Having cemented the Wooden Spoon Trophy last week, the San Jose Earthquakes on paper would appear to be nothing but a minor bump on Decision Day for a Seattle Sounders team looking to secure a home playoff match and possible bye into the semifinals. But with Chris Wondolowski still one goal behind Landon Donovan for the all time MLS goals record, the Quakes coming into Seattle determined to give Wondo a highlight to an otherwise forgettable season sets up one of the more oddly intriguing games on Decision Day.
Seattle has the biggest range of movement in the Western Conference table with a possibility of finishing as high as second or as low as fifth, giving San Jose the opportunity to play spoiler in front of a lot of eyes.
SEATTLE WILL WIN IF:
- They can pressure the Quakes backline. The Sounders last four matches have been against non-playoff teams and their attack has been on point, punishing these teams. Now they get a chance at one of the worst defenses in the league.
- They can burn San Jose on the counter. Last week the Quakes dominated possession as Colorado was content to sit back and maybe look for something on the counter. The Rapids weren’t able to make San Jose pay, but I expect that Seattle will be able to find an easy goal off the break, which will open up the game for more goals.
- They play their game. Decision Day is one of the funnest days of the year to sit at home and be a fan, but the Sounders need to play their game and let the rest of the chips fall where they may. A win all but guarantees they move up for the fourth spot, while an unexpected loss would give Portland the opportunity to pass them and would see the likely Cascadia Derby match up in the knockout round played at Providence Park instead of the friendly confines of Century Link Field.
SAN JOSE WILL WIN IF:
- They don’t focus their entire offense around getting Wondo the record. Last Sunday Wondo had eight shots on goal, none of which troubled Tim Howard. The Rapids defense made it difficult for him all afternoon, knowing what the Quakes were playing for. San Jose has to find a way to get Danny Hoesen and others involved in the attack to take the pressure off their club legend.
- They come out as inspired as last week. The goals may not have come, but the Quakes played one of their more inspired games of the season. Whether that effort will be enough on the road against a quality opponent remains to be seen, but anything less will result in likely carnage.
- Matias Almeyda makes an appearance. Realistically, with the expected changes that will be taking place on Earthquakes Way this offseason, the guys on the pitch on Sunday get to make one final case as to why they should be back next season. A win on the road against one of the hottest teams in MLS is a great way to make a case for your spot in the new era in San Jose.
Its a long shot that Seattle doesn’t come away with all three points and move up the chain in the West, but Decision Day is always full of surprises and an inspired effort from San Jose will make it interesting. Key to the game is how long San Jose can hold Seattle off the scoresheet, as an early goal could open the floodgates.
San Jose Earthquakes
Seattle Sounders FC
