Our prediction for this MLS match:
Portland Timbers will be aiming to put an end to their three-game losing run when they take on San Jose Earthquakes on Thursday morning. Portland are with one foot in the playoffs, but given their anything but good form in October, home win should not be considered. All Bravo, Jome, Polo, Williamson, and Attinella are out of contention with injuries for the hosts.
The Earthquakes, on the other hand, are five points behind the playoffs berth, meaning that this has to go down as a must-win game for them. San Jose, though, have been struggling on the travels, which is probably the main reason why we are tempted to put our money on draw. Goalkeeper Matt Bersano remains on the sidelines with a hand injury, but the 29-year-old should be the only absentee in the away team.
Highlighted Player (Andres Flores):
Nicknamed Ruso, Andres Flores joined River Plate youth academy in 2006. Flores played for River Plate’s Reserves from 2006 to 2008 and he was producing terrific displays with los Millonarios. However, he began his professional career in his homeland club Isidro Metapan, scoring ten goals in 95 appearances for the Salvadorian outfit. In 2012 he signed a loan deal with Danish club Viborg, but he played only one game for the Greens.
Andres Flores was then sent on a loan to New York Cosmos and after making eight appearances for the MCU Park outfit, he signed a permanent contract with the club in 2015. The El Salvador midfielder, who is capable of playing as a striker as well, made his debut for New York Cosmos on August 2, 2014 in a 1-0 loss to Carolina RailHawks.
Speaking of his international career, Andres Flores received his first call-up for the El Salvador national football team in March, 2008 in a friendly against Trinidad & Tobago.
Highlighted Team (San Jose Earthquakes):
San Jose Earthquakes are members of the Western Conference of Major League Soccer. The Quakes have been participating in the league since 1996 and they won their first MLS Cup trophy in 2001. Back then San Jose outplayed star-studded Los Angeles Galaxy in the title game, but it has to be noted that they scored the winner in the extra time.
Two years later the Quakes managed to repeat the success, with the team beating Chicago Fire in the 2003 MLS Cup final. Avaya Stadium is the home ground of San Jose Earthquakes and the capacity of the venue is 18.000. The construction of the stadium cost no less than $100 million and the venue was opened in March, 2015. The club’s home colors are blue and black, whilst the Quakes wear white and red shirts and white shorts when playing on the travels.
Chris Wondolowski is the club’s biggest star and he has been playing for San Jose Earthquakes since 2009. The USA ace has 121 league goals on his account ahead of the start of the 2017 season.