San Jose Earthquakes vs. Vancouver Whitecaps | 2020 MLS Match Preview

2020 MLS Regular Season – Week 16
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
Earthquakes Stadium – San Jose
October 7 – 10:30 PM ET

TV: TSN 1/4/5 in Canada

STREAMING: MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US

LOCAL TV: NBC Sports California

After a pair of dramatic wins, the San Jose Earthquakes look to make it a season-high three victories in a row when they meet a Vancouver Whitecaps side trying to snap a three-match losing streak when the Western Conference foes square off at Earthquakes Stadium Wednesday night. 

The Quakes (4W-6L-5D) rallied to defeat the LA Galaxy to move within one point of the playoff line in the West, while the Whitecaps (5W-10L-0D) suffered a 3-1 road loss to the Seattle Sounders.

This is the second meeting this year with the teams playing in one of the most memorable MLS is Back Tournament matches. The Quakes rallied from a 3-1 second-half deficit to beat the 'Caps 4-3 on Shea Salinas' stoppage-time winner. 

in one of Major League Soccer's oldest rivalries. The Galaxy struck twice late to rally for a 3-2 victory at Dignity Health Sports Park on August 29 and the teams played to a 0-0 draw at Earthquakes Stadium Sept. 13.   

San Jose Earthquakes

The Goonies struck late again. An 82nd-minute penalty kick by Andy Rios was the difference in a Cali Clasico victory Saturday night at Earthquakes Stadium. Rios buried his attempt into the corner of the net, just past the outstretched arms of David Bingham, who in the first half denied Chris Wondolowski’s spot-kick. Referee Robert Sibiga pointed to the spot after Galaxy defender Rolf Feltscher mistimed a Cristian Espinoza service into the box, spun and pulled down Nick Lima.

“Today we felt joy. The players have given so much the last two games," Matlas Almeyda said after the match. "They’re believing more in themselves. And luckily, after a long time, we were able to work together for a week. I think today we faced a very difficult opponent and the previous game as well. And we were able to be competitive and luckily we were able to get the victories.”

Marcos Lopez, whose equalizer late in the first half was his first MLS goal, joins the Peruvian national team for CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. Guram Kashia and Vako will join Georgia.

• Updated team roster
• Injury Report:
  • OUT: Casey Walls (D) - thigh injury
  • OUT: Danny Hoesen (F) - thigh injury
  • OUT: Eric Calvillo (M) - head injury
  • OUT: Matt Bersano (GK) - ankle injury
• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: Florian Jungwirth (D)
• International duty:  Guram Kashia (D), Vako (M), Marcos Lopez (D)

Vancouver Whitecaps

The Whitecaps conceded three goals after halftime to fall to the Sounders 3-1 and finished with 10 men after Janio Bikel received a straight red card after his studs caught Gustav Svensson's midsection in the 68th minute. 

MLSsoccer.com's Tom Bogert reports the 'Caps and Italian club SPAL are finalizing a deal for Canadian youth international Simon Colyn, sources tell MLSsoccer.com. Colyn would join SPAL on loan with an option to purchase. Meanwhile, Jasser Khmiri will join Tunisia during the October international window. 

• Updated team roster
• Injury Report:
  • OUT: Maxime Crépeau (GK) - fractured left thumb
  • OUT: Cristián Gutiérrez (D) - undisclosed injury
  • OUT: Thomas Hasal (GK) - undisclosed injury
  • QUESTIONABLE: Russell Teibert (M) - undisclosed injury
  • QUESTIONABLE: Leonard Owusu (M) - undisclosed injury
• Suspended: Lucas Cavallini (F), Janio Bikel (M)
• Suspended after next caution:  None
• International duty:  Jasser Khmiri (D)

Series Matchup at Earthquakes

• Earthquakes: 4 wins, 16 goals
• Whitecaps: 1 win, 11 goals
• 6 draws

Officials

• Referee: Allen Chapman
• Assistant Referees: Jason White, Chris Elliott
• 4th Official: Elijio Arreguin
• VAR: Younes Marrakchi