There's only match on the docket in MLS is Back Tournament play on Wednesday, but it's a crucial fixture in a group that is suddenly anyone's for the taking when the Vancouver Whitecaps and San Jose Earthquakes face off in Group B.
Here's a breakdown of what to expect from the match, and what's at stake when head coach Marc dos Santos' Vancouver side opens their tournament campaign against his counterpart Matias Almeyda and the Quakes.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes
9:00 PM ET – TUDN, Twitter; TSN in Canada
Originally the group favorite coming into the tournament, the defending champion Seattle Sounders were stunned by Chicago Fire FC 2-1, providing a great chance for either Vancouver or San Jose to put themselves into position to advance if they can get three points in this one.
Vancouver will be shorthanded, with five players withdrawing before the tournament kicked off, including Designated Player forward Lucas Cavallini. While that might make them a longshot in the eyes of many, expect a young and hungry bunch that will be plenty eager to prove themselves.
San Jose, meanwhile, took a point from their 0-0 draw against Seattle in their tournament opener on July 10, in a match that saw them play an entertaining style and control the action for much of the night.
Both these teams know full well that a victory would vault them into solid position to move through to the knockout stage, so the intensity should match those stakes.
