The San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami will meet for the first time in MLS history on Wednesday at PayPal Park, with kickoff at 5:30 am.
The San Jose Earthquakes’ playoff hopes are beginning to fade away. They trail the Portland Timbers by eight points for the final spot in the Western Conference, and they have only themselves to blame for their current predicament.
The Earthquakes have scored first in each of their previous three MLS affairs but only managed to gain one point. Lately, they have broken down defensively at the most inopportune moments – conceding four goals in their previous three matches with fewer than 20 minutes remaining.
Seventeen of their 23 points earned this season have come on their home field, including four of their five victories, with the last one coming on July 3, 2–1, versus the Chicago Fire.
Phil Neville, manager of Inter Miami FC, was disappointed in his team’s performance. He said the back line played like boys against FC Cincinnati and that the Herons’ lack of discipline and concentration was unacceptable.
Even though Inter Miami FC was not about to share any good news from their previous match, they still managed to claim a single point, thanks to a goal deep into stoppage time. They remain in playoff contention—three points back Cincy in the Eastern Conference.
San Jose vs. Inter Miami Head to Head
Both sides have yet to face each other, which marks their first encounter. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- San Jose 2-2 Real Salt Lake
- Portland Timbers 2-1 San Jose
- San Jose 1-1 Celta Vigo
- San Jose 1-2 Houston Dynamo
Away
- Inter Miami 4-4 Cincinnati
- New York City FC 2-0 Inter Miami
- Inter Miami 0-6 Barcelona
- Inter Miami 3-2 Charlotte
San Jose Team News
Cristian Espinoza scored the first penalty awarded to the Quakes against RSL in their last matchup, and Jeremy Ebobisse has 11 goals for the season. Jamiro Monteiro has six assists to lead the team in that department, while Tanner Beason made his 50th MLS appearance in that match, and Gilbert Fuentes is out for personal reasons.
Inter Miami Team News
Former league MVP Alejandro Pozuelo picked up an assist on Saturday, his first since being traded from Toronto, while new signing Corentin Jean assisted on his first of the campaign after coming on for Robert Taylor for the final 10 minutes plus stoppage time.
Prediction and Odds
Neither side has enough discipline or organisation to finish a match off when leading, so we predict a draw in this encounter.
- Draw
- Double Chance
- Goals Over 1.5
