San Jose’s Colombian forward Cristian Arango is tied with Vancouver’s Brian White for the league lead with eight goals. Former Inter Miami forward Josef Martinez of Venezuela, who joined the Earthquakes this year, has six goals. Argentine midfielder Cristian Espinoza has four goals and an MLS-best seven assists.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami did not return to their winning ways in San Jose, but they avoided adding another loss to one of the worst stretches of the Messi era. Tadeo Allende scored two goals,

The Herons come into the game losers of their last five in all competitions. After being bounced from the Concacaf Champions Cup in the semifinals, Miami trounced New York Red Bulls and looked to put their disappointment behind them. Then, they conceded four against Minnesota United and question marks about this team resurfaced.