Preview: San Jose Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake | MLS is Back Tournament, Round of 16

2020 MLS is Back Tournament – Round of 16
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Mon., July 27 – 8:30 PM ET

TV: FS1, FOX Deportes; TSN, TVAS in Canada

STREAMING: FOX Sports App; TSN App, TVAS App in Canada

Two unfancied teams going into the tournament, San Jose Earthquakes (2W-1L-2D) and Real Salt Lake (1W-1L-1D) will meet in the Round of 16 knowing that they are now in a prime position to make a real mark in Orlando. Neither club has enjoyed much postseason success in recent years, but both have shown they will take some stopping at MLS is Back.

The two teams could not be more evenly matched over a series dating back to 2005, with 11 wins apiece, and 11 draws, from their 33 matchups. Despite that lengthy history, the two teams have yet to meet in the playoffs.

Predict 6 presented by BetMGM fan predictions

SJ win: 58.67%
RSL win: 31.70%
Draw: 9.63%
Correct halftime score: 0-0 (34.59%), 1-1 (23.38%), SJ 1-0 (22.78%), RSL 1-0 (9.63%)

San Jose Earthquakes

Arguably the cinderella story of the MLS is Back Tournament so far, San Jose thrilled both supporters and neutrals alike en route to taking seven points to top Group B. The team is the star for the Quakes, with every player demonstrating full commitment to coach Matias Almeyda’s intense full-pitch man-marking system. As they showcased in a sensational 4-3 comeback win over the Vancouver Whitecaps, San Jose can never be counted out, particularly with MLS record goalscorer Chris Wondolowski ready to come off the bench and show that even at the age of 37 he still has plenty of goals in his locker.

Updated team roster

Injury Report:
- OUT: None
Suspended: None
Suspended after next caution: None
International duty: None

Real Salt Lake

There are few teams in MLS harder to break down than Real Salt Lake. Led by the defensive work of Justen Glad and the uncompromising Everton Luiz in midfield, Freddy Juarez’s team conceded just two goals in the group stage and both of those came in a defeat to Sporting KC after RSL had already qualified to the Knockout Stage. At the other end, though, they only scored two goals across three group matches and they will be hoping for a swift return of one of their main creative weapons, Albert Rusnak, after he missed the game against SKC with a hip injury.

Updated team roster
Injury Report:
- OUT: Christopher Garcia (M) - undisclosed
- OUT: David Ochoa (GK) - right thumb injury
- QUESTIONABLE: Albert Rusnak (M) - left hip injury
- UNAVAILABLE: Nedum Onuoha (D)
Suspended: None
Suspended after next caution: None
International duty: None