The San Jose Earthquakes pregame huddle sporting their new third kit, featuring the Archive Collection and a throwback to the first year San Jose Clash jerseys before the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Goalkeeper DANIEL (42) begins the game with a short prayer before the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaFC Dallas Forward BERNARD KAMUNGO (77) and San Jose Earthquakes Defender BRUNO WILSON (4) battle for the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaFC Dallas Forward BERNARD KAMUNGO (77) and San Jose Earthquakes Defender BRUNO WILSON (4) battle for the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender REID ROBERTS (18) kicks the ball away from FC Dallas Forward BERNARD KAMUNGO (77) with San Jose Earthquakes Defender BRUNO WILSON (4) helping during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) drives across field away from pressure from FC Dallas Defender MARCO FARFAN (4) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) passes the ball away from pressure from FC Dallas Midfielder RAMIRO (17) and FC Dallas Defender MARCO FARFAN (4) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Goalkeeper DANIEL (42) leaps over a bunch of FC Dallas and San Jose Earthquakes to punch the ball clear of the goal during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaFC Dallas Midfielder PATRICKSON DELGADO (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaFC Dallas Midfielder PATRICKSON DELGADO (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaFC Dallas Midfielder PATRICKSON DELGADO (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReferee RAMY TOUCHAN explains to FC Dallas Midfielder PATRICKSON DELGADO (6) the call with FC Dallas Forward PETAR MUSA (9) finishing tying his shoe and San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) walking by during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaThe San Jose Earthquakes celebrate San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) goal in the 21st minute of the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaFC Dallas Midfielder PATRICKSON DELGADO (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaThe San Jose Earthquakes after their end line celebration of San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) 21st minute goal during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReferee RAMY TOUCHAN explains the situation to San Jose Earthquakes Captain Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) sets up the wall for a free kick with San Jose Earthquakes Forward JOSEF MARTÍNEZ (17) and San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Goalkeeper DANIEL (42) makes a save during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaFC Dallas Defender MARCO FARFAN (4) tackles the ball away from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Goalkeeper DANIEL (42) leaps up to punch the ball away against FC Dallas Defender SEBASTIAN IBEAGHA (25) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) drives between FC Dallas Midfielder KAICK (55) and FC Dallas Defender MARCO FARFAN (4) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) tries to drive past FC Dallas Defender MARCO FARFAN (4) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) dribbles upfield against FC Dallas Defender LALAS ABUBAKAR (5), FC Dallas Defender MARCO FARFAN (4) and FC Dallas Defender SEBASTIAN IBEAGHA (25) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) dribbles against FC Dallas Defender LALAS ABUBAKAR (5) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) reaches for a ball with pressure from FC Dallas Defender LALAS ABUBAKAR (5) and FC Dallas Defender SHAQ MOORE (18) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaFC Dallas Goalkeeper MAARTEN PAES (1) sets up a wall for a free kick during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) takes a shot from a free kick during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaFC Dallas Goalkeeper MAARTEN PAES (1) dives to cover the post during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender DAVE ROMNEY (12) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaFC Dallas Forward PETAR MUSA (9) cuts the ball back against pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OUSSENI BOUDA (11) looks for options against FC Dallas Defender LALAS ABUBAKAR (5) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OUSSENI BOUDA (11) breaks to his left against pressure from FC Dallas Defender LALAS ABUBAKAR (5) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaFC Dallas Goalkeeper MAARTEN PAES (1) pushes a shot off the cross bar during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaFC Dallas Goalkeeper MAARTEN PAES (1) is aided by the cross bar during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaFC Dallas Forward JOSHUA TORQUATO (24) leaps to block a cross from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JACK SKAHAN (16) cuts back against FC Dallas Defender OSAZE URHOGHIDE (3) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaFC Dallas Defender OSAZE URHOGHIDE (3) tackles the ball away from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JACK SKAHAN (16) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) dribbles under pressure from FC Dallas Defender SHAQ MOORE (18) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, California
PRESS RELEASE:
July 16, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 2, FC Dallas 2
San Jose salvages point with Josef Martínez goal in final five minutes; Quakes now headed for road match with Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday in Heritage Cup second leg
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes drew with FC Dallas 2-2 on Wednesday night at PayPal Park in front of 15,304 fans.
The Earthquakes drew first blood in the 21st minute when with a defender draped Josef Martínez assisted Ian Harkes on a long-range blast that beat Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes to make it 1-0. However, the visitors would answer in the third minute of stoppage time when in transition, Petar Musa slotted the ball in the back of the net after a rebound to make it 1-1.
After intermission, the Quakes almost retook the lead in the 74th minute when Cristian Espinoza crossed a ball in from the right wing and Lalas Abubakar almost tapped it into his own net, but it hit the crossbar. Instead, Dallas would capture a 2-1 lead in the 85th minute when Ramiro and Logan Farrington combined to assist on a tap-in for Musa, his second of the match. However, the Quakes would rapidly answer the following minute to salvage a point, as Jack Skahan’s left-footed cross found Martínez for a clinical header to knot the game once more for a 2-2 final margin. For this two goal contributions, Martínez was named Northern California Honda Dealers Man of the Match.
