Two of the Western Conferences' most in-form sides will battle it out on Sunday as the San Jose Earthquakes play hosts to the Colorado Rapids at the PayPal Park on Sunday in what has turned out to become a vital clash for either side.
Both sides have met already in the 2021 MLS season, and with this being the second meeting between the sides, they will be looking to get one over the other after a fairly lacklustre encounter back in July, where they played out a 1-1 draw.
The marathon continues. San Jose vs. Colorado 9.4.21 #VamosSJ pic.twitter.com/SXmbkjUcbR— Los Quakes (@SJEarthquakes) September 2, 2021
The marathon continues. San Jose vs. Colorado 9.4.21 #VamosSJ pic.twitter.com/SXmbkjUcbR
The Quakes have definitely been rejuvenated ever since that day, however, as they have all of a sudden swapped bottom of the table misery for a playoff charge.
Recently, their pursuit for place in the top seven continued as they reigned supreme over LA Galaxy two weeks ago with a promising 2-1 victory.
The first half had little to shout about from a Quakes point of view, but the game sparked into life after the break as Jeremy Ebobisse's opener was cancelled out by Victor Vazquez in the 65th minute.
Later on, Niko Hamalainen had his head in his hands as he turned the ball into his net to hand the San Jose outfit all three points.
This comes not too long after a disastrous 10-week spell where they failed to pick up three points between May 15 and July 25.
In fact, Matias Jesus Almeyda's side made it to as low as 11th in the Western Conference. This game would be their second consecutive win since July, should they beat Colorado in this clash.
As for the Rapids, they were denied a fourth victory in succession when they played out a 1-1 draw with the title-chasing Sporting Kansas City at Children's Mercy Park last Sunday.
The Rapids have had a topsy turvy season throughout the 2021 campaign, and beating a side as in-form as the Quakes would no doubt be their way of stating their intent for a playoffs spot.
As of now, they have picked up six victories and four draws from their last 11 fixtures out west, and they must keep the ball rolling here with a victory over the California side.
With this said and given the form of either side, Forebet expects a game of under 2.5 goals to be played out here as there simply isn’t that much that separates them over the past few games.
Forebet expects a draw, as either side continues to loosen their grip on a potential playoff clash in a few months time.