San Jose Earthquakes Vs Columbus Crew: Head To Head Preview

On Target

San Jose Earthquakes, by Giovanni Albanese Jr.: San Jose suffered its first loss since late April, falling at home to, probably the hottest team east of Los Angeles in Toronto FC, 3-1. But the Earthquakes played with a lot of energy and produced several chances, just couldn’t finish. Take away the two mental lapses on defense and you’re probably looking at another win for the Quakes.

Columbus Crew, by Nick Rosano: Despite a tough loss at the weekend, the Crew played well, controlling possession for the most part, though individual players will have to step up their game. Guillermo Barros Schelotto did a fine job running the offense, but received little support from his teammates, meaning his hard work usually went to waste.

Off Form

San Jose: Not only are the Earthquakes maintaining an above .500 record for the first time since the return to San Jose, they have finished their first above .500 month of soccer since August 2008 when they went 3-0-1. In May 2010 the Quakes went 3-1-1.

Columbus: The Crew’s work in the final third left a lot to be desired, and the midfielders are having a hard time connecting with Schelotto and Lenhart. Jed Zayner had an especially poor game against Los Angeles and was nowhere to be found on the first goal. Although Zayner had the worst time in the back line, the rest of the Crew’s defending was suspect as well, getting caught out twice on the counter by a team missing its most potent players.

Tactics

San Jose: Playing in its second game in five days, Frank Yallop may make some personnel changes to the lineup, but will stick with the 4-4-2 formation with Brandon McDonald as the holding midfielder. It would be wise to give Jason Hernandez a blow; he seemed gassed against Toronto, and it cost the Quakes.

Columbus: It will be 4-4-2 as always from Robert Warzycha, with Frankie Hejduk and Danny O’Rourke questionable after failing to recover from the injuries that kept them out of the Los Angeles game. That means Jed Zayner will get to keep his starting spot despite a difficult outing against Los Angeles and Gino Padula will start again at left back. Other than that, expect an unchanged lineup from the Crew, with Warzycha seemingly comfortable with most of his first XI.

Intangibles

San Jose: It’s time for the Quakes to show their resiliency. Coming off its first loss in over a month -- and first loss at home since MLS opening weekend -- San Jose has an opportunity to show it can put the loss behind them and focus on beating a quality opponent.

Columbus: After losing their unbeaten record, the Crew will have to look for a way pick themselves up. San Jose are a much improved team this season and will pose a stern test for a Crew team with a lot still left to prove.

Prediction

San Jose: When looking at the schedule, three games in eight days -- Toronto FC and Columbus at home; FC Dallas on the road -- the Quakes should have gotten four points from the two home games and shot for a tie against Dallas. Already with a loss, San Jose should come out determined to protect its home field. Columbus is a strong team, and will give the Earthquakes a tough battle. Look for the two to pull even at the end, 1-1.

Columbus: Both teams are fired up after disappointing home losses, so I’ll go for a 2-2 draw here.