Red Bulls set to face improved Earthquakes

The New York Red Bulls aim to record their second win of the season when they play host to the San Jose Earthquakes in interconference MLS action Saturday night at Harrison, N.J.

The Red Bulls (1-2-3, 6 points) came out on top in their last home game 2-1 against the Columbus Crew on March 18. Forward Dante Vanzeir scored his first MLS goal, and it wound up being the game winner.

Since then, the Red Bulls tied host Charlotte FC 1-1 on March 25 and fell short on the road against Atlanta United FC 1-0 last Saturday. New York took more shots in both games but lacked a finishing touch.

"We created the most possible chances, but not high-quality chances," Red Bulls head coach Gerhard Struber said of the second half against Atlanta United. "There were some good chances, especially with starting transition moments."

After finishing at the bottom of the Western Conference standings a season ago, the Earthquakes (3-2-1, 10 points) are much improved. All three of San Jose's wins have come at home and they have won just once in their last 19 league games on the road over the past two seasons.

Argentinian midfielder Christian Espinoza has been instrumental in the Earthquakes' attack. He's an adept facilitator leading the league with 19 key passes. He also has scored three ghoals to lead the team.

"Cristian stepped up and put two penalty kicks away," San Jose head coach Luchi Gonzalez said. "It's never easy to score a second penalty kick after the first because it ends up being that duel with the keeper. But he showed great confidence to step up and to put it away. He trains that. He's always prepared."

It will be the 44th all-time regular-season encounter between the teams, with the Earthquakes winning 18 matchups while the Red Bulls have won 16. Nine games finished tied.