The Black and Blue will go on the road to face Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday, July 19, in the second leg of the 2025 Heritage Cup. Kickoff from Lumen Field will take place at 5:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as via local radio on KSFO 810 AM (English) and KZSF 1370 AM (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The San Jose Earthquakes are now 31-22-23 (119 GF, 95 GA) all-time against FC Dallas with a 18-8-13 (67 GF, 46 GA) home record.
With the result, the Quakes moved to 7-8-8 (29 pts) and ninth in the Western Conference, while Dallas is now 5-10-7 (22 pts) and 13th in the West.
In their last meeting on June 25, the Quakes triumphed 4-2 over FC Dallas following a lightning delay. Chicho Arango, Josef Martínez, Beau Leroux and Mark-Anthony Kaye all found the back of the net in Frisco. Arango, DeJuan Jones and Cristian Espinoza (2) notched assists, marking the team captain’s 12th career multi-assist game for San Jose.
On Tuesday, the Quakes announced team captain Cristian Espinoza was named to the 2025 Major League Soccer All-Star roster. The match will take place next Wednesday, July 23, at Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium.
Cristian Espinoza made two key passes, extending his league lead to 72. He also ranks second in MLS with 11 assists.
Ian Harkes’ 21st-minute goal was his second in league play and the seventh of his MLS career.
Josef Martínez’s 21st-minute assist was his second in league play and the 22nd of his MLS career.
Josef Martínez’s 86th-minute goal was his ninth in league play and the 125th of his MLS career, good for sixth in the all-time rankings.
Josef Martínez has now found the back of the net seven times in as many meetings against FC Dallas.
Jack Skahan’s 86th-minute assist was his first of the season and third of his MLS career.
With 43 goals in 22 matches, the Black and Blue are currently tied for third in Major League Soccer, three goals behind leaders San Diego FC and one behind Inter Miami CF. The Quakes are currently second in MLS in expected goals (46.7), trailing only Nashville SC (47).
San Jose Earthquakes 2 – 2 FC Dallas
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 — PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 68°F Sunny
Attendance: 15,304
Man of the Match presented by NorCal Honda Dealers: Josef Martínez
*all stats unofficial
Match Officials:
Referee: Ramy Touchan
AR1: Kali Smith
AR2: Kevin Lock
4th Official: Victor Rivas
VAR: Younes Marrakchi
AVAR: Meghan Mullen
Scoring Summary:
SJ (1-0) – Ian Harkes (Josef Martínez) 21’
DAL (1-1) – Petar Musa (unassisted) 45+3’
DAL (1-2) – Petar Musa (Ramiro, Logan Farrington) 85’
SJ (2-2) – Josef Martínez (Jack Skahan) 86’
Misconduct Summary:
SJ – Vítor Costa (caution) 30’
SJ – Cristian Espinoza (caution) 45+8’
SJ – Ian Harkes (caution) 68’
SJ – Bruno Wilson (caution) 80’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Bruno Wilson, Reid Roberts (Preston Judd 77’), Rodrigues; Vítor Costa (Dave Romney 34’), Ian Harkes, Beau Leroux (Jack Skahan 77’), Niko Tsakiris (Ousseni Bouda 66’), Cristian Espinoza (C); Josef Martínez, Cristian “Chicho” Arango.
Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK), Max Floriani, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Nick Lima, Jamar Ricketts.
On the team’s overall performance in a 2-2 draw with FC Dallas:
“It was a sloppy performance at the end of both halves. The first goal they scored, we could have done better on that play. We give them credit. The second goal they scored, we have three guys that just fell asleep, did a really poor job. I give our guys a lot of credit getting a point out of this game. In a game where we’re a little bit better, maybe we win by a couple of goals. I’m disappointed in our inability to see out both halves. The first half, we should have gone in at 1-0. And I would have liked to have had the game at 1-1 in the final minutes and see if we could win. We put ourselves in a difficult position.”
On the first-half play that resulted in Vítor Costa’s injury:
“It’s two players going in for a ball, and I could be mistaken that the [FC Dallas] player probably got to the ball first and went through it and got to Vítor. It wasn’t a foul on Vítor. The injuries, unfortunate, but it’s certainly not a foul on Vítor. I think was almost like a 50/50 play. I haven’t seen it on film, so I can’t give more detail. He took about a dozen stitches.”
On Bruno Wilson’s performance:
“He had a solid performance. I’m pleased he was able to go the full game because he’s been out for a long time. I can’t even tell you the exact amount of time, but it seems like it was probably six weeks, maybe more. So just in time too, because [Daniel] Munie is out. It was good that he got a full game.”
On looking ahead to Saturday’s road match at Seattle:
“I’ll think about that tomorrow.”
EARTHQUAKES DEFENDER BRUNO WILSON
On leaving tonight with a draw against FC Dallas:
“We wanted to win. I think was a very important game to win. We didn’t win. We are not happy about that, but we have to keep working. We have a big chance to go to the playoffs, and we want that a lot. So keep working. Tomorrow is another day. In three days, we have another game so we can improve and we have an opportunity to win.”
