As the Leagues Cup approaches, CD Guadalajara and San Jose Earthquakes are set to clash in what promises to be an exciting opening match at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday. Both teams are eager to kick off their tournament journey with a win, especially after contrasting recent performances.
CD Guadalajara enters the match on a high note, having secured back-to-back victories. Their latest triumph came against Mazatlan FC, where they showcased a solid performance, winning 2-0. The match saw Cade Cowell score early in the second half, followed by Armando Gonzalez sealing the victory late in the game. This winning streak has boosted their confidence, and they currently sit seventh in the Liga MX table, just one point away from the playoff positions.
On the other hand, San Jose Earthquakes are desperately seeking a turnaround after a disappointing run of form. Their latest encounter against Minnesota United ended in a 2-0 defeat, leaving them at the bottom of the Western Conference in the MLS standings. With a staggering 19 points separating them from playoff contention, the team is in dire need of a victory to revive their season. The Earthquakes have struggled particularly in away matches, suffering six consecutive losses in all competitions.
Historically, CD Guadalajara has been formidable on home turf, boasting an impressive record of seven clean sheets in their last ten home matches. This defensive strength will be crucial as they look to maintain their momentum against a San Jose team that has struggled to find form. The Earthquakes will need to overcome their away woes if they hope to challenge the hosts effectively.
In terms of team news, San Jose will be without key players due to injuries. Goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski and defender Jamar Ricketts are sidelined with knee and groin injuries, respectively. Additionally, Daniel has been unavailable since mid-March due to a shoulder issue, and Daniel Munie is out with a head injury. The absence of Cruz Medina, Emi Ochoa, and Niko Tsakiris due to international duty further complicates matters for the Earthquakes.
CD Guadalajara also faces some injury concerns, particularly with Jesus Orozco, who left the recent match against Mazatlan with an injury scare. The team will be hoping for a quick recovery to bolster their lineup as they prepare for this crucial fixture.
The stakes are high for both teams as they aim to establish a solid foundation in the Leagues Cup. For CD Guadalajara, a win would not only enhance their confidence but also solidify their position in the Liga MX standings. Meanwhile, San Jose Earthquakes are in urgent need of a turnaround to avoid further damage to their already struggling season.
As the match approaches, fans of both teams are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an intense and competitive encounter. With both sides having much to prove, the stage is set for a thrilling opening match in the Leagues Cup.
