Two clubs chasing CONCACAF Champions League glory will do battle today in a cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Toluca. The quarterfinal clash scheduled for 10 p.m. ET will be held at Buck Shaw Stadium in San Jose and can be live streamed here.
For the Earthquakes, this is more than a quarterfinals showdown. This is their season debut. MLS clubs have long been at a disadvantage in this stage of the CONCACAF Champions League. With the MLS season starting in March, all of the American-based sides are in preseason form. Liga MX, however, is already in full swing. While tonight will be San Jose’s first competitive match of 2014, this will be Toluca’s 10th.
The difference in form—along with the disparity in payrolls—won’t be working in San Jose’s favor.
According to Geoff Lepper on MLS’s official website, that’s not enough to intimidate Earthquakes striker Chris Wondolowski. “That’s what we’re gearing up for and [getting] ready for,” Wondolowski said. “I think it’s a great test, just kind of see where we are,” he added.
“It’s definitely going to be a big battle, but I love those.”
Will San Jose be able to stand up to the test? Tell us @SportsWN
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Speaking of Chris Wondolowski, the 31-year-old’s 0.62 goals per 90 minutes is the best average in MLS since 2010 (h/t to Benjamin Baer on MLS’s official website). He’ll look to increase that average in tonight’s Champions League clash.
San Jose Earthquake’s Projected Lineup 4-4-2: Busch; Stewart, Bernardez, Goodson, Barklage; Salinas, Cronin, Jean-Baptiste, Harris; Lenhart, Wondolowski
Toluca’s Projected Lineup 4-3-3: Talavera; Gómez, Da Silva, Ponce, Rojas; Mathias, Sinha Martinez; Esquivel, Brizuela, Lopez
(h/t to WhoScored)
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