“I think they had a little bit of luck, but we made some mistakes defensively, in my opinion. So what we can do but be better next time? Learn from the mistakes and don’t make the same mistakes next game.”
On his return to the starting lineup:
“Tonight was tough to play 90 minutes after a long time [away due to injury]. But I felt great, very happy, and mentally I was very good, very strong. So this (points to head) helps. The legs may be a little bit tired, but this (points to head) controls everything. I felt good, and I was very happy to be back with the team to play 90 minutes and help the team, but unhappy because of the result.”
On his mentality behind the game:
“I think soccer in general, emotionally it’s always like that (makes up-and-down motion with hands), and we have to be stable. We have been soccer players for a long time, so we are used to that type of emotion. We have to keep our feet on the floor and be stable about that. After we [scored] the two [goals], we were like, ‘We can win this game. We have time.’ But that was not possible. So now, it’s just work, and thinking about the next game.”
On Cristian Espinoza being selected to the MLS All-Star game next Wednesday:
“I think he deserves to go, not because someone got injured, but in the first selection. In my opinion, he deserves to go because he’s an incredible player. We all know that.”
On watching the team perform while he was unavailable to play due to injury:
“I learned that we have a very good team. I have very good teammates—good players in my position, like central defenders. We have amazing players, and this is good to have this roster be so competitive. The team is not only about the 11 [players] that play. I think it’s about everyone, and we have very good players in this game. I can improve and work a lot like all them, and try with my experience to help the young guys. If I can put my quality into the game, I will do it.”
Austin FC Midfielder OWEN WOLFF (33) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaAustin FC Midfielder OWEN WOLFF (33) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender MAX FLORIANI (25) throws himself to try to block a shot by Austin FC Defender JON GALLAGHER (17) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender MAX FLORIANI (25) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender DEJUAN JONES (22) passes the ball away from pressure from Austin FC Midfielder DANI PEREIRA (8) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender DANIEL MUNIE (5) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaAustin FC Defender GUILHERME BIRO (29) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaAustin FC Defender MIKKEL DESLER (3) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) dribbles away from pressure form Austin FC Midfielder DANI PEREIRA (8) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) dribbles away from pressure form Austin FC Midfielder DANI PEREIRA (8) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender JAMAR RICKETTS (2) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender DEJUAN JONES (22) is fouled by Austin FC Defender JON GALLAGHER (17) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OUSSENI BOUDA (11) tries to escape from pressure from Austin FC Midfielder DANI PEREIRA (8) and Austin FC Defender GUILHERME BIRO (29) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OUSSENI BOUDA (11) tries to escape from pressure from Austin FC Midfielder DANI PEREIRA (8) and Austin FC Defender GUILHERME BIRO (29) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender DEJUAN JONES (22) shoots during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OUSSENI BOUDA (11) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OUSSENI BOUDA (11) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender REID ROBERTS (18) and San Jose Earthquakes Forward PRESTON JUDD (19) contest a header against Austin FC Defender OLEKSANDR SVATOK (5) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) nutmegs Austin FC Defender GUILHERME BIRO (29) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaAustin FC Defender GUILHERME BIRO (29) and Austin FC Defender ŽAN KOLMANIČ (23) restrain San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) on his way into the penalty box during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaAustin FC Defender GUILHERME BIRO (29) and Austin FC Defender ŽAN KOLMANIČ (23) restrain San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) on his way into the penalty box during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaAustin FC Defender GUILHERME BIRO (29) and Austin FC Defender ŽAN KOLMANIČ (23) restrain San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) on his way into the penalty box during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OUSSENI BOUDA (11) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OUSSENI BOUDA (11) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender DANIEL MUNIE (5) rises to head the ball over Austin FC Forward DIEGO RUBIO (21), Austin FC Defender OLEKSANDR SVATOK (5) and Austin FC Defender BRENDAN HINES-IKE (4) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaAustin FC Midfielder ILIE SÁNCHEZ (6) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaAustin FC Forward MYRTO UZUNI (10) heads the ball on goal during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward JOSEF MARTÍNEZ (17) rises up and head the ball over Austin FC Defender OLEKSANDR SVATOK (5) and Austin FC Defender GUILHERME BIRO (29) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender NICK LIMA (24) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward BENJI KIKANOVIĆ (28) crossed the ball under pressure from Austin FC Defender ŽAN KOLMANIČ (23) during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, California
PRESS RELEASE:
July 8, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 2 (2), Austin FC 2 (4)
San Jose drops penalty shootout to Austin FC in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals; Black and Blue return to MLS play Saturday with road contest vs. Minnesota United FC
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Austin FC via penalty kicks 2-2 (2-4) on Tuesday night in the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals at PayPal Park in front of 10,754 fans.
