San Jose Earthquakes vs Colorado Rapids 
MLS Regular Season, Week 21
July 27, 2019 - 8:00 PM
Avaya Stadium - San Jose, California

Anderson, Irwin in the crosshairs against NYC

It was a night of highs and lows for the Rapids when they took on NYCFC last Saturday. The match got off to a dream start when 16-year-old Sebastian Andersonnotched his first career goal just six minutes into the match. Anderson’s night to remember turned sour when he was issued a red card in the 33rd minute. 

Defender Keegan Rosenberry had words of encouragement when speaking of Anderson’s performance and the role he’ll play in the club going ahead. “He’s got a lot of potential. [The team] all believe in him and obviously, the staff believes in him by putting him out there. Tonight was a good learning experience for him and we’ve all been there, so I think he’ll get better because of it.”

Another bright spot in the loss was goalkeeper Clint Irwin’s admirable performance. Replacing an injured Tim Howard just before halftime, the backup was welcomed by a flurry of NYCFC offense to start the second half. With 17 shots sent his way, Irwin racked up five saves. Rosenberry commended the goalkeeper’s play as well. “I have a lot of respect for Clint. It’s not easy being on the bench for most of the year and being ready to be called upon and have a good performance, especially as the goalkeeper. That’s a position where it’s kind of a microcosm of being on the bench all year; it’s [a lot of waiting] and then you’re called upon at a moment’s notice. I was proud of him and proud of the way he responded.”

San Jose’s earth-moving journey

How can one encapsulate San Jose’s incredible turn of fortunes during the 2019 MLS season? The club that started the season dropping five of their first six games has literally flipped the script; coming off a dominant 3-1 victory in Vancouver, they have now won five of their previous six games and are one of the hottest teams in MLS.

While a lot of credit should be given to the backline and their goalkeeper Daniel Vega, the lion’s share of San Jose’s recent dominance comes from their dangerous attacking side. Midfielder Vako Qazaishvili has scored in two games in a row, while forward Cristian Espinoza (on loan from Spanish side CF Villareal) is a threat out wide and ageless forward Chris Wondolowski is again among the MLS’s top scorers. San Jose tallied a cumulative 64 shots in their previous two matches against LA Galaxy and Vancouver which broke the MLS record for shots in consecutive games. 

“It took us a little bit of time to get used to [first-year coach Matias Almeyda’s] system and honestly to buy in and have confidence in it,” said midfielder Shea Salinas when asked what turned around the season. “Once we were able to all buy in, we had a belief in ourselves. We want to be a team that’s very difficult to play against and I think that we’ve become that.”

What to watch for...

Connor Cape, Radio Play-by-Play Announcer

After a physically and emotionally demanding match at home against NYCFC, the Rapids are off to the West Coast to take on San Jose. Putting the 2-1 loss to NYC behind them will be key. 

The Earthquakes currently occupy a playoff spot and are only three points out of a valuable second place. Only LAFC and Minnesota United FC have scored more goals than their 36. Expect fireworks and drama. If the Rapids can keep their heads and wits about them, they should be able to slow the Earthquakes and create just enough opportunities for themselves to get out of the Bay Area with a strong result.

Jordan Angeli, Radio Analyst

Where’s Wondo? The Rapids have to be aware of where Chris Wondolowski is at all times. He's hit double-digit goals in MLS every year since 2010 and is only one goal away from making the mark this season. Not to mention his continual climb as the top-goalscorer in MLS. Communication defensively will have to be clean on Saturday as Wondo's deceptive movement can catch defenders off guard. 

Be Alert. San Jose likes to play their restarts short. Sometimes that means quickly but sometimes it just means a small pass to move the defensive line or allow attackers a little more movement. Marking up on the first service is key, but also being aware of the second ball will be the difference maker when slowing now San Jose.