D.C. United travel to San Jose in a rematch of the first-ever MLS match this Saturday, April 2, at 10:30 PM ET. The two founding clubs faced off 21 years ago to kick off the blossoming MLS regular season, and have played 35 times since. The Black-and-Red have scored 58 goals in the series all-time, just ahead of San Jose's 56.
Since 2011, United are 2-1-0 when playing their longtime Western Conference foes in California. The Black-and-Red are playing in the Quakes' new year-old home, Avaya Stadium, for the first time. Last season, the two teams met at RFK on August 22, and San Jose left victorious off of goals from Chris Wondolowski and Shea Salinas.
Steve Birnbaum and Álvaro Saborío have rejoined the team following international duty with the U.S. and Costa Rican national teams, respectively, and could provide impacts upon their return.
Birnbaum’s presence will be crucial for United as they aim to keep in-form San Jose striker and MLS veteran Chris Wondolowski off the board. The Earthquakes captain and all-time leading goalscorer, a two-time MLS Golden Boot winner, has gotten off to a red-hot start this season with three goals in as many games. In the ‘Quakes’ opener against the Colorado Rapids, “Wondo” scored the winner in a 1-0 victory, heading home a cross from Alberto Quintero. The 2014 World Cup veteran also scored in the Earthquakes’ 2-1 win over the Portland Timbers, and notched San Jose’s lone goal in their 3-1 loss to the LA Galaxy two weeks ago. A classic number 9 with a nose for the goal, Wondolowski is an ever-dangerous attacking threat both in the air and with the ball at his feet, boasting a knack for getting on the end of crosses and finding space in the box with intelligent runs.
As San Jose often look to catch defenders napping with well-timed service to Wondolowski, Birnbaum’s defensive aerial prowess will be key to keeping the striker from getting on the end of anything, and his partnership with seasoned veteran and United captain Bobby Boswell will be crucial as the Black-and-Red attempt to keep the clever goalscorer at bay and come away with their second clean sheet of the campaign.
The match gets underway late on the East Coast, 10:30 PM, and will be on NewsChannel 8.
SUSPENSIONS
San Jose:
Simon Dawkins
(red card)
United:
Marcelo
(red card)
