Toronto FC 1 - 1 Earthquakes
Final
  for this game

'Quakes host Reds at Buck Shaw

Apr 8, 2011 - 9:52 PM Santa Clara, CA (Sports Network) - The San Jose Earthquakes host Toronto FC in a Major League Soccer clash on Saturday night at Buck Shaw Stadium.

The teams have identical 1-1-1 records but Toronto's limited success is a bit of a mirage.

Not only did TFC face expansion teams in back-to-back weeks to open the season - splitting those contests - but was forced to settle for a share of the points vs. a weak Chivas USA team last weekend.

"I don't think it's a great result for us at home," TFC striker Alan Gordon said. "You're always looking for three points, especially against a team like Chivas that will probably be somewhere around the bottom of the West."

San Jose, on the other hand, lost to Western power Real Salt Lake in a close contest to open the season before topping MLS Cup finalist FC Dallas, 2-0 in Week 2. The club's most recent result was a 2-2 draw vs. a solid Seattle Sounders squad last weekend.

The 'Quakes will be aiming for their first win of the season at Buck Shaw against a historically bad road team in Toronto.

"We haven't had a good home record for a while now, it was important to play a good team at home and come away with a draw," San Jose attacker Khari Stephenson said after the draw vs. Seattle. "Starting the season off at home with two losses isn't a good sign. It was good for us to finally get back into the game and tie it up the way we did."

Toronto could get more minutes out of designated player Julian de Guzman, who made his season debut in the second half vs. Chivas USA because of off-season surgery.

"It will take time but the more training, the more games, the more comfortable I'll find myself in the system," De Guzman said.

Out for Toronto will be midfielder Elbekay Bouchiba, who is recovering from a knee sprain.

San Jose will be without midfielder Andre Luiz and forward Scott Sealy, while defender Tim Ward is doubtful, and midfielder Omar Jasseh and forwards Steven Lenhart and Ellis McLoughlin are questionable with injuries.






Related News