RENTON — Two of the league’s best teams will square off when the Seattle Sounders host the San Jose Earthquakes at Lumen Field on Wednesday.
The Sounders currently are tied for sixth in the Supporters’ Shield race on 21 points. They have done it mostly through defense, having allowed a league-low six goals. Notably, they have also played at least one fewer game than everyone else in the top 14.
The Earthquakes are leading the Shield race with 29 points, having played two more games than the Sounders. They have so far been the league’s best offense with 27 goals scored.
Both teams have just one loss and come into this one riding eight-game unbeaten streaks.
Despite the obvious storylines, the Sounders insist that they are less focused on the table and more on their previous experience with the Earthquakes. In their first meeting this year, the Quakes dominated statistically but Seattle managed to pull out a 1–0 road victory.
“I don’t think that performance was something that is up to our standard,” Sounders midfielder Albert Rusnák said following Tuesday’s training session. “We want to improve on that.”
The Earthquakes have been arguably the league’s biggest surprise through the first few months of the season. After missing the playoffs last year, they lost three of their top offensive players, yet are now on pace to score 17 more goals while also allowing 40 fewer. While that pace is likely unsustainable, it’s a particularly remarkable turnaround for a team that had a -37 goal differential as recently as 2024.
What changed? Mostly the hiring of Bruce Arena as head coach.
“Coaching is an art form,” Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer said. “I love Bruce. he’s the GOAT of MLS coaches. He commands respect from his peers, his players. He gets the best out of his players. He maximizes guys’ potential.”
Quakes suffer a blow
As good as the Earthquakes have been, they’ve also managed to stay remarkably healthy, at least up until now. Niko Tsakiris, who has two goals and seven assists this season, underwent groin surgery and will be out 3–4 months. Timo Werner, who has four goals and five assists, also missed the Quakes’ last game and is questionable for this one.
Nouhou ready to go
After coming out of Saturday’s match a little early and holding his thigh, it appeared as if Nouhou may have suffered some sort of injury. It turns out it was just cramps. The left back was a full participant in Tuesday’s training and will be available on Wednesday.