San Jose got on the board first in the 12th minute when DeJuan Jones found Ousseni Bouda on the right wing, whose subsequent low cross was hammered home by Cristian “Chicho” Arango for an early 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Austin FC equalized when Brandon Vázquez was fouled in the box and drew a penalty kick that he converted in the 65th minute to make it 1-1. Controversy ensued in the seventh minute of stoppage time when Austin defender Mikkel Desler’s studs collided with Cristian Espinoza, resulting in a sizable bleeding gash above the Quakes captain’s right knee. Referee Brandon Stevis showed Desler a yellow card and a hobbled Espinoza would leave the match for Benji Kikanović. The score remained knotted through regulation and the game went into extra time.
The Earthquakes broke through in the 99th minute when Kikanović picked out a rebound from the air and blasted a shot past Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver that found the back of the net for a 2-1 lead, sending PayPal Park into a frenzy. The visitors appeared to tie the game a second time in the 105th minute with a header off a corner kick, but the flag was up and offside was ruled.
In the second half of extra time, Verde drew a second penalty kick in the box and Myrto Uzuni converted once more for Austin in the 115th minute to level the score again 2-2 to send the game to penalty kicks.
In the ensuing shootout, San Jose made half of their four spot kicks, but the visitors made all four of their attempts to win the match. Austin FC will now face Minnesota United FC on the road in the Semifinals after the Loons defeated Chicago Fire FC 3-1 in extra time. The match will take place either Tuesday, Sept. 16, or Wednesday, Sept. 17.
Meanwhile, the Black and Blue resumes MLS regular-season play Saturday, July 12, as they will also travel to St. Paul, Minnesota, to take on MNUFC. Kickoff from Allianz Field will take place at 5:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as via local radio KSFO 810 AM (English) and 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Earthquakes now hold a 23-20 all-time record in U.S. Open Cup play.
Tonight marked the first time the Earthquakes and Austin FC faced off in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. San Jose moved to 2-2-6 (22 GF, 18 GA) all-time against Verde across all competitions.
Chicho Arango’s 12th-minute goal was his first in U.S. Open Cup play this season and 11th across all competitions in 2025. He also scored three prior goals in the tournament for LAFC in 2022.
Ousseni Bouda’s 12th-minute primary assist was his first in U.S. Open Cup play this season and second across all competitions in 2025. He now has three career goal contributions in the tournament for the Quakes, with one goal in 2022 and another goal in 2024.
DeJuan Jones’ 12th-minute secondary assist was his first in U.S. Open Cup play this season and sixth across all competitions in 2025.
Benji Kikanović’s 99th-minute goal was his first of the season in all competitions. He now has two career goal contributions in the tournament for the Quakes, with one assist in 2024.
Mark-Anthony Kaye, who remains the only Earthquake to play every MLS and U.S. Open Cup game this season, came on in the 59th minute and finished the match.
Earthquakes defender Nick Lima faced his former team. After joining San Jose as a Homegrown Player in 2016, Lima was traded to Austin FC in 2020. After a stint with the New England Revolution in 2024, the Castro Valley, California, native made his return to his hometown club in 2025.
San Jose Earthquakes 2 (2) – 2 (4) Austin FC
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 – PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
On Cristian Espinoza having to leave the game after a challenge resulted in a large gash over his right knee and a yellow card for Austin FC defender Mikkel Desler:
“I know he needed to get stitches. The foul on him was a straight red card.”
On the defense not conceding goals in the run of play as both were penalty kicks:
“Our team played very well. Austin was not at all dangerous in attack the entire evening. We conceded two penalty kicks. That certainly is our fault, and we’re to blame for that for sure.”
On losing the lead late in extra time to a resilient Austin FC team:
“They did a good job. Obviously we made some mistakes, clearly, conceding penalty kicks and we failed in the shootout after overtime. Give them credit. They did well with their penalties. We put our best players up there, and we fell short.”
“That’s what’s disappointing. We should’ve advanced to the Semifinals, but we failed. Obviously I’m disappointed in the officiating tonight. But I thought our guys gave a good effort and we should’ve walked off the field advancing in this tournament.”
EARTHQUAKES WINGBACK JAMAR RICKETTS
On Austin FC scoring both of their regulation goals from penalty kicks:
“It’s definitely frustrating. No team wants to tie the game from a penalty kick. But I think the group of guys we have, even when we do get scored on, it’s like a quick head down and quick head up and we’re right back. That’s one thing I really like about this group of guys that we keep fighting. No matter what, even to the end of the game. If somebody gets out, the subs will come in and keep fighting. But it’s definitely frustrating, and nobody wants to go through that, to be honest.”
On the team rallying around each other tonight:
“I think it’s great how the team rallied and we kept fighting all 120 minutes. Especially the players that came off the field, like Cristian [Espinoza] was hurt, and he was on the sideline yelling. I think it’s great to know that everybody has your back. If somebody got beat, the next person was stepping up. If somebody got hurt, we were putting in hard tackles. It’s definitely a great thing to feel that in the locker room, knowing that everybody has your back. We can take it into the next game knowing that we have something to prove and that we will rally behind every single player on the field.”
