After a tough three-match stretch on the road, the Quakes return to Avaya Stadium this Saturday to take on the Colorado Rapids in what will be their first home game in nearly a month. It will also be the Quakes’ second and final regular season encounter against their fellow MLS original. Below are three things to keep an eye on ahead of Saturday’s matchup, which is scheduled to kickoff at 4:45 p.m. and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Bay Area, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
The Captain
Chris Wondolowski has scored against the Rapids at a rate of every other game. His 11 goals in 20 appearances against Colorado as a Quakes player is tied for fourth-most among all players in league history and nearly half of those goals have been game-winners (5).
If San Jose’s captain continues his fine form against the Rapids, he will have the chance to set yet another record. Wondo has scored at least 10 or more goals for the past seven seasons—an MLS record—and is currently just two goals away from extending it to an eighth season.
Return of the Internationals
The Earthquakes have been without several key players for the past few weeks, but they’ll be getting a welcome boost ahead of the weekend. Midfielders Anibal Godoy and Darwin Ceren, as well as forward Marco Ureña, have all returned to San Jose following their participation in the 2017 Gold Cup and are available for Saturday’s match.
The New Kid
Although he made his Avaya Stadium debut in the Quakes’ friendly against Eintract Frankfurt on July 10, Vako has the chance to make his first MLS appearance at home on Saturday afternoon. The new Quakes Designated Player has made substitute appearances in the club’s past two matches and even scored on his MLS debut against the New York Red Bulls.
