In tense midweek action at PayPal Park, Seattle Sounders FC (4-0-1, 13 points) battled to a 1-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes (3-2-0, 9 points) in a match that pitted the top two teams in the Western Conference against one another. With the win, Seattle remains both the top team in Major League Soccer and the West, matching the best start to a season in club history with 13 points from five matches (this mark was also reached in 2019). Additionally, the result extends Seattle’s unbeaten run to 14 games against San Jose (8-0-6), dating back to 2015.
Cristian Roldan scored the game’s only goal in the 18
Sounders FC sits atop the Supporters’ Shield standings through four games, impressing with their transition to a new system while playing without some key performers.
We have seen two dominant home performances against LA Galaxy and Minnesota. On the road, the team has proven they can grind out results, with four points from six taken from trips to LAFC and Portland.
Next up is a clash against a San Jose Earthquakes side coming off three consecutive wins. Young stars like
Jackson Yueill and
Cade Cowell have impressed with their positive play, and this team still can call upon the greatest scorer in MLS history,
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D.C. United heads to the west coast for the only time during the 2021 regular season, as they face the San Jose Earthquakes in what may be the latest kickoff of a game in team history. It’s also a game that could be dramatic: United’s pressure and willingness to create physical duels will be met by Matias Almeyda’s notorious man-marking system in a game that has all the signs of being a battle.
Throw in some traditional #MLSAfterDark vibes, and we might be in for a deeply weird match tonight.
Key player: Julian Gressel
Dynamo survive late surge by San Jose, start season off with a win
The Dynamo looked in control of the visiting San Jose Earthquakes until a golazo by Paul Marie shifted the momentum. However, the Dynamo were able to outlast and get the season started with a win.
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Today marked the season opener for Houston Dynamo FC who got were able to start the season strong by getting the win over the visiting San Jose Earthquakes. After a strong first half showing, the Quakes were able to make the right adjustments, along with a stunning goal, and play their way back into the game which ended with a nail biting 2-1 score line.
Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. Atlanta United
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Well guys, we made it. I haven’t written one of these since November, but it’s finally the day before match day once again, which means I get to once again bring you a preview of Orlando City’s opposition from the viewpoint of a fellow SBNation blog.
This week, Orlando kicks off its 2021 season against Atlanta United, so I spoke with
Dirty South Soccer’sDavid McFarland. As usual, he was very informative and helped bring us up to speed on what the Five Stripes look like this year. I also answered a few of his questions about OCSC, which you can find over at their place.