The San Jose Earthquakes have gone through a tough third phase of the 2020 MLS season so far, losing two games in Southern California within a week, but they will look to move on with a long-awaited return to Earthquakes Stadium Saturday as they host the Colorado Rapids.

The Quakes will be playing on short rest, after suffering a 5-1 loss to LAFC Wednesday in Los Angeles. Danny Hoesen scored a consolation goal at the death for San Jose, and otherwise there was not much of anything to write home about for Matias Almeyda’s group.

But one factor that may have been overlooked with the last two losses is that those games came on the road, and the Earthquakes haven’t played a game at Earthquakes Stadium since March. Without fans allowed to be present, it won’t be a typical home game, but players getting to sleep in their own beds and familiar sight lines on the field may help them get over the hump against Colorado.

The Rapids, now coached by Robin Fraser, are level on points and games played with the Quakes at this point. They will not be playing on short rest, having last played over the weekend against Sporting Kansas City and picking up a 1-1 draw. But they haven’t won a game since March, so the desperation is setting in.

San Jose are maybe not as desperate, but both teams will be eager to pick up a win and find this to be a winnable game. Can the Quakes get a result back in San Jose, or will the Rapids put more hurt on them? This should be a fascinating encounter.

Odds:

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, as of Thursday evening, San Jose are (+112) while Colorado are (+230). The odds of a draw are (+250), so the bookmaker thinks this will be a close one, with the Earthquakes getting the slight edge as the home side.

How to Watch:

Saturday’s match between the Quakes and the Rapids will be televised locally on NBC Sports California and in the rest of the United States on ESPN+. The broadcast is scheduled to start at 7:30 pm PT with kickoff to follow.

Come chat about the game with us in the comment section below!

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