MLS

Red Bulls host Quakes in battle of MLS originals (Jul 19, 2017)

Published Jul. 18, 2017 5:43 p.m. ET

Two original MLS teams clash when the San Jose Earthquakes visit the New York Red Bulls in Harrison, N.J., on Wednesday.

The two sides were part of the 10 original MLS clubs from the league's inaugural 1996 season when they were called the San Jose Clash and New York/New Jersey MetroStars.

The Quakes (7-7-5) have not won here since 2005. The Red Bulls have won five home encounters with the Quakes, with two draws.

The Red Bulls (8-8-2) won a second consecutive away match on the heels of a six-game losing streak on the road, coming back for a 3-2 victory against the New England Revolution in Foxborough, Mass., on July 5. The three goals scored were a season high.

The Quakes had their two-game winning streak end, conceding a season high in goals in a 4-2 loss to Atlanta United on July 4. It was a second consecutive defeat on the road for the Quakes, coming off a three-game undefeated homestand (2-0-1).

"Obviously New York is a very dynamic team," said San Jose coach Chris Leitch, who played for the Metro Stars. "We have to come out with the right mentality, especially at their place."

The last time the sides met, Quakes captain Chris Wondolowski scored his 114th career goal, bringing him level with Ante Razov for fourth-most goals all-time in MLS. Wondolowski is two goals away from an eighth consecutive season with 10 or more, which would extend the MLS record he set last season.

Red Bulls striker Bradley Wright-Phillips has amassed 87 career goals -- 78 MLS regular season, seven MLS playoff, one CONCACAF Champions League and one Open Cup. But New York is looking to add a top-flight scorer to bolster an attack that has produced only 20 goals -- third lowest in the league.

"It's a combination of solidifying a few situations, figuring out some of the pieces. We have got our eye on a few things," Red Bulls coach Jesse Marsch told Metro New York. "I would hope that there will be some announcements very soon."

The Quakes new Designated Player, Valeri "Vako" Qazaishvili, travelled with the club to New York and could make his MLS debut Wednesday.

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