Team Form

Vancouver

Luck may have been on Vancouver’s side, but the team was finally able to grab a point on the road with last weekend’s 0-0 draw against Chicago.  Vancouver has not recorded a win in their last 8 games and will be looking to use this as momentum to earn 3 points at home against San Jose this week.

San Jose

Although it may not have come in league play (or against a team’s starting XI), the Earthquakes recorded a win this past week-something they’ve been unable to do since their victory against FC Dallas towards the end of March.  San Jose handed Portland it’s first home loss of the season during the second round of qualifiers for the 2011 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup thanks to a late goal (120’) from Ike Opara.

Missing Links

Vancouver-Jay DeMerit

Jay DeMerit’s decision to play in matches while not fully recovered from an injury cost his team a goal, and has limited him to only 2 league appearances this season.  This time around, he’s taking his time to make sure he comes back 100%.  Vancouver has not been particularly strong in defense, and their captain’s return to action will give the team the leadership presence in the back they so desperately need.  Although Jay DeMerit isn’t match fit yet, he may make a cameo appearance as a sub during their next game.

San Jose-Simon Dawkins

Simon Dawkins’ creative, attacking play this season has established his role as the #10 player for San Jose.  Unfortunately, he’s also been injury-prone throughout his career.  The on-loan Tottenham player had surgery last week to correct compartment syndrome and is set to miss 4-8 weeks.  San Jose will miss his presence on the field and will most likely have Khari Stephenson play in Dawkin’s position.

Players to Watch

Vancouver-Mouloud Akloul

Although Jay DeMerit’s absence has been tough for Vancouver, Mouloud Akloul has done wonderfully to fill in.  He has turned out good performances in his last few games and will be a handful for Chris Wondolowski and the rest of the Earthquakes.  When Jay DeMerit is fit, the two of them will create a strong defensive partnership for the Whitecaps.

San Jose-Ike Opara

His game-winning goal and all around good performance against Portland means Frank Yallop will have Opara in his starting XI for this game.  The defender has a knack for scoring off of set pieces and he’ll give Vancouver’s attack a rough time during the game as well.

Prediction

With a home form of 1-1-3, Vancouver isn’t necessarily have a significant advantage at Empire Field.  That being said, San Jose is on a 3 game losing streak and with another game this week against Columbus they may not field a full-strength side.  The game will end in a 1-1 tie.