On young players earning playing time under Head Coach Bruce Arena:
“I think it’s great. It just feels good that Bruce has the faith, the confidence in us to give us opportunities. Especially in today’s game. We live up to the moment. We strive for this so that when we have a regular-season game, we’ve been here before. I think it’s great from all the young guys’ perspective that we just keep going out, keep fighting.”
On the team’s hopes to make the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs:
“We definitely have high aspirations. In our heads, we’re playing playoffs no matter what. I think if we’re going to make a good run and have the chance to really win the whole thing, I think we just need to fine-tune the small things and really come together and practice and keep being in unity. I think the coaching staff does a great job revealing who we’re playing against and knowing what we need to do. We just need to be fully locked in for the whole 90 minutes—today 120 minutes.”
The San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull starting eleven gather for a moment of silence before the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) drives the ball upfield during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) under pressure from New York Red Bulls Midfielder WIKI CARMONA (19) and New York Red Bulls Defender OMAR VALENCIA (5) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaNew York Red Bulls Defender KYLE DUNCAN (6) eludes a challenge from San Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender DEJUAN JONES (22) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender VITOR COSTA (94) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) and New York Red Bulls Defender KYLE DUNCAN (6) battle for the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) and New York Red Bulls Defender KYLE DUNCAN (6) battle for the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaNew York Red Bulls Midfielder WIKI CARMONA (19) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaNew York Red Bulls Midfielder PETER STROUD (8) under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender DEJUAN JONES (22) and San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaNew York Red Bulls Midfielder EMIL FORSBERG (10) dribbles away from pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender DEJUAN JONES (22) and New York Red Bulls Defender OMAR VALENCIA (5) battle for the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) tackles the ball against New York Red Bulls Midfielder MOHAMMED SOFO (37) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) tries to dribble out of pressure from New York Red Bulls Midfielder DANIEL EDELMAN (75) with San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) overlapping behind during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) looking for a passing option under pressure from New York Red Bulls Defender SEAN NEALIS (15) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaNew York Red Bulls Midfielder PETER STROUD (8) tackles the ball from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) dribbles away from pressure from New York Red Bulls Midfielder DANIEL EDELMAN (75) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender DEJUAN JONES (22) feints a move on New York Red Bulls Midfielder WIKI CARMONA (19) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender DANIEL MUNIE (5) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaNew York Red Bulls Defender NOAH EILE (3) dribbles away from pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) and San Jose Earthquakes Defender DANIEL MUNIE (5) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaNew York Red Bulls Midfielder DANIEL EDELMAN (75) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaNew York Red Bulls Midfielder DANIEL EDELMAN (75) dribbles away from pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaNew York Red Bulls Midfielder MOHAMMED SOFO (37) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaNew York Red Bulls Midfielder MOHAMMED SOFO (37) assess his options against San Jose Earthquakes Defender VITOR COSTA (94) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaNew York Red Bulls Midfielder MOHAMMED SOFO (37) cuts the ball back against San Jose Earthquakes Defender VITOR COSTA (94) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward JOSEF MARTÍNEZ (17) dribbles away from pressure from New York Red Bulls Defender KYLE DUNCAN (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaNew York Red Bulls Forward ERIC MAXIM CHOUPO-MOTING (13) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaNew York Red Bulls Midfielder EMIL FORSBERG (10) passes our of pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender DANIEL MUNIE (5) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender DANIEL MUNIE (5) pushes past New York Red Bulls Forward ERIC MAXIM CHOUPO-MOTING (13) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaNew York Red Bulls Midfielder PETER STROUD (8) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaNew York Red Bulls Midfielder PETER STROUD (8) dribbles away from pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaNew York Red Bulls Forward ERIC MAXIM CHOUPO-MOTING (13) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bull at PayPal Park in San Jose, California
PRESS RELEASE:
July 5, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, New York Red Bulls 1
San Jose earns crucial point with second-half comeback despite finishing with 10 men; Quakes return to PayPal Park on Tuesday night to host Austin FC in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes drew with the New York Red Bulls 1-1 on Saturday night at PayPal Park in front of a crowd of 17,580 fans.
The visitors struck first in the 19th minute when Peter Stroud’s through ball connected with Emil Forsberg at the edge of the box, who slalomed around the back line to promptly slot the ball home with his left foot and give New York a 1-0 lead.
The Earthquakes answered in the second half when in the 58th minute, Cristian Espinoza streaked down the right wing and his cross intended for Vítor Costa was knocked in by the Red Bulls’ Mohammed Sofo for the equalizer. However, six minutes later, San Jose defender DeJuan Jones was booked for his second yellow card and the Quakes were down to 10 players the rest of the match.
Despite the man disadvantage, San Jose head coach Bruce Arena was playing to win and brought on attackers Preston Judd and Ousseni Bouda—the latter of whom ironically contributed on defense to block two New York attempts in crunch time. The back line and goalkeeper Daniel, named the Northern California Honda Dealers Man of the Match after making three saves, closed out the game and sealed the point.
The Black and Blue will now host Austin FC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals on Tuesday, July 8. Kickoff from PayPal Park will take place at 7:30 p.m. PT, with the match broadcast via CBS Sports Golazo Network and streamed on Paramount+.
