The San Jose Earthquakes traveled to Portland (again) for the third time since mid-April to take on the Timbers at Providence Park, this time competing in the Fourth Round of the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Entering the season, the Quakes seemed primed for a deep Open Cup run, but the very depth that was so promising early in the year was stripped away by international competition and injuries. Players unavailable for the match include: Chris Wondolowski, Simon Dawkins, Anibal Godoy, Alberto Quintero, Kip Colvey, Clarence Goodson, Shaun Francis, Marc Pelosi and Mark Sherrod.
Undoubtedly head coach Dominic Kinnear felt confidence in his starting XI to win the match regardless, as any good head coach should. But as the only MLS team to face another MLS team on the road with a lineup that had never played together, it was always going to be a challenge.
While you always want to compete for trophies, looking at the bright side would suggest the team can now solely focus on earning a spot in the MLS Playoffs, without increased wear and tear, schedule adjustments and risk of further injury.
The task starts this weekend against Orlando City SC at Camping World Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. PT, live on CSN California, 1590 KLIV and 1370 KZSF.
