Seattle traveled to San Jose to meet the Earthquakes in the season-long Heritage Cup, which pits MLS teams who have retained their NASL namesakes against one another. Right now, this is...Sounders and Earthquakes. Next season, the Heritage Cup will also include the Portland Timbers and the Vancouver Whitecaps, making it slightly more interesting but still rather silly. San Jose currently have the lead in the cup, 1-0, but that could change tonight. And no, I don't think there's a penalty shootout if Seattle wins.
In actual league news, this match is fairly significant. The Sounders are still clinging to their playoff hopes and are still sitting just one point behind San Jose. While the Quakes may still be feeling pretty pleased with themselves after drawing against the Galaxy last Thursday, it's Seattle that's on a tear, having won against Colorado on Sunday in MLS play, and beating Metapan Wednesday in the CONCACAF Champions League. Their defense is looking much stronger (knock on wood) and has only allowed two goals in their past five (competitive) matches.
Continuing their fine form of play taking three points from San Jose would not only help the Sounders keep their playoff hopes alive, but also send them to El Salvador feeling pretty optimistic about a win on Tuesday.
To join in the Sounders chatter, visit the Game Thread at Sounder at Heart. Otherwise, look for significant updates here.
PS--Alvaro Fernandez, the Sounders' newest signing, is on the bench tonight. I'm rocking my "I Heart Uruguay" tee.