MATCH INFORMATION
Date: Aug. 26, 2020
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. (Pacific)
Location: Avaya Stadium (San Jose, Calif.)
Forecast: Clear, 71 degrees
Referee: Tim Ford
Assistant Referees: Cameron Blanchard, Chris Elliott
Fourth Official: Michael Radchuk
VAR: Fotis Bazakos
LOCAL TV: FOX 12 PLUS
Talent: Jake Zivin (play-by-play), Ross Smith (analyst)
English Radio: 1029 and 750 the Game
Talent: Keith Bleyer (play-by-play), Joe Sleven (analyst), Fletcher Johnson (host)
Spanish Radio: La GranD (KGGD 93.5 FM, 1150 AM)
SCOUTING SAN JOSE
Entering Wednesday’s regular-season match against the Portland Timbers, the San Jose Earthquakes were eliminated in the Quarterfinals of the MLS is Back Tournament following a 4-1 loss to Minnesota United FC on Aug. 1. In five regular-season matches during the 2020 campaign, Osvaldo Alanis, Andy Rios and Chris Wondolowski lead the team with two goals scored. Cristian Espinoza ranks first on the squad with two assists and has tallied one goal in five regular-season appearances. Goalkeeper Daniel Vega has tallied two shutouts in five league appearances in 2020.
ALL-TIME SERIES NOTES
Wednesday’s match marks the 24th regular-season meeting between the Timbers and the San Jose Earthquakes since the 2011 season. The Timbers lead the all- time regular season series against the Earthquakes with a record of 11-5-7, while also leading the U.S. Open Cup series against San Jose (2-1-0). The last time the two sides met, the Timbers defeated San Jose 3-1 at Providence Park on Oct. 6, 2019. In 14 league appearances against San Jose, Diego Valeri has tallied six goals and eight assists. Sebastián Blanco has tallied two goals and an assist in seven regular-season appearances against the Earthquakes.
VALERI CLOSING IN ON 80 GOALS / 80 ASSISTS CLUB
With his game-winning goal against the Houston Dynamo on July 18, Diego Valeri now sits at 79 goals and 82 assists in 217 appearances (207 starts) in league play since joining the Timbers in 2013. Valeri needs one more goal to reach 80-plus goals and 80-plus assists for his career in regular-season play. Landon Donovan (145 goals, 136 assists) and Jaime Moreno (133 goals, 102 assists) are the only players in MLS history to reach 80-plus goals and 80-plus assists in their career during the regular season. Since making his debut for Portland in 2013, Valeri leads all MLS players in assists (82) and chances created from open play (363), ranks fifth in goals scored (79) and tied for seventh in games played (217) during regular-season play. Notably, in 14 regular-season appearances against San Jose, Valeri has tallied six goals and eight assists.
MLS IS BACK TOURNAMENT RECAP
By winning the MLS is Back Tournament, the Timbers claimed their second major championship (MLS Cup - 2015) in the last six seasons. After the win, Major League Soccer announced that Sebastián Blanco, Diego Chara, Jeremy Ebobisse and Larrys Mabiala were named to the MLS is Back Tournament Best XI, with the tournament champions having the most players of any club represented in the Best XI. Blanco was named the MLS is Back Player of the Tournament after tallying three goals and five assists in seven appearances in the competition. Additionally, Andy Polo won the MLS is Back Goal of the Tournament, while Steve Clark won the MLS is Back Save of the Tournament based off fan voting. Notably, the Timbers finished the tournament with an undefeated record (5-0-2).
