After missing out on two golden opportunities to climb back into the playoff picture, the New England Revolution (6-11-8) head out West for a matchup with the struggling San Jose Earthquakes (7-7-10) on Wednesday night.

Following a 4-0 loss to the Philadelphia Union Aug. 13, the Revolution dropped their fourth consecutive league game with a 2-0 setback against Columbus on Saturday at Gillette Stadium.

New England (26 points) is in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, just 2 points out of the sixth and final playoff spot. With both D.C. United and Orlando City in action Wednesday night as well, the Revolution would need a win and losses by both of those clubs to jump into the top six.

“It’s really important to move past Saturday,’’ said Revolution coach Jay Heaps. “Everyone was disappointed about the last two home games, so now we get a chance on the road.’’

The Revolution will be facing a San Jose team fighting for a playoff spot. After starting off the season 5-3-3, the Earthquakes have gone 2-4-7 and are 1 point out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Atop the list of priorities for the Revolution Wednesday is keeping the ball out of their net. New England, which leads the MLS with 46 goals conceded, will be going up against a stingy San Jose defense, which has allowed 27 goals, fourth fewest in the league.

“Quite frankly we’ve given up too many goals too early and we have to be solid to start each game,’’ said Heaps.

Currently in a stretch of three games in eight days, it will be a short turnaround for the Revolution, who face the Eastern Conference-leading New York Red Bulls on Sunday following their cross-country trip.

“You just got to use it as a motivational tool,’’ said midfielder Scott Caldwell. “We definitely haven’t been at our best. We got to get back on and just prove to everyone that we’re not how we have been performing lately and we’re a better team than that.’’

Joshua Brown can be reached at joshua.brown@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @josh_brown31.