Our prediction for this MLS match:
Buoyed by a 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC, San Jose Earthquakes will look to give fans yet another reason for celebration when they take on Seattle Sounders on Thursday morning. The Earthquakes are eyeing their third consecutive MLS win, and a triumph over Seattle will see them move closer to the playoffs berth. Keep in mind, though, that both Haji and Ebobisse are likely to miss the game with injuries.
Seattle, on the other hand, aim to retain top position in the Western Conference. The Sounders have been having their ups and downs of late, and seeing that San Jose want this win more than Seattle, we are tempted to put our money on the home side. Uruguay international Nicolas Lodeiro remains on the sidelines with injury for the visitors, as well as Jordan Morris and Jordy Delem.
Highlighted Player (Danny Hoesen):
After making only one league appearance for Fortuna Sittard, Danny Hoesen joined English club Fulham in 2009, but he did not see any game action for the capital club during his spell at Craven Cottage as he was sent on loan to HJK and Fortuna Sittard.
In 2012 the 186-cm tall attacker signed a deal with Ajax and he scored seven goals in 32 league appearances for the Amstedammers from 2012 to 2014. In 2014 he joined fellow Eredivisie outfit Groningen and during the 2016/2017 season he was on San Jose Earthquakes’ radar. The Dutch footballer, who was born on January 15, 1991 in Heerlen, Limburg will play for the MLS outfit (on loan) in the 2017 season.
Speaking of his international career, Daniel Hoesen has 10 caps for Netherlands U17 team and he made three appearances for the Dutch U21 side. He is still a Groningen player and his contract with the Eredivisie side expires on June 30, 2018.
Highlighted Team (Seattle Sounders):
Seattle Sounders are an American soccer club that compete in the Western Conference of Major League Soccer. The Sounders are owned by the likes of Joe Roth, Paul Allen, Drew Carey and Adrian Hanauer and they play their home games at CenturyLink Field.
The club won the 2016 MLS Cup, with the team beating Toronto FC on penalties in the trophy game at BMO Field. Swiss goalkeeper Stefan Frei won the MVP honor after pulling off several brilliant saves in the 2016 MLS Cup final.
Winning of the MLS Cup is undisputedly the club’s biggest success, but it has to be noted that the Sounders clinched the Supporters’ Shield trophy in 2014. Seattle hold rivalry with Portland Timbers, but Vancouver Whitecaps are regarded as the club’s bitter rivals as well.
Experienced attacker Clint Dempsey is undisputedly the club’s most significant star and he has been playing for the CenturyLink Field outfit since 2014. He scored eight goals in the league in the 2016 season and, no doubt, he helped the Sounders win their first ever MLS Cup.