The San Jose Earthquakes are back in the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2017, and it gets real right away, as they will take on Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park in Round One.
The game is a win-or-go-home proposition, with the Quakes on the road and looking to grab the upset over the No. 1 seed Sporting. Needless to say, it won’t be easy, but what could or could not be helpful is that these teams have not played yet this season. Unusual!
One thing that could be beneficial here is Matias Almeyda’s success in knockout competitions previously in his coaching career, particularly at Chivas.