Separated by just a single point in the Western Conference standings, the Colorado Rapids and San Jose Earthquakes face off in a vital match at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The Rapids haven’t won in seven games – though losing just twice in that stretch, after a 1-1 draw with FC Dallas last weekend. The Earthquakes saw their four-game unbeaten run since the World Cup break come to an end in a 1-0 home loss to Seattle Sounders FC.
The Quakes will try to push past injury problems this weekend. Defenders Ike Opara, Steven Beitashour and Chris Leitch are all unavailable. San Jose traded for Chicago's Tim Ward on Friday and expect to see the defender in Colorado for Saturday's match.
