Ahead of Wednesday's Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinal match vs San Jose, SportingKC.com caught up with Center Line Soccer's Robert Jonas to preview #SKCvSJ. Live coverage of Wednesday's match (7:30 p.m. CT) is available on SportingKC.com, Sports Radio 810 WHB, and La Grande 1340 AM. Check out MatchDay Central for complete online coverage.
What were your thoughts on the first two meetings between these sides (2-1 at KC, 0-0 draw at SJ) and anything that might have an impact on Wednesday’s match?
Kansas City has proven that its defense is the class of the league, and San Jose has shown time and again that it struggles against organized defenses. What this means for the Open Cup match is that the Earthquakes will be extremely patient in looking for openings to go forward. It won't be a full bus that is parked in front of goal, but the Quakes back line is going to be disciplined in a way it hasn't necessarily shown since new head coach Chris Leitch installed a more attack-minded 3-5-2 formation in late June. San Jose learned that such a bunker mentality could work in the previous match against Sporting, and a scoreless draw Wednesday night would get the visitors to penalty kicks with a chance to make the final. It's not a sexy game plan, but it's one that gives the Quakes their best chance to come out victorious.
How strong of a lineup did San Jose field in their 2-1 win against Columbus on Saturday? Do you expect many changes in the Starting XI for Wednesday?
The Earthquakes played their best available line-up against the Crew in a less than convincing 2-1 win. Leitch mentioned after the game that he wanted to win that game badly, though he did say he also wants to win Wednesday and on the road Saturday at the Houston Dynamo. He admitted that this was "greedy," but he also stated he demanded his team step up to the challenge. Against Sporting, the Quakes will see the return to availability of mainstays Anibal Godoy and Jahmir Hyka -- two instrumental parts of the starting line-up for most of the season. Both missed the last two games through injury, though it's uncertain if they will get a starting call on Wednesday. All-time scoring leader Chris Wondolowski is certain to start up top, likely with fellow foward Danny Hoesen, as the pair have done well together in the Earthquakes three Open Cup victories. First team goalkeeper David Bingham may make way for his understudy Andrew Tarbell, but most other assignments will go to first line regular season starters.
How much emphasis is the club putting on Wednesday’s match while still focusing on making the playoffs?
With the tournament down to the two-wins-to-a-trophy stage, and the Earthquakes looking to capture silverware for the first time since the 2012 Supporters' Shield, the team's mentality is squarely on getting the job done in Kansas City. To a tee, the players in the locker room following the victory over Crew SC had Wednesday's semifinal on their mind. The club's goal of making the playoffs is certainly number one on the list, but the Open Cup trophy is so close, and everyone realizes these opportunities don't come around very often. With 11 games left in the regular season, the Quakes are at the playoff qualification "red line," so their efforts to make the postseason for the first time since 2012 won't be undermined by a push to capture the Open Cup.
What changes has Head Coach Chris Leitch made to the squad? Has there been a distinct change in the style of play?
Since taking over for the legendary Dominic Kinnear in late June, Leitch has shifted the tactical focus of the team from a flat 4-4-2 to a more dynamic 3-5-2. Rookie Jackson Yueill and Homegrown star Tommy Thompson have seen their playing time increase, and the added responsibility has been met head on. The Quakes have won all five of their home games since Leitch took over, and the offense is showing signs of improvement. The wide-open style of play has not proven effective on the road, however, and San Jose has dropped three matches by a combined score of 12-3 during Leitch's short tenure. The rookie coach has dialed back the risky play of late, and the team's two consecutive home wins showed a better balance of aggressive play with disciplined defense. The lessons of the last road trip will serve Leitch well in setting up the Earthquakes for better success Wednesday in the Open Cup and Saturday against Houston.
How do you expect the Earthquakes to approach Wednesday’s match?
As alluded to above, the Quakes are not going to go toe-to-toe with Sporting with open and aggressive play. Rather, expect San Jose to control the game when they can and try to take advantages of openings and mistakes in Kansas City's defense. This wait-and-see approach will certainly provide Sporting with the possession advantage, but the Earthquakes have shown of late that they can handle such pressure. If the visitors can keep the home side off the scoreboard early, and the game is still close late, then San Jose may take the risks that could allow it to steal a victory. The classic MLS road strategy of frustrate and counter could very well be the Quakes recipe for reaching the Open Cup final.
Any players and/or match-ups you’re going to be focusing on for Wednesday’s match?
Early in the match, it will be interesting to watch how San Jose limits Benny Feilhaber's influence in the center of the pitch. If he can be shepherded successfully by Godoy, then the Quakes can wait it out early and look to strike late. Quincy Amarikwa, a bull of a forward for San Jose, is a likely late game substitute that will give defenders fits. Ike Opara will have the height to battle Amarikwa, but he'll have his hands full with the Earthquakes attacker's bruising hold-up play. And if the game survives all the way to penalty kicks, Sporting have a huge advantage it Tim Melia is between the posts. Shootouts can be notoriously unpredictable, but with Melia out there, it is advantage Kansas City.
