San Jose Earthquakes' Jack Jasinski believes the team's never-say-die attitude will be what carries them into the postseason as they look to extend their unbeaten streak against Nashville SC.
'This team just doesn't quit' – San Jose's never-say-die attitude excites Jasinski
The San Jose Earthquakes are close to securing their playoff place, but they come up against MLS leaders Nashville SC next at PayPal Park.
San Jose have not lost any of their last eight MLS outings, with a 1-1 draw at Real Salt Lake extending that run thanks to Jasinski's late equaliser.
They sit fourth in the Western Conference despite drawing their last two outings and could secure their playoff place this weekend if they beat the league leaders.
The 'Quakes are no strangers to late drama in their games this campaign, and Jasinski says it is that approach which will ensure a strong finish to the regular season.
"We've had a bit of a formation change, and since then we haven't lost in a while and have managed to squeak out draws and get some wins," Jasinski said after the draw with RSL.
"This team just doesn't quit until the end, and over a long season, that starts to pay off.
"It's a quick turnaround to Nashville on Saturday, but we've used the whole squad well, and we'll continue to do that going forward."
As for Nashville, the Supporters' Shield could be in their hands by the end of the weekend if they beat San Jose.
Even a draw or a loss could be enough if the Vancouver Whitecaps and Inter Miami drop points, but there is also a place in the record books on the line.
Nashville need just nine points from their final five matches to set a new single-season points record (Miami – 74 in 2024).
They currently sit 14 points clear of the Herons in the East and have won their last four matches, including a thumping 4-0 win over Sporting Kansas City last time out.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
San Jose Earthquakes – Jack Jasinski
Jasinski came off the bench to score the equalizing goal for San Jose against Real Salt Lake, his second career MLS goal on what was San Jose's second shot on target of the match.
RSL had attempted the game's previous nine shots before Jasinski's leveller.
Nashville SC – Sam Surridge
Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge scored in the same match for the sixth time this season in Nashville's win over Sporting KC.
The pair have scored in the same match 13 times since the start of the 2024 season, with only Miami's Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez (19 times) doing so more often.
Between them, they have scored 32 goals, with Surridge just edging it, having scored 17 goals to Mukhtar's 15.
MATCH PREDICTION: NASHVILLE SC WIN
All four meetings between San Jose and Nashville have ended in draws, with both sides playing twice at home against the other.
The Earthquakes' unbeaten run stretched to eight matches (W3 D5) with their draw at RSL, thanks to an equaliser in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
The Earthquakes have scored two stoppage-time equalisers this season after managing one in the previous three seasons (2023–25).
However, Nashville are the favourites to prevail after they recorded their fourth straight regular-season win on Wednesday, taking their points total to 66 on the season.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
San Jose Earthquakes – 32.8%
Draw – 25.5%
Nashville SC – 41.7%
