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

2020 MLS Regular Season – Week 20
Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes
Providence Park – Portland
October 24 – 10:00 PM ET

TV: TSN 1/4

STREAMING: MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US

LOCAL TV: NBC Sports California

With 10 goals scored in two previous meetings this season, there could be more fireworks when the Vancouver Whitecaps and San Jose Earthquakes square off in a critical Western Conference clash Saturday night at Providence Park. 

The Whitecaps (7W-12L-0D) are just above the playoff line in the West, but level on points with ninth-place Real Salt Lake after a 1-0 loss to the LA Galaxy Sunday night at Dignity Heath Sports Park, while the Earthquakes, three points clear of Vancouver in seventh place, battled the Seattle Sounders to a scoreless stalemate Sunday. 

This is the third meeting this season, with the Quakes claiming a decisive 3-0 home win Oct. 7 after a memorable come-from-behind 4-3 victory at the MLS is Back Tournament in July. 

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

After back-to-back wins, the Whitecaps suffered a 1-0 loss to the Galaxy Sunday night with Kai Koreniuk scoring the winner in stoppage time. Marc dos Santos was frustrated that his team’s edge in possession didn’t translate to more chance creation. But his biggest complaint was the call referee Victor Rivas made that led to the decisive goal. 

On the play in question, Russell Teibert chases Carlos Harvey and wins the ball as Harvey goes to ground. Rivas blew his whistle for a foul and booked Teibert for the challenge in the 89th minute. 

“What I’m more frustrated [by] is that I think the referee had a very bad decision on the foul he gives on Rusty that originates them being in our half and scoring the goal,” Dos Santos told reporters in a video conference call after the match.

• Updated team roster
• Injury Report:
  • OUT: Maxime Crépeau (GK) - fractured left thumb
  • OUT: David Milinković (M) - undisclosed injury
  • OUT: Thomas Hasal (GK) - undisclosed injury
• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution:  Michael Baldisimo (M)
• International duty:  None

San Jose Earthquakes

The Quakes secured at least a point for the fifth time in their last six matches, battling the Sounders to a 0-0 draw Sunday at Earthquakes Stadium. And if not for Will Bruin clearing a Chris Wondolowski header off the line late in the first half, San Jose might have won for the fifth time in their last six. 

“I think that the players have regained their confidence and we have worked hard to be able to compete again,” Matias Almeyda said after the match. “It wasn't easy to get back up after so many losses and conceding so many goals. We insisted, based on our path, to recognize that when the team is doing bad, they suffer, but when they are united and play as a team, they compete.

“I think we now see a team that works hard, where everyone runs and everyone plays. The players now play with a confidence that they didn't have a month ago. I hope they can keep this momentum, stay calm, and strive for more.”

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

Series Matchup at Whitecaps

• Whitecaps: 7 wins, 22 goals
• Earthquakes: 2 wins, 15 goals
• 3 draws

Officials

• Referee: Marcos de Oliveira
• Assistant Referees: Corey Rockwell, Mike Rottersman
• 4th Official: Rosendo Mendoza
• VAR: Younes Marrakchi