Quakes Look for Retribution Against Chicago Tomorrow Night

The Quakes lost to Chicago in their final US Open Cup Qualifying Match 5-4 on penalties. But due to a quirky schedule, the Quakes have a chance to best Chicago again tomorrow night. San Jose travels to Chicago this time in an effort to continue their 4 game unbeaten streak, while Chicago is looking to end a 5 game winless streak of their own. Prior to last week’s loss to Seattle, Chicago had been unbeaten in their last 8. Chicago are feeling the pressure of under performing for the last 5 games while San Jose is flying high due to their upswing in form from their last 4 MLS results.

USOC Game
The Quakes jumped out to an early 2-0 lead by halftime thanks to goals by Ellis McLoughlin and Justin Morrow. McLoughlin, who had set up the second goal, had to come off at halftime due to a groin injury. Unfortunately the Quakes couldn’t hold on to their 2 goal lead and goal keeper Andrew Weber let in 2 soft goals that allowed Chicago to send the game into overtime. The offensive surge that the Quakes displayed in the first half fizzled during the second half and were much less dangerous in the final third. Orr Barouch and Yamith Cuesta scored Chicago’s two second half goals. Barouch’s goal was a low shot from the top of the 18 yard box that Weber may have been cheating too far to his right so he couldn’t reach the ball into the left post. Cuesta’s goal was due to a ‘keeper mistake, as Weber was unable to hold onto his shot. The ball bounced off his hands and rolled into the goal.

Overtime was a toothless affair with neither team making a push to finish off the game. Chicago went down a man as Gonzalo Segares was ejected in the 98th minute and they holed up their defense and held out for a penalty shootout. San Jose didn’t try to take advantage of the situation and their attacks were weak. Both Chicago and San Jose’s first kickers scored while their second kickers missed. Each team’s 3rd, 4th, and 5th kickers scored and Chicago’s 6th netted while San Jose’s (Sealy) missed. Sealy and Weber accepted most of the blame for the game’s outcome but the entire offense should also pick some up because their efforts were toothless after halftime and after going up a man in overtime with 22 minutes to play.

Chicago became the 7th of 8 MLS teams to make the USOC, with Sporting KC getting the 8th spot Wednesday night. Chicago has not missed a USOC tournament since their first expansion year. San Jose has not made it to the USOC tournament since their return to MLS in 2008. Last year the Quakes were ousted from qualifying by another penalty kick shootout loss to Real Salt Lake, also at home.

Saturday’s MLS Game
San Jose now travel to Chicago to take the team on a second time in 4 days; this time MLS points are at stake. San Jose played a mix of veterans with lots of games started this season with reserves with lesser games started. Chicago played more starters than the Quakes, which gives Yallop the advantage tomorrow since he’s seen more of Chicago’s starting lineup and can better plan for it. I think the loss to Chicago will galvanize the Quakes to seek some revenge for the bad loss on Tuesday. The Quakes will be fighting against history though. Chicago has been in this weird situation 4 or 5 times in their existence, where they face the same team in MLS and USOC games twice in the same week. Chicago has only lost one of those follow up or previous games in the 2 game series, they have also tied one game. So the Quakes will have their work cut out for them Saturday.

The Quakes seemed to lose some energy when Brad Ring and McLoughlin were taken out of Tuesday’s game. Both Ring and Sam Cronin bring energy and vision to the game when they play and one or the other will feature in the midfield for the Quakes. McLoughlin’s groin injury was small, so he might be on the roster as a sub for Saturday. McLoughlin will need to continue showing his good form as Chris Wondolowski is leaving for at least the next 3 weeks. Matt Luzunaris is also traveling with the team so he might be on the bench as well. Scott Sealy has been struggling with some hamstring and groin injuries for the last couple years and is not 100%, but he powers through the pain for the benefit of the team. One of these three will need to step up and take over Wodno’s roll while he’s gone.

Wondo will be playing in his last game before leaving for the USMNT’s training camp for the Gold Cup. He should be fired up more than usual since he’ll want to leave his mark on the team before he heads off to North Carolina. Bobby Convey and Joey Gjertsen will probably be on the roster after being rested during Tuesday’s game. Jason Hernandez and Ike Opara might be linking up as centerbacks after Brandon McDonald and Bobby Burling played Tuesday night. Weber is the designated number 2 and his poor ball handling on Tuesday won’t worry Jon Busch for his starting spot between the goal posts.

Chicago played pretty poorly in large portions of Tuesday’s game, especially the defense. If the Quakes can take advantage of that poor play on Saturday, they should be able to escape ChiTown with 3 points, especially with Busch in the net. Unfortunately Chicago won’t be without any stars for national team duty on Saturday, so headcoach Carlos de los Cabos should be playing his strongest starting XI.

I’m predicting a 1-0 win for the Quakes.

GO QUAKES!

Category: Armchair Coach, Chicago Fire, Game Preview, Post-Game, San Jose Earthquakes, US Open Cup, USMNT News