Game Thread: Quakes hosting Fire in U.S. Open Cup qualifier

Tonight marks the first of two games this week against the Chicago Fire. With head coach Frank Yallop set to feature two sets of starters in the matches, there should be little of the familiarity breeding contempt issues we discussed last week. Instead, the first game should be a spirited affair between two teams looking to make some noise in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. This is a “win and you’re in” MLS qualifier, so one of these two teams will leave Buck Shaw Stadium a winner. Will the Fire keep their streak alive and qualify for the Open Cup for the 14^th straight year? Will the Quakes finally break a six year streak of being left on the outside looking in at the tournament? Kick off is at 7:30 p.m. tonight, with an audio stream of the game at the San Jose Earthquakes website.

Head coach Frank Yallop promises a couple of changes from the starting line-up that beat the Portland Timbers 1-0 in the last round of MLS qualifying. With the defense still playing strong, it will be up to the revamped offense to lead the Earthquakes tonight against Chicago.

Chris Wondolowski      Ellis McLoughlin

Justin Morrow                              Anthon Ampaipitakwong

Sam Cronin       Brad Ring

Ramiro Corrales   Bobby Burling   Brandon McDonald   Steven Beitashour

Andrew Weber

Join in the conversation here at Quake, Rattle and Goal! during and after the game to discuss everything Earthquakes.