Seattle Sounders FC, San Jose Earthquakes: A Rivalry Renewed

Historical Context

The Seattle Sounders FC and the San Jose Earthquakes are two of the most storied clubs in Major League Soccer (MLS). The rivalry between the two teams dates back to the early days of the league, when both teams were founding members of the Western Conference.

The rivalry has been fueled by a number of factors, including geographic proximity, similar fan bases, and a history of close matches. The two teams are located just a few hours apart by car, and their fan bases are both passionate and vocal. The matches between the two teams are often close, and there have been a number of memorable moments in the rivalry's history.

Recent History

In recent years, the rivalry between the Sounders FC and the Earthquakes has been somewhat dormant. The Sounders FC have been one of the most successful teams in MLS in recent years, while the Earthquakes have struggled. However, the two teams are still scheduled to play each other twice during the 2023 season, and there is sure to be plenty of excitement when they do.

Key Players

Some of the key players in the rivalry between the Sounders FC and the Earthquakes include:

• Seattle Sounders FC: Raúl Ruidíaz, Nicolás Lodeiro, Jordan Morris
• San Jose Earthquakes: Cristian Espinoza, Jamiro Monteiro, Cade Cowell

Memorable Moments

There have been a number of memorable moments in the rivalry between the Sounders FC and the Earthquakes. Some of the most notable moments include:

• The 2009 US Open Cup Final: The Sounders FC defeated the Earthquakes 2-1 in the 2009 US Open Cup Final. This was the Sounders FC's first major trophy, and it was a major moment in the rivalry.
• The 2012 MLS Cup Western Conference Final: The Sounders FC defeated the Earthquakes 3-2 in the 2012 MLS Cup Western Conference Final. This was a major victory for the Sounders FC, as it sent them to the MLS Cup for the first time.
• The 2016 US Open Cup Semifinal: The Earthquakes defeated the Sounders FC 4-2 in the 2016 US Open Cup Semifinal. This was a major upset, as the Sounders FC were the defending champions.

Conclusion

The rivalry between the Seattle Sounders FC and the San Jose Earthquakes is one of the most storied in Major League Soccer. The two teams have a long history of close matches and memorable moments. The rivalry is sure to continue for many years to come.