San Jose Earthquakes head coach Matias Almeyda was much more lighthearted than his usual even keel in his pregame availability with reporters Thursday, but it’s time to get serious as the San Jose Earthquakes will face Minnesota United in the MLS is Back Tournament quarterfinals Saturday evening.
Ahead of the match, here’s what we’re watching for from an Earthquakes perspective:
Momentum vs. history
San Jose haven’t beaten Minnesota under Almeyda. But the Quakes have gotten substantially better each game in the bubble so far. So what gives?
The Quakes had to wait nearly four months to play again after getting thrashed 5-2 by the Loons in March, a game that looked like Almeyda may not have all the answers after an offseason in which there was virtually no turnover.