over the Dynamo Wednesday night officially clinched a playoff berth and extended the club's unbeaten streak to three matches. Bob Bradley's side have lost just once in their last six, but the head coach wasn't pleased with what he saw against Houston. 

"You guys can see it," Bradley said after the match. "I want the passing to be sharper, when we have advantages I want to finish chances. When we lose balls, I want reactions to be faster. There were so many times in the first half, every time we stepped up to press, we were late and they played right through us."

• Updated team roster
• Injury Report:
  • OUT: Mark-Anthony Kaye (M) - ankle injury
  • OUT: Andy Najar (D) - undisclosed injury
  • OUT: Mahala Opoku (F) - undisclosed injury
  • OUT: Pablo Sisniega (G) - undisclosed injury
  • OUT: Mohamed El-Munir (D) - undisclosed injury
  • OUT: Adrien Perez (F) - undisclosed injury
• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: Jordan Harvey (D), Jose Cifuentes (M)
• International duty:  None

Series Matchup at Earthquakes

• Earthquakes: 0 wins, 3 goals
• LAFC: 2 wins, 9 goals
• 4 draws

Officials

• Referee: Timothy Ford
• Assistant Referees: Jeremy Hanson, Mike Rottersman
• 4th Official: Michael Radchuk
• VAR: Guido Gonzales Jr