20th Anniversary of Inaugural MLS Game
Saturday’s match marks almost exactly 20 years to the day of the inaugural MLS game, which took place between the then-named San Jose Clash and D.C. United at Spartan Stadium on April 6, 1996. Clash forward Eric Wynalda scored the lone goal in the 88th minute, giving San Jose a 1-0 victory. The 20th Anniversary celebration Saturday marks the first time since the 1996 season that the original Clash players and coaches will come together at Avaya Stadium.
Coming Off the Bye
The Earthquakes are coming off their first matchless week of the season. Last year, the Quakes went 2-0-1 following a bye week, allowing only one goal over the course of the three games. The Quakes haven’t lost following a bye week since June 28, 2014.
Rotate as Necessary
The Earthquakes will be without midfielder Simon Dawkins for Saturday’s matchup following his red card during their match with the Galaxy in Week 3. Dawkins has started each of the Earthquakes’ three games and played 221 minutes, which ranks third amongst the team’s midfielders this season. His absence opens the door for either Matias Perez Garcia to get his first start of the season or for Shea Salinas to return to the starting XI.
