The San Jose Earthquakes host an undefeated Real Salt Lake side at their new Avayda Stadium. They won their first match at Avayda Stadium 1-0 over the Chicago Fire and fell to the New England Revolution last week 2-1 on the road. In their last five meeting, RSL has won two, San Jose once, and there have been two ties including a 3-3 tie back on March 15th.
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This year Chris Wondolowski leads the Earthquakes scorers with three goals, while three others including rookie Fatai Alasche have one goal. In fact Alasche scored the inaugural Avayda Stadium goal. Five different RSL players have scored this year. San Jose is 2-2-0 on the year, while RSL is 1-0-2 with the loan win coming against Toronto FC last week.
Sunday’s match will be first of two MLS games on nationally televised matches. RSL and San Jose are looking to show their Western Conference foes they are for real. This is also a game that could have major implications and a game both teams look back at the end of the season wishing they got more points. This is the first of three meeting between the Western Conference opponents and each teams has at least one USMNT player.
San Jose has yet to win against RSL since the 2012 when they defeated RSL 5-0, which is the largest margin of victory all-time in this series. Sunday’s game should be a high goal scoring affair. San Jose has scored six goals this season while giving up six; RSL has scored five goals and have given up four. As shown by the numbers, both teams’ defenses have struggled this season, but the offenses have been producing. The same should be expected on Sunday.
It will also be a physical game as it’s against rivals. The game shouldn’t get too chippy, but emotions should run high and players don’t always think when running high on emotion.
As another weekend of MLS action comes and goes, make sure you enjoy this Soccer Sunday action. It is the first of the MLS doubleheader on ESPN2 and Fox Sports tonight. The other game features Sporting KC hosting the Philadelphia Union. While all four teams don’t have the best records, both games should be worth watching for all 90 minutes of action.
Viewing Details:
Date: Sunday, April 5th
Start Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
Location: Avaya Stadium
TV Info: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes
Live Stream: Watch ESPN
Radio: 1590 KLIV (RSL), 1370 KZSF (San Jose Area)
Who do you think will win? Let us know in the comment section below.
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