GAME NOTES
The Earthquakes are currently 17-15-11 (62 GF, 69 GA) all-time against the Red Bulls with a 13-4-4 (41 GF, 24 GA) record at home.
The last time these two clubs met on Aug. 8, 2023, they also drew 1-1 with San Jose as the road team.
Currently in playoff position (7-7-7, 28 pts), the Quakes are sixth in the West and have only lost once in their last 12 games across all competitions dating back to May 3. Meanwhile, the Red Bulls (8-7-6, 30 pts) are eighth in the East and have only lost once in eight games across all competitions dating back to May 21.
Tonight marked the first Fireworks Night at PayPal Park.
Firing the pregame siren was Matt Field, Formula Drift Pro Championship Driver. Firing the halftime siren was a quartet of current San Francisco 49ers players: Malik Mustapha, Sam Okuayinonu, Yetur Gross-Matos and Curtis Robinson.
Quakes Head Coach/Sporting Director Bruce Arena, who grew up in Long Island, New York, coached the Red Bulls in 2006-07, leading them to the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in both of his campaigns.
Daniel made three saves to run his total to 67 (seventh in MLS) and earn Northern California Honda Dealers Man of the Match honors on the heels of MLS Team of the Matchday plaudits from last Saturday’s game.
Beau Leroux, Ousseni Bouda and Mark-Anthony Kaye all played tonight; they are the only Quakes who have appeared in all 21 MLS games this season. Only Kaye has appeared in all 23 matches when also counting the two Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup games the team has played so far. In the Round of 32 match vs. Sacramento Republic on May 7, Bouda was on the roster but was an unused substitute, while Leroux was not called up that night.
Cristian Espinoza, who was not selected for the MLS All-Star Game roster, still leads the league in several stats including key passes (70) and chances created per 90 minute (2.8). He is also second in all MLS in assists (11).
Cristian Espinoza has notched double-digit assists in four consecutive MLS seasons (2022: 14; 2023: 13; 2024: 14; 2025: 11 to date). Only six players have accomplished this feat in the last 20 years:
Carles Gil (2021-24), Hany Mukhtar (2021-24), Lucho Acosta (2021-24), Nico Lodeiro (2017-20) and Brad Davis (2009-12).
Cristian Espinoza also has five seasons overall with double-digit assists during his career (2019), making him one of 13 players all-time to have 10+ assists in five or more different MLS campaigns, joining an exclusive list with Preki (8), Brad Davis (7), Landon Donovan (7), Nico Lodeiro (6), Lucho Acosta (6), Carlos Valderrama (5), Robert Warzycha (5), Marco Etcheverry (5), Jaime Moreno (5), Carles Gil (5), Diego Valeri (5) and current Earthquakes assistant coach Steve Ralston (5).
With 41 goals in 21 matches, the Black and Blue are currently tied for second in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami CF and trailing only San Diego FC (44). The Quakes currently lead all of MLS in expected goals (44.17).
San Jose Earthquakes 1 – 1 New York Red Bulls
Saturday, July 5, 2025 – PayPal Park; San Jose, California
Weather: 65°F Sunny
Attendance: 17,580
Northern California Honda Dealers Man of the Match: Daniel
*all stats unofficial
Match Officials:
Referee: Malik Badawi
AR1: Jeremy Hanson
AR2: Chris Elliot
VAR: Geoff Gamble
AVAR: Fabio Tovar
4th Official: Gerald Flores
Scoring Summary:
NYRB (0-1) – Emil Forsberg (Peter Stroud) 19’
SJ (1-1) – Mohammed Sofo (Own Goal) 58’
Misconduct Summary:
SJ – DeJuan Jones (caution) 54’
NYRB – Kyle Duncan (caution) 60’
SJ – DeJuan Jones (caution, ejection) 64’
SJ – Preston Judd (caution) 80’
NYRB – Raheem Edwards (ejection) 87’
NYRB – Ronald Donkor (ejection) 90+2’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Daniel Munie, Dave Romney, Rodrigues; Ian Harkes (Benji Kikanović 77’), Cristian “Chicho” Arango, Cristian Espinoza (C), DeJuan Jones, Beau Leroux (Mark-Anthony Kaye 85’), Vítor Costa (Ousseni Bouda 77’); Josef Martínez (Preston Judd 77’).
Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK), Max Floriani, Amahl Pellegrino, Jamar Ricketts, Reid Roberts.
NEW YORK RED BULLS: Carlos Coronel (GK); Noah Eile, Omar Valencia, Kyle Duncan (Alexander Hack 59’), Sean Nealis, Peter Stroud, Emil Forsberg (Wiktor Bogacz 90’), Wikelman Carmona (Julian Hall 80’), Mohammad Sofo, Daniel Edelman (Ronald Donkor 80’); Serge Ngoma (Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting 59’).
Substitutes not used: AJ Marcucci (GK), Raheem Edwards, Dennis Gjengaar, Dylan Nealis.
