United States international striker Chris Wondolowski is on the cusp of something special and he knows it.
Wondolowski's San Jose Earthquakes welcome Orlando City to Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, with Wondolowski one goal shy of 100 Major League Soccer regular-season goals.
The 32-year-old took his tally to 99 during the Earthquakes' 2-0 win over the Columbus Crew last time out. Only Landon Donovan (144), Jeff Cunningham (134), Jaime Moreno (133), Ante Razov (114), Jason Kreis (108), Dwayne De Rosario (104), Taylor Twellman (101) and Edson Buddle (100) have scored more goals in MLS history.
"I've studied this league," Wondolowski told reporters following last week's match. "I'm very proud to be a part of it, and so I know who's up there.
"It's crazy to think (about). That's a special part of it. It's a number but it's a number where some of the best that have played in this league have reached. I'm not there yet but I'm hoping to be there and be synonymous with those names. It's pretty unreal, to be honest."
Sunday's fixture is not just about Wondolowski. The in-form Earthquakes, fourth in the Western Conference, are looking to extend their unbeaten streak to five matches.
Orlando is riding high after last week's 4-0 drubbing of the reigning champion Los Angeles Galaxy, which helped the expansion club move up to fifth in the Eastern Conference table.
The only other match Sunday is an all-East affair, with the third-place New York Red Bulls hosting the Philadelphia Union at Red Bull Arena.
Free-falling Los Angeles could be without captain Robbie Keane (groin) for its home match against the Houston Dynamo on Friday. The Galaxy are seventh in the West and without a win in five matches.
The Chicago Fire travel to Columbus on Friday.
On Saturday, Eastern-leading D.C. United will do battle with the New England Revolution in a top-of-the-table clash.
Toronto FC will be without U.S. striker Jozy Altidore for its home match against the Portland Timbers; Western Conference-leading FC Dallas travels to Canada to face the Montreal Impact, who notched their first win of the season last week; and the Vancouver Whitecaps are at the lowly Colorado Rapids.
The Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City will meet in Seattle, while Real Salt Lake will host New York City in Saturday's other fixture.