San Jose's Only Loss Came Against Seattle, and Now They're Walking Into Lumen Field

The San Jose Earthquakes are rolling. Nine wins, one loss, two draws. That's 29 points and the best record in MLS right now. But there's a problem: that one loss? It came at the worst possible time and against the worst possible opponent. The Sounders beat them 2-0 back on March 15, and now San Jose has to travel to Lumen Field on Wednesday night to face the same team that's been nearly untouchable at home.

This isn't just another road game. The Sounders haven't dropped a match at Lumen Field in 21 straight competitions across all formats. Not since June 23 of last year, when Paris Saint-Germain beat them 2-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup. That's the kind of fortress we're talking about. Seattle extended their unbeaten streak to eight MLS matches (5-0-3) with a 1-1 draw against San Diego FC on Saturday. Danny Musovski tied things up in the 80th minute, but the Sounders will want more when San Jose comes to town.

San Jose's Injury Trouble Just Got Worse

The Earthquakes are banged up heading into this one. Forward Timo Werner, who won MLS Player of the Month in April, is out with a left hamstring strain. Then on Tuesday, midfielder Niko Tsakiris had right groin surgery and will miss three to four months. That's two key pieces gone right before a massive road test.

San Jose coach Bruce Arena isn't making excuses though. "That's all part of it," he said. "Injuries are unfortunate, but it is part of the game and we can't use it as an excuse. Like everyone says, it's next man up." Preston Judd is stepping in for Werner up front. He scored in the fourth minute of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Vancouver, which extended San Jose's unbeaten run to eight matches.

Seattle Searching for More After Two Straight Draws

The Sounders have only lost once in league play this season, same as San Jose. But there's an unease brewing in Seattle. Back-to-back draws have the team feeling like they left points on the table. "If you look at the standings, we've only lost one game all year in the regular season," coach Brian Schmetzer said. "But it just feels like the last two games we've dropped points and that's why we have that funny feeling in our stomach of the job is not quite finished yet."

Wednesday night is a chance to change that feeling. Two of the league's best teams clashing at a place where Seattle hasn't lost in almost a year. The Earthquakes are hungry to avenge that March loss. The Sounders are hungry to remind everyone why Lumen Field is the last place you want to be.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.