San Jose Earthquakes vs. DC United – MLS, May 1, 2021

The Earthquakes will look to build on their impressive 3-1 victory over FC Dallas when they host DC United at PayPal Park on Saturday, May 1.

DC kicked off the Hernan Losada era with a shock win against New York City on the opening weekend, but the Black-and-Red suffered a narrow defeat to the Revs last time out.

If you’re betting on San Jose Earthquakes vs. DC United – keep reading. I look at the odds for Saturday’s clash and give my Quakes vs. DC prediction and pick below.

Looking back at the opening weekend of the 2021 MLS season, I think the Quakes can count themselves pretty unlucky to have come away from BBVA Stadium without anything to show for their efforts.

Matias Almeyda’s men enjoyed 61% possession and registered four shots on target against Houston, but the Dynamo ended up winning 2-1.

However, Almeyda’s men got the result they deserved last weekend.

Oswaldo Alanis and Cristian Espinoza netted either side of half-time against Dallas before highly-rated teenager Cade Cowell completed the scoring for San Jose. Cowell also provided a delicious assist for Espinoza’s goal – further enhancing his growing reputation.

Veteran striker Chris Wondolowski was shown a red card late on following an unfortunate collision with Jose Martinez. But all in all, it was an eye-catching performance from the Quakes.

It’s fair to say that Major League Soccer was stunned when DC came from behind to beat NYCFC a fortnight ago.

Losada’s men found themselves trailing after just 15 minutes on the opening weekend. But thanks to goals from Brendan Hines-Ike and Russell Canouse, the Black-and-Red turned things around before half-time – claiming a shock 2-1 win.

However, Hines-Ike went from hero to villain last time out. The center-back scored an own goal against New England, gifting the Revs a 1-0 victory at Gillette Stadium.

DC has certainly shown glimpses of promise under Losada, although it feels like the team will need more time to adapt to the new head coach’s philosophy.

I’m confident that DC will improve on last year’s shortcomings, but it could be a while before seeing the Washington club anywhere near the top end of the Eastern Conference.

Having assessed both teams’ chances, the odds for this matchup are probably fair.

I was hoping the price for the San Jose win would be a little higher, in all honesty. But the best online sports betting sites know what they’re doing.

It’s now time for my San Jose Earthquakes vs. DC United prediction.

After suffering an unfortunate loss to Houston, the Quakes bounced back in style last weekend. With Cowell and Espinoza leading from the front, San Jose’s attack completely dominated Dallas – and the same is likely to happen against DC.

The Black-and-Red defended well against the Revs, but they offered very little after that. Having seen that, the Quakes will be eager to pile pressure on DC’s backline.

This is likely to be a low-scoring affair, but I’m confident that San Jose will come away with all three points.