Fresh off an invigorating 3-0 win against the Portland Timbers, the Quakes head back on the road this week to take on Tim Howard and the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Ahead of the 63rd matchup between these two clubs, we take a look at what to watch for on Saturday:
The Mountains Are (Earthquakes) Blue
Saturday will be the Quakes’ 13th visit to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park since the stadium opened in 2007. In that time span, San Jose has lost just twice in all their visits to Commerce City. On top of that, the Quakes are also currently on a 7-1-7 run against the Rapids that dates back to September 24, 2011.
But wait, there’s more: Chris Wondolowski has scored 11 goals in 20 appearances against the Rapids, tied for fourth-most among all players in league history and just two off from former Quakes forwar Brian Ching who leads the pack with 13 goals.
Wondo On Fire
Speaking of the Quakes captain, his brace and assist against the Timbers last weekend earned him an MLS Team of the Week selection and brought his season totals to a team-leading four goals and five assists.
His five assists are tied for third-most in the league and three of them have been game-winners, which ties him with Portland’s Diego Valeri for most in the league. Wondo is currently the only player in MLS with at least four goals and five assists.
If he stays hot and scores against the Rapids, Wondolowski will equal Landon Donovan’s all-time record for most goals on the road (63).
Familiar Faces
Saturday’s matchup will see several former teammates face off on opposite ends of the pitch, including U.S. National Team players Chris Wondolowski and Tim Howard. Elsewhere on the field, midfielder Tommy Thompson and Rapids defender Mike da Fonte both played together at Sacramento Republic FC during the Homegrown Player’s time on loan with the USL club last season.
Quakes fans may also recognize Colorado defender Bobby Burling, who played with San Jose from 2009-11, as well as Rapids forward Alan Gordon, who recorded 18 goals and 10 assists for the Quakes between 2011-14.
New Quakes Continue Their Impact
Defender Florian Jungwirth followed his Week 9 MLS Team-of-the-Week performance against Minnesota with two assists against the Timbers last Saturday, earning him his third league Best XI selection in 2017.
What’s more, all of the Quakes’ new offseason additions have directly impacted the club’s success this season. Jungwirth, along with Jahmir Hyka, Marco Ureña, Danny Hoesen and Nick Lima, have combined to produce 48 percent of the team’s offensive output so far in 2017 (6 goals, 7 assists).
You can catch the Quakes in action against the Rapids this Saturday, May 13, by tuning into UniMas, KNBR 1050 or KZSF 1370. The game will also be streamed live via the Univision Deportes Facebook page. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. PT.
