Non-Conference Soccer Showdown
Eastern Conference Leader Cincinnati Welcomes San Jose Earthquakes for Non-Conference Action
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FC Cincinnati and the San Jose Earthquakes meet in non-conference MLS action Saturday, facing each other for the first time this season. Las Vegas Sun reports Cincinnati ranks second in MLS with 41 goals and leads the Eastern Conference with 95 shots on goal — making them one of the league's most dangerous offensive teams.
The matchup pits two strong sides against each other. San Jose sits second in the Western Conference with a 10-4-3 record, while Cincinnati is 6-6-5 and sixth in the East, according to Messenger-Inquirer.
Cincinnati's Offense Has Been Hard to Stop
Cincinnati has been among MLS's most productive teams in front of goal. The club has scored 41 goals this season, second-best in the entire league. Their 95 shots on goal lead the Eastern Conference. That kind of volume puts pressure on any defense, game after game.
Two players have driven much of that attack. Kevin Denkey and Evander have been Cincinnati's key performers this season, according to Erie News Now. When both are clicking, Cincinnati is one of the hardest teams in MLS to contain.
San Jose Brings a Potent Road Record to Cincinnati
The Earthquakes are not just a good team — they are a great road team. San Jose holds a 6-1-1 record in away games this season. That is one of the best road marks in MLS. They have shown they can win anywhere, not just at home.
San Jose's overall numbers back up that confidence. The Earthquakes have scored 35 goals and allowed just 20, giving them a +15 goal differential. That margin reflects a team that is strong on both ends of the field, according to Houston Chronicle.
Preston Judd and Paul Marie Lead San Jose's Attack
Two Earthquakes players have stood out most this season. Preston Judd and Paul Marie have combined for 11 goals and two assists, according to CA Sports Yahoo. That production has been central to San Jose's climb to second place in the Western Conference.
The Earthquakes carry real momentum into this road trip. With a 10-4-3 record overall and their strong form away from home, San Jose will be no easy task for a Cincinnati side still trying to climb the Eastern Conference table.
Cincinnati's Home Fortress Could Be the Deciding Factor
Cincinnati is 5-2-1 at home this season. Playing in front of their home crowd has been a clear advantage. That record shows they are tough to beat on their own turf. San Jose's road form is excellent, but Cincinnati at home is a different kind of challenge.
This non-conference clash has no prior meetings this season to draw from. Both teams are meeting fresh. Given Cincinnati's firepower and home edge against San Jose's road poise and goal differential, the match shapes up as one of the more compelling cross-conference games of the MLS weekend, according to Courier News.
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