The Bent Musket predicts: Revs at Quakes

Another short week, another long trip for the Revs, who recently finished a three-in-eight with two draws and a win. That stretch began with a foray to Vancouver, a 3-3 draw.

The current three-in-nine started poorly with a US Open Cup ouster at the hands of USL-side Louisville City. However, the Revs were able to pull out a late draw with the Fire at Toyota Park. This final stretch before the World Cup hiatus ends with a cross-country journey to San Jose.

After barely making the postseason last year, the Quakes’ current campaign is on the brink, with just two wins in 14 matches so far in 2018. In fact, both wins have come against lowly Minnesota United. What's more troubling for supporters is their 1-4-1 home record after suffering only two home losses in all of 2017.

The sides haven’t scored a goal against each other since 2015, as the last two matches — one at Avaya and the other at Gillette — have produced 0-0 draws.

If you run the often-fruitless exercise of comparing results vs common opponents at the same venue, here’s how it looks:

Home vs NYCFC: Revs D Quakes L

Away at PHI: Revs L Quakes D

Away vs VAN: Revs D Quakes D

Away at CHI: Revs D Quakes L

Away at CLB: Revs D Quakes L

So overall, neither side has defeated a common opponent, as New England is 0-1-4 and San Jose is 0-3-2 against the same clubs at the same venue thus far in 2018...for what it’s worth.

The Revs know the way to San Jose, but can they return with a point or more in their bag?

Here’s what The Bent Musket staff thinks will happen in California this week:

Seth: Revs 1, San Jose 1

Comment: The Earthquakes are coming off of a heart-breaking loss to LAFC, so they’ll certainly be hungry for a positive result. That said, their team just isn’t that good. I predict a 1-1 draw ahead of the World Cup break.

Tony: Revs 2, San Jose 2

Comment: Key folks will be missing for San Jose, with Godoy and Cummings at the World Cup and Salinas possibly out due to injury. They all play in the back, weakening an already-porous defense. However, Dielna is suspended, so Gabriel Somi probably gets the nod at left back, and he’s been victimized numerous times this season. San Jose has been outscored at home, allowing over two goals per match. The Revs have been outscored on the road, allowing two goals per match. I really think New England can win this game, but the law of averages says San Jose can’t lose a fifth straight (and fourth straight at home), can they?

Summary

NE win: 0

SJ win: 0

Draw: 2

Point allocation: Correct result = 3 Correct score (both) = 2 Correct score (one) = 1

What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below!