After a hot start, the San Jose Earthquakes have cooled down a bit and come into tonight’s match on a three-game losing streak that includes two home losses.

The Sounders, of course, aren’t in much better form, having gone winless in their last two and failing to score in either of them. They’ll be looking to end a three-game losing streak at San Jose and get their season heading in the right direction.

Here’s what you need to know:

Injury news

Sounders

OUT: Paul Arriola - Knee; Pedro de la Vega - Quad; Jordan Morris - Hamstring

Earthquakes

OUT: Nick Fernandez - Lower Body; Benji Kikanovic - Lower Body; Hernán López - Upper Body

QUESTIONABLE: Niko Tsakiris - Lower Body

Opposition players to watch

Cristian Espinoza: Although he’s never really gotten the plaudits, Espinoza has been one of the top playmakers in MLS ever since he first came to the Earthquakes in 2019, logging 58 assists in parts of seven seasons. Despite moving to right wingback this year, he’s continuing that form with three assists in five games.
Daniel: After a seriously down year in 2024, the Brazilian goalkeeper seems to have rediscovered the form that made him one of the top shot-stoppers in 2023. Through five games, he’s already +2.2 in terms of post-shot xGA. He’s also aggressive in coming off his line, with 1.60 actions outside his defensive area per game.

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Stats to look smart

10.1: The Earthquakes currently lead all of MLS with 10.1 xG, having gone over 2.2 in 3 of 5 games and never going below 1.3. But that has come at a cost, as they’ve also allowed a league-high 10.3 xGA, which includes allowing at least 1.7 in all five matches. That’s contributed to 16 goals being scored in their games, the most among Western Conference teams and the fourth most in the league.

4.4: The Sounders, meanwhile, have allowed 4.4 xGA, which is the fifth lowest in MLS. Offensively, the Sounders have generated 6.0 xG, which is pretty much midtable.

Tactics to impress

The Earthquakes under Bruce Arena have adopted an aggressive 3-5-2 approach and have stuck with it even after the loss of central playmaker Hernan Lopez. In his place, Arena has dropped Chicho Arrango into the No. 10 spot. He’s averaging about 40 touches per game in his two starts there, but he’s also scored in both games.
Obed Vargas is expected to return to the Sounders starting lineup after missing last week’s game while on international duty. One of the big questions facing Brian Schmetzer will be how he uses the midfielder. Will he move him up a line in an attempt to unlock his offensive ability or will he give Cristian Roldan another shot in the attacking band?