Storylines to Watch:
The youth movement is alive and well in San Jose
The San Jose Earthquakes fielded a noticeably young starting lineup for their international friendly against Liga MX leaders Cruz Azul this past weekend. Gilbert Fuentes, Eric Calvillo, JT Marcinkowski, Yeferson Quintana, Luis Felipe and Nick Lima, all under 24-years-old, held Cruz Azul to a scoreless draw at Avaya Stadium.
Among San Jose’s starters were 16-year-old Homegrown Gilbert Fuentes, the Quakes’ youngest-ever player, and 20-year-old Eric Calvillo who both made their first start for the club.
"I felt like I got used to it fast," Gilbert Fuentes said. "You have to at this level. It was really incredible afterwards just looking back at it right now. It’s a dream come true.”
The home side will be without Jahmir Hyka
The Albanian midfielder underwent reconstructive surgery Friday to repair multiple facial fractures sustained during training last week. The 30-year-old is expected to be sidelined for 2-3 weeks. Over the past season, Hyka has tallied three goals in 19 appearances.
Player to Watch: Chris Wondolowski
The San Jose Earthquakes veteran Chris Wondolowski is just two goals shy of surpassing Landon Donovon for the all-time MLS scoring record of 145. The 35-year-old striker in his 14th MLS season (11th with the Quakes) has scored in San Jose's past two games, against the Houston Dynamo and the New York Red Bulls, to put him at 144 league goals.
With only two games remaining for the Quakes in 2018, it won't be easy for Wondo to pass his former US teammate in 2018, but the career record is still within reach.
“It’s just absolutely crazy to me,” he said. “I think the best and coolest part is that I get to be mentioned with Landon Donovan, who I really do believe is the best US soccer player of all-time, both domestically and also for the national team. It would be amazing. I’m truly still in awe about it and I hope it happens.”
San Jose Earthquakes vs Colorado Rapids - Head-to-Head
The Rapids have met the San Jose Earthquakes 65 times in the regular season resulting in a 21-29-15 overall record. The Quakes currently sit in last place in Major League Soccer with a 4-20-8 overall record. The Rapids are coming off a 2-0road win against Minnesota United FC. The Rapids' season record currently sits at 7-19-6 overall.
- Head-to-Head Overall: San Jose Earthquakes 29 wins, 90 goals | Colorado Rapids 21 wins, 78 goals | 15 ties
- Head-to-Head in San Jose: San Jose Earthquakes 16 wins, 51 goals | Colorado Rapids 8 wins, 35 goals | 7 ties
- Previous Meeting: Colorado Rapids 2, San Jose Earthquakes 1 (August 11, 2018)
