Looking at San Jose

Sounders FC return to MLS action on Saturday as they travel to the Bay Area to take on the Earthquakes at Buck Shaw Stadium.

Seattle (6-8-4, 22pts) are trying to build off of a 2 game league winning streak after the Rave Green recorded victories on the road at DC and last week against Colorado at Qwest. Across all matches, the Sounders are 5-1-1 in their last 7 matches, including Wednesday’s win over Metapan in the CONCACAF Champions League.

Blaise Nkufo is expected to make his first road start for the Sounders and newest Designated Player, Alvaro Fernandez, has received his International Transfer Certificate and is eligible to play for the club. The two new additions to the Sounders will only help Fredy Montero and Steve Zakuani.

Montero has recorded an assist or goal in the last 7 MLS matches, over that period he has reached the back of the net 3 times and assisted on 5 other goals. Zakuani leads the squad with 7 goals on the year, including 2 in last week’s win over the Rapids.

The Earthquakes haven’t lost in four games, last playing to a 2-2 draw with the LA Galaxy thanks to a 90th minute Landon Donovan equalizer. The two clubs met on May 22nd- a match won by San Jose 1-0 due to a Chris Wondoloski goal in the 11th minute.

This is the 5th MLS meeting between the old NASL rivals. Each club has won twice.

Kickoff is slated for 7p from San Jose. Arlo White will be calling the action on KING.