The San Jose Earthquakes could sit backside of the Western Convention standings forward of Saturday’s conflict with Orlando Metropolis, however Luchi Gonzalez is for certain they are going to be simply high quality.
The ‘Quakes noticed their mini revival halted by a 4-2 loss to the Portland Timbers in midweek, having beforehand received three straight video games throughout all competitions.
Their 10 factors are fewer than all MLS groups besides the New England Revolution (seven) have received this season, however Gonzalez has seen constructive indicators.
“We’re going to be high quality. It is a nice group, and so they proceed to struggle for one another. It’s laborious after we drop factors,” he mentioned.
“I anticipate nothing however a fireplace of their stomach and a response towards Orlando after which within the subsequent one, and it’s actually enjoyable and thrilling to educate this crew.
“These guys work for one another and so they need to preserve getting higher, and I’m assured they are going to preserve getting higher because the season continues.”
Orlando have additionally made a stuttering begin, incomes 13 factors from 12 video games to sit down eleventh within the Jap Convention standings.
The Lions did shut out a Lionel Messi-less Inter Miami facet in a goalless draw on Wednesday, although, and midfielder Wilder Cartagena has seen indicators of progress.
“Particularly in the previous couple of video games, we’ve been displaying ourselves to be extra harmful and attacking,” Cartagena mentioned.
“It’s much like how we had been within the final half of final yr however clearly there are a few minor changes that we’ve got to make. I feel we’re enjoying quite a bit higher in that space.”
Subsequent up is Orlando.
Again residence after the LAFC victory and Open Cup win.
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) Might 16, 2024
PLAYERS TO WATCH
San Jose Earthquakes – Amahl Pellegrino
Pellegrino has scored in three straight video games, changing into the primary San Jose participant to take action in MLS play since Cristian Espinoza between July and August final yr (4 straight).
It’s Pellegrino’s first time scoring in three straight league matches since he netted in 4 in a row for Norwegian facet Bodo/Glimt in 2023.
Orlando Metropolis – Cesar Araujo
Orlando allowed 29 photographs towards the Philadelphia Union final Saturday however simply seven towards Miami on Wednesday. It was the primary time of their MLS historical past that Orlando confronted at the very least 20 fewer photographs from one recreation to the subsequent.
Araujo protected the backline admirably in midweek and can look to do likewise once more right here.
MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW
The house facet has by no means misplaced in six all-time conferences between San Jose and Orlando.
The primary three conferences had been all drawn earlier than the hosts received every of the final three, with San Jose profitable at residence in 2019 and Orlando recording residence wins in 2018 and 2021.
After their midweek stalemate towards Miami, Orlando have been shut out 5 instances in league play this season. That’s tied for essentially the most in MLS in 2024, whereas their six instances being held scoreless in all competitions this time period additionally equals essentially the most by any MLS outfit.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
San Jose Earthquakes – 38.4%
Orlando Metropolis – 33.4%
Draw – 28.2%
