This weekend, the Quakes will travel up to Washington for their third straight road game in league play, their second stretch of that length this season. It won’t just be any matchup, either. They’ll facing a burgeoning Seattle Sounders FC that just pulled a miraculous result on Wednesday night to move a point ahead of the Quakes in the fight for a playoff position. Sunday’s matchup against Sounders FC is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports California, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
Ahead of this pivotal, intra-conference contest, here are a few things to watch for on Sunday night:
Home field advantage… or is there?
The Seattle Sounders have lost just once at home all season, but that shouldn’t dishearten Quakes fans. Despite most teams’ woes on the road, the Quakes have a 4-4-1 record at CenturyLink Field, including three wins in their last four visits to the Sounders’ home.
Going For Three
What’s more, if the Quakes are able to come away from the Pacific Northwest with a good result, it will continue their good form against Seattle this year. The seismic club drew 1-1 with Sounders FC in their last league encounter, before eliminating them from the U.S. Open Cup with a 2-1 win in the Round of 16.
Favorite Target
Another reason to be optimistic ahead of this matchup? Quakes forward Chris Wondolowski has scored 11 goals in 19 appearances against Sounders FC, more than any other player since the Seattle club joined the league in 2009. Four of those goals have been game-winners, which is also the league record against Seattle.
Another Day, Another Record
Speaking of Wondo, if the Quakes captain is able to add to his tally against Seattle, he will hold the MLS record for most goals on the road, which he currently shares with Landon Donovan at 63 goals. Wondolowski is also just two goals away from an eighth consecutive season with 10 or more goals, which would extend the MLS record he set last season.
Reinforcements
Between injuries, suspensions and international commitments, the Quakes have had to make due without several key players during the past few weeks, but they’ll be getting a boost ahead of this crucial matchup. Midfielders Anibal Godoy and Darwin Ceren will likely travel to Seattle with the team after their participation in the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup with their respective national teams.
