New York City FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes | 2019 MLS Match Preview

New York City FC look to extend their lead atop the Eastern Conference and stretch an unbeaten streak to seven games when they host a San Jose Earthquakes side trying to rebound from a midweek defeat to Real Salt Lake. 

NYCFC (15-5-9) had a club-best five-match winning streak snapped in Wednesday night's 1-1 draw against Toronto FC at Yankee Stadium, but have still secured 16 out of 18 points possible from their last six matches. Wednesday, Alexandru Mitrita put the Cityzens in front on five minutes with a free kick from just outside the 18-yard box. The Reds leveled from the penalty spot through Alejandro Pozuelo later in the first half. The Spanish Designated Player had another spot kick in the second half following Video Review, but this time Sean Johnson made a stunning one-handed diving save as NYCFC moved three points clear of second place Philadelphia. 

The Earthquakes (13-11-5) are fifth in the crowded Western Conference standings after a 1-0 midweek defeat to Real Salt Lake, their fourth loss in the last six games. Damir Kreilach broke the scoreless stalemate in the 75th minute, latching onto Brooks Lennon's cross and heading past San Jose goalkeeper Daniel Vega, who made big saves to deny Kreilach in the first half and a Bofo Saucedo free kick in the 68th minute. 

Series Matchup at NYCFC

NYCFC: 2 wins, 5 goals

Earthquakes: 0 wins, 2 goals

0 draws

Officials

Referee: Rubiel Vazquez

Assistant Referees:  Claudiu Badea, Philippe Briere

4th Official: Lukasz Szpala

VAR:  Caleb Mendez