Three matchups to watch when the Seattle Sounders take on the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday

The Seattle Sounders are visiting the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday (7:08 p.m PT; FOX 13, UniMás, TUDN, Prime Video, El Rey 1360 AM) in their first meeting of the season. Here are three matchups to watch:

Raúl Ruidíaz vs. Francisco Calvo

After coming off the bench for a 20-minute appearance last week against Inter Miami, Ruidíaz will look to score his first goal of the MLS season. The Peruvian, who battled an injury to start the season, bagged a crucial away goal at New York City FC in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions League Semifinals last week. He’ll look to get off the mark in league play against Calvo and a San Jose defense that is worst in MLS in goals allowed with 17 through seven matches.

Albert Rusnák vs. Ján Gregus

It will be a battle of Slovakian internationals in the center of the park that will play a large part in determining Saturday’s result. Each is representing new teams in 2022, with Rusnák signing with the Sounders as a Designated Player from Real Salt Lake, while Gregus headed to the Bay Area after three seasons with Minnesota United.

Jackson Ragen vs. Jeremy Ebobisse

Ragen has been a standout performer in the early stages of the season, seamlessly stepping in on the back line for the injured Yeimar. The 23-year-old rookie and former Sounders Academy product has played well beyond his years and will have another tough test in Ebobisse. The former Portland Timbers forward is tied for the league lead in goals with five and is coming off a Team of the Week performance.