Earthquakes-Crew Preview

The San Jose Earthquakes play at Columbus Crew SC on Saturday with only one win in 12 away games this season.

But a 2-1 victory in their last road game Aug. 12 at Vancouver gives the Earthquakes (7-7-11) confidence outside of northern California.

"We definitely know we can go on the road and beat teams as long as we keep playing the way we've been playing," defender Shaun Francis said.

San Jose is coming off a scoreless draw with visiting New England on Wednesday but may have the perfect place to continue its road success: It has not lost in Columbus since May 27, 2009, and has ties in the past three games in Mapfre Stadium.

Meanwhile, the Crew (4-9-11) continued their puzzling play. A 2-1 loss to Philadelphia on Wednesday extended its home winless streak to a loss and six ties since May 28. Columbus is 3-2-8 at home.

The lone goal for the Crew was by forward Adam Jahn, who was acquired in a trade with San Jose on July 30. He came off the bench for his first score in three games with Columbus after one in 10 games for the Earthquakes.

He's hoping to play against his former teammates.

"They know I'm coming for them Saturday," he said. "It will be really fun to see them again."

The difference could be which top scorer breaks a slump. San Jose's Chris Wondolowski has nine goals but only two in the past 13 matches.

Ola Kamara leads Columbus with 10 goals despite not scoring in four games.

"His chances will come," Columbus coach Gregg Berhalter said.