The Seattle Sounders can move up to second place in the Western Conference with a win over the San Jose Earthquakes tonight. To do so, LAFC would have to lose at home to Austin FC, Real Salt Lake would have to drop points at home to FC Dallas and the Colorado Rapids would have to drop points away to Sporting KC.

While it’s unlikely that all of these scenarios will play out, it underscores how tight the Western Conference is as the Sounders head into the final five games of the regular season.

What you need to know:

Availability news

Earthquake in San José

OUT: Michael Baldisimo – Lower Body; Vítor Costa – Lower Body; Benji Kikanović – Lower Body; JT Marcinkowski – Lower Body; Will Richmond – Lower Body; Jamar Ricketts – Lower Body; Jack Skahan – Non-Injury Related; Bruno Wilson – Lower Body

QUESTIONABLE: Preston Judd – Upper Body

Seattle Sounders FC

From: João Paulo – Wade

QUESTIONABLE: Léo Chú – Adductors

Statistics to look smart

• The Sounders have quietly become one of the top teams in MLS over the past few months. Since losing to Sporting KC on June 8, no team in the league has more points than their 28. The Sounders have climbed five places in the table during that time.
• Although their defense has improved somewhat, the Earthquakes are on pace to allow 79 goals this season, which would set an MLS record currently held by the 2019 FC Cincinnati team, which allowed 75 goals.

Tactics to impress

• Although Matias Almeyda is long gone, the DNA of his game can still be seen in the Earthquakes’ attacking strategy. Their average of 3.25 passes per attacking sequence, the speed with which they move the ball forward and their preference for direct attacks as opposed to slow build-ups are all hallmarks of a team that wants to get into transition. Slow them down and they are virtually punchless.
• They’re not quite where they were at the start of last year, but the Sounders are showing signs of reviving the “high life soccer” style that seemed to be their preferred identity. They’ve been applying pressure more effectively over the last few games and creating more transition opportunities. The Earthquakes don’t really want the ball (they’re last in average possession), meaning the Sounders will likely have to press hard to create space.

Jersey Matchup

Opposition research

Table position

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