1. Facing the Champs
On Sunday, the Earthquakes face the defending MLS Cup champion Portland Timbers for the first time in 2016. Since 2012, the Quakes have gone 5-3-2 against the reigning champions in the regular season, including a 2-1-0 record last season against LA.
Although head coach Dominic Kinnear is a proponent of limiting change following a victory, the Quakes starting XI might still see some shakeups on Sunday. Designated Player Matias Perez Garcia returns from a one-match ban stemming from the final game of last season.