San Jose Earthquakes, it's time to win for the playoffs

Why it matters

The San Jose Earthquakes' current situation is crucial to their MLS playoff ambitions. With just one win in their last six matches, the team needs to rediscover their winning form to avoid slipping into the wildcard positions. The next game against the Colorado Rapids represents a key opportunity to consolidate their position in the Western Conference.

Context

The San Jose Earthquakes, currently fourth in MLS's Western Conference, find themselves in a delicate position with three games remaining. While they are confident of a playoff spot, their recent form could influence their final positioning. The team is determined to improve its performance, especially after the defeat against Dallas, to guarantee direct access to the playoffs.

Key points

  • San Jose Earthquakes, it's time to win for the playoffs.
  • Bruce Arena's team must return to winning ways to avoid losing out on qualification for the MLS playoffs.
  • Arena: Regular-season run-in 'critically important' for San Jose.
San Jose Earthquakes coach Bruce Arena knows the regular season finale is "critically important." With three games remaining in the regular season, the Earthquakes are fourth in MLS's Western Conference. Although they are confident of a playoff spot, they have not yet officially qualified for the playoffs, as they could also end up in the wildcard positions. This is due to a streak of just 1 win in their last 6 games, including a 3-0 loss to Dallas in their last game. All 3 goals conceded by the Earthquakes in the loss to Dallas were scored after the 80th minute. It was the first time in the club's history that they lost a match by a margin of 3 or more goals, despite having not conceded a goal before the 75th minute. The Earthquakes host the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday, then face Real Salt Lake at home and close out the regular season with a trip to Minnesota United. Arena is aware of the vital importance of the next 2 home games to try to rediscover the feeling of victory. “Yes, they are 2 important home games,” Arena said. "We have to win the first match and try to get 3 points, but they are certainly critically important games." San Jose had its chances against Dallas, but was cynical in front of goal. "Both teams had chances. It's all part of the exercise," Arena explained. "You have to finish your chances, and we knew it would be a tight game, and so it was. Not being able to convert a quality chance makes the difference in the outcome of the match." The Rapids are eighth in the Western Conference and are not yet sure of qualifying for the playoffs.

PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES – PRESTON JUDD Judd has scored 16 goals in MLS this year. He has taken 65 shots in league play, a whopping 31 more than any other Rapids player this season.

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COLORADO RAPIDS – MORGAN WHITAKER Whitaker scored the only goal in the Rapids' win over the Vancouver Whitecaps last Saturday, his third goal since debuting with the club in September. Three players have netted 9 of the Rapids' 11 goals since the start of September, with Whitaker, Paxten Aaronson and Donavan Philip scoring 3 goals each.

** PREDICTION: SAN JOSE WIN ** The Rapids have lost only one of their last 8 games (2 wins and 5 draws). Colorado has not conceded a goal in any of their last 8 victories, and hasn't won a game in which they conceded a goal since April 11, when they won 6-2 against the Houston Dynamo. The Earthquakes won 9 of their first 10 games of the season (1 loss only) through the end of April, but from May onwards they won only 4 of 21 games (9 draws and 8 losses). Indeed, the Earthquakes had 4 more points until the end of April (27) compared to those gained from May to now (21). Furthermore, the Rapids have won the last 2 games played away against the Earthquakes, after in their previous history they had won only 2 of the 21 games played away against San Jose (8 draws and 11 defeats). However, Opta's statistical model gives the Earthquakes confidence for this home match.

ODB OF WINNING ACCORDING TO OPTA San Jose Earthquakes – 47.2%
Draw – 26.3%
Colorado Rapids – 26.5%

What happens now

The San Jose Earthquakes will face the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday, followed by another home game against Real Salt Lake. These two games are essential for their path to the playoffs, and coach Bruce Arena is aware of the importance of getting points. The team will have to improve their finishing to capitalize on the opportunities created and guarantee a good end to the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score of the San Jose Earthquakes' last game?

The San Jose Earthquakes lost 3-0 to Dallas in their last game.

What is the current position of the San Jose Earthquakes in the Western Conference?

The San Jose Earthquakes are fourth in the MLS Western Conference.

What is the importance of the upcoming games for the San Jose Earthquakes?

The next few games are critical for the San Jose Earthquakes, as they must win to secure a spot in the playoffs.

When will the San Jose Earthquakes play against the Colorado Rapids?

The San Jose Earthquakes will host the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday.

What are the next games after the one against the Colorado Rapids?

After the Colorado Rapids, the San Jose Earthquakes will face Real Salt Lake at home and will close the regular season with a trip to Minnesota United.

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