Our prediction for this MLS match:
San Jose Earthquakes
Match Time & Date:
08/07/2024
02:30
Prediction: 1-3
Chicago Fire
San Jose Earthquakes will be aiming to put an end to their six-game losing run in the Major League Soccer when they take on Chicago Fire on Monday morning. The Earthquakes have been struggling at the back of late, with the team conceding eleven goals in total in the last three league games. As a result, home win should not be considered. All Carlos Akapo, Bruno Wilson, JT Marcinkowski, Jamar Ricketts, and Daniel remain in the treatment room, but there are no fresh injury worries in the home side.
Chicago Fire, on the other hand, aim to build on a thrilling 4-3 win over Philadelphia Union. As San Jose footballer are low on confidence ahead of the visit of Chicago, we predict that Frank Klopas’ troops are going to pick up all three points from the match. Xherdan Shaqiri is still on the international duty, while all Navarro, Gutman, Salquist, Teran, and Gasper remain in the recovery room.
Highlighted Player (Xherdan Shaqiri):
Another impressive player who emigrated to Switzerland, Xherdan Shaqiri is a midfielder with excellent technical qualities, very strong in taking players on and creating chances for his teammates, while also being a danger from set pieces. The Serbian-born footballer formed an excellent midfielder pairing with Granit Xhaka at FC Basel, before making a high-profile move to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2012.
Shaqiri went on to prove a great deal of potential at Allianz Arena, scoring 11 goals in 52 Bundesliga matches, but he decided to leave in search of first team football, first joining Inter Milan and then moving to Stoke City. It was at Britannia Stadium that the attacking midfielder rediscovered his form and if he continues playing at such a high level, it won’t be long before he returns to the biggest stage.
Even when he was not playing regularly at club level, Shaqiri would always reserve his best performances for the national team, as witnessed by 17 goals in first 50 caps. The midfielder was especially impressive at the 2014 World Cup finals, where he scored no fewer than three goals.
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.
