MATCH PREVIEW: Earthquakes host St. Louis on Saturday

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The San Jose Earthquakes return to MLS action on Saturday when they host St. Louis CITY SC. The match, presented by California Giant Berry Farms, is the club’s second annual Autism Acceptance Night and the first of two home games in August. 

Kickoff from PayPal Park is set for 7:30 p.m. PT and the game will air globally on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as via local radio on KSFO 810 AM (English) and La Kaliente 1370 AM (Spanish).  

San Jose is coming off just its second road defeat this season, with the Quakes trying to bounce back from a tough result at Cincinnati last Saturday where they let a late lead slip away. 

MLS All-Star Daniel Munie headed in his fourth goal of the season off a Timo Werner corner kick in the 26th minute. Werner also struck for his fifth goal of the season in the 56th minute. In fact, the Quakes did not trail until minute 82 but ultimately fell 4-2. The Quakes now sit in third place in the Western Conference, trailing only Vancouver Whitecaps FC and LAFC by one point.  

Saturday's opponent brings a stubborn defense and a load of momentum into San Jose for this upcoming clash. Sitting seventh in the Western Conference at 7-6-5, St. Louis CITY SC  is red-hot right now, with its last defeat coming on May 3 against Austin FC. After a poor start, St. Louis is unbeaten in its last nine games and CITY SC has fought its way into playoff position.  

However, they’ll have to compete without midfielder Marcel Hartel, who has been a headache for the Earthquakes to defend in the past, scoring three times against San Jose in just four appearances. Hartel has just been transferred to 2. Bundesliga side Hannover 96.  

One interesting matchup is Timo Werner and St. Louis goalkeeper Roman Bürki, who have now faced each other 11 times, 10 of them being in the German Bundesliga. After putting two goals past Bürki on April 25, Werner has now scored five times on him throughout his career.  

Saturday’s match also features a battle of the oldest and youngest head coaches currently in MLS: Bruce Arena (74) and Yoann Damet (36). 

With the combination of the wave of momentum St. Louis is riding and San Jose’s need to get back in the win column, Saturday’s match is a huge opportunity for the Earthquakes to make a statement in the West. A victory over CITY SC would do wonders for the Quakes in the playoff race as they move toward the final stretch of the regular season.