“I think the clearest opportunity was [Vítor] Costa’s obviously. [New York’s] best opportunity was the corner kick that was called offside. … I thought on the night, and especially given the fact we played probably 30 minutes with 10 players, we did a good job.”
On the team’s run of losing just once across all competitions in the last 12 matches:
“The team is doing a good job. I think tonight is a game where we can get three points and obviously circumstances preventing us from doing it. No excuses. We’re 21 games in and we have 13 left. There’s a lot ahead of us. Hopefully we can have some more positive results over the next month, or put us in a position we need for a playoff spot.”
On Ousseni Bouda and Benji Kikanović coming on in the 77th minute with the team down to 10 men:
“Bouda, Benji, they both did a good job. Obviously, playing with 10 players with 30 minutes or so, it took its toll. I thought our guys held up pretty well. At the end of the game, we had a counterattack opportunity off of their corner kick, where we should have been a little bit sharp on the play. I think we had a chance to be real dangerous and possibly get the winning goal.”
“The plan was to win the game. No question about that. They gave a great effort and I thought some fresh legs would help us.”
“[Benji] gives us good depth in the wide midfield positions. He got some minutes in tonight, so it’s good to have him. We have fairly good depth in the wide positions.”
On facing Austin FC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals on Tuesday:
“We’re going to play to win. Austin’s game [vs. LAFC] was canceled tonight, so they are coming here fresh. We have a team that has to recover pretty quick, so we have to decide by Monday what kind of adjustments we’re going to make for our team. But it’s an important game.”
EARTHQUAKES DEFENDER DAVE ROMNEY
On the team’s consistency having only lost once in 12 matches across all competitions:
“I think we’ve been a hard team to beat. We’ve been hard to play against, and it was unfortunate to give away a goal. I think we played very well to finish the first half, and then we came out well in the second half and got a really nice goal.”
On head coach Bruce Arena subbing on attacking players despite being a man down:
“Not super surprising, because this staff is very aggressive to begin with. We’re keeping the other team on their toes and trying to force a turnover so we can just get the ball in their half and score really well. I think they were thinking maybe we would let down or get really, really defensive, but we ended up changing from back five to a back four, and we had actually a decent amount of counterattacking chances to kind of keep them honest and not have us pinned back in our half. Happy with how we fought and can’t be mad at the point.”
On Bruce Arena’s trust of the depth on the roster;
“He believes in the depth of the team like crazy. He’s called upon everybody on the roster. I think everyone’s got minutes, and everyone stepped up. He’s definitely trusted a lot of guys, and a lot of guys have played really well. So although we have maybe some continuity right now, you just never know with injuries or form, who’s going to step in or who’s going to be needed. So I think he’s just been very adamant on just saying we believe in all 29 of you.”
On the short turnaround with the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals on Tuesday:
“I don’t know what lineup we’re going to go with right now. We’ve so far gone with completely different lineups for both Open Cup games, and I have no clue which way they’re going to kind of take it. For this one, I’m more than happy to play, because anytime you’re three games away from a trophy, you’re getting excited.”
San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) works on the wing against Houston Dynamo FC Defender FELIPE ANDRADE (36) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Midfielder BROOKLYN RAINES (35) tackles the ball away from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) passes the ball under pressure from Houston Dynamo FC Midfielder BROOKLYN RAINES (35) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) tries to elude Houston Dynamo FC Defender FELIPE ANDRADE (36) and Houston Dynamo FC Midfielder ARTUR (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender DEJUAN JONES (22) cuts back against Houston Dynamo FC Defender FELIPE ANDRADE (36) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Forward EZEQUIEL PONCE (10) works against San Jose Earthquakes Defender DEJUAN JONES (22) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Forward EZEQUIEL PONCE (10) tries to get away from San Jose Earthquakes Defender DEJUAN JONES (22) and San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Forward EZEQUIEL PONCE (10) nearly gets away from San Jose Earthquakes Defender DEJUAN JONES (22) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Goalkeeper JOHNATHAN BOND (31) blocks a shot off of his head from San Jose Earthquakes Forward JOSEF MARTÍNEZ (17) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender MAX FLORIANI (25) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender MAX FLORIANI (25) under pressure from Houston Dynamo FC Forward EZEQUIEL PONCE (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender MAX FLORIANI (25) under pressure from Houston Dynamo FC Forward EZEQUIEL PONCE (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Defender OBAFEMI AWODESU (24) drives the ball forward under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Defender OBAFEMI AWODESU (24) drives the ball forward under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Midfielder BROOKLYN RAINES (35) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Defender OBAFEMI AWODESU (24) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender DEJUAN JONES (22) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) drives away from pressure from Houston Dynamo FC Defender FELIPE ANDRADE (36) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Forward AMINE BASSI (8) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Midfielder ARTUR DE LIMA (6) moves away from pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) and his teammate Houston Dynamo FC Forward EZEQUIEL PONCE (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Midfielder ONDŘEJ LINGR (9) works on the edge of the penalty box during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Midfielder ONDŘEJ LINGR (9) crosses the ball under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender VITOR COSTA (94) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo teammates celebrate with Houston Dynamo FC Defender FELIPE ANDRADE (36) after his goal during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Defender FELIPE ANDRADE (36) celebrates his goal during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Defender FELIPE ANDRADE (36) celebrates his goal with Houston Dynamo FC Defender PABLO ORTIZ (22) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Forward EZEQUIEL PONCE (10) drives the ball up field during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Forward AMINE BASSI (8) drives across the field during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Defender GRIFFIN DORSEY (25) attempts to block a clearance by San Jose Earthquakes Defender DEJUAN JONES (22) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Midfielder JACK MCGLYNN (21) moves away from pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender DAVE ROMNEY(12) and San Jose Earthquakes Defender OUSSENI BOUDA (11) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Defender GRIFFIN DORSEY (25) works on the wing against San Jose Earthquakes Defender VITOR COSTA (94) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Midfielder JACK MCGLYNN (21) crosses the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Defender GRIFFIN DORSEY (25) works on the wing against San Jose Earthquakes Defender VITOR COSTA (94) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Defender GRIFFIN DORSEY (25) crosses the ball under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender REID ROBERTS (18) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Forward TOYOSI OLUSANYA (12) controls the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Forward TOYOSI OLUSANYA (12) controls the ball away from pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Forward TOYOSI OLUSANYA (12) controls the ball away from pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Midfielder SEBASTIAN KOWALCZYK (27) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Defender GRIFFIN DORSEY (25) shoots his game tying shot from the top of the penalty box under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender REID ROBERTS (18) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Midfielder ONDŘEJ LINGR (9) drives up the left wing under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender NICK LIMA (24) and San Jose Earthquakes Defender DANIEL MUNIE (5) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender REID ROBERTS (18) goes in for a yellow card worthy challenge on Houston Dynamo FC Midfielder NICOLÁS LODEIRO (20) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Defender GRIFFIN DORSEY (25) crosses the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaHouston Dynamo FC Defender GRIFFIN DORSEY (25) shoots his game tying shot from the top of the penalty box under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender REID ROBERTS (18) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, California
PRESS RELEASE:
May 24, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 3, Houston Dynamo FC 3
San Jose rallies from two goals down to earn draw, extend unbeaten streak in all competitions to seven games; Quakes now embark on road trip starting with archrival LA Galaxy on Wednesday
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes drew with Houston Dynamo FC 3-3 on Saturday night in Major League Soccer regular-season play at PayPal Park to extend their unbeaten streak in all competitions to seven games.
The Earthquakes almost got on the board first in the seventh minute but Josef Martínez’s shot from point-blank range was stopped in the box by Houston goalkeeper Jonathan Bond. In minute 21, Martínez again broke free down the middle of the box, this time off a feed from Hernán López, but Bond got a hand on the shot in the last moment once more to slap it away. Instead, the visitors got the breakthrough in the 31st minute when Griffin Dorsey streaked down the right wing in transition and crossed it in for Ezequiel Ponce, who finished the play to give Houston the lead. The Dynamo almost doubled their advantage 10 minutes later off a free kick but Edwards Jr. leaped to tip a Dorsey attempt over the crossbar to keep the deficit 1-0 at the half.
Houston pulled ahead 2-0 in the 50th minute when off the sequence of a corner kick, Felipe Andrade’s header from the left side of the six-yard box found the back of the net. San Jose almost pulled one back in the 54th minute when López crossed it in from the left wing for Martínez, but his header bounced off the woodwork. In the 59th minute, López threaded a through ball into the box for Martínez, but once again, Bond closed the angle and parried the shot on goal out of play. In minute 62, Beau Leroux got his head on a cross but Bond turned him away, too.
San Jose then exploded for three goals in 10 minutes to start and complete a rousing comeback. In the 66th minute, the Quakes’ attack finally beat the Houston goalkeeper in the 66th minute when second-half substitution Preston Judd directed a DeJuan Jones cross into the net to make it 2-1. In the 72nd minute, Judd made it a brace when he headed home an Ian Harkes cross for the 2-2 equalizer. Then four minutes later, Daniel Munie skied to head another Harkes cross past Bond to give San Jose their first lead of the night, 3-2.
However, Houston would answer in the 91st minute when the Dynamo caught the Quakes in transition and Dorsey emerged to score the tying goal. San Jose subsequently tried earnestly to recapture the lead in stoppage time, but the final whistle blew and the two teams split the points.
The Black and Blue will now travel to take on the LA Galaxy on Wednesday, May 28. Kickoff from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, will take place at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as via local radio KSFO 810 AM (English) and 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Earthquakes are currently 10-19-5 all-time vs. Houston Dynamo FC (44 GF, 55 GA) with an 8-6-4 (27 GF, 21 GA) home record.
San Jose is currently on a seven-game unbeaten streak in all competitions (4-0-3).
Heading into tonight, the Quakes’ attack led all MLS with 29 goals. To celebrate, the club gave away 2,900 hot dogs to fans before the match. With another three goals tonight, the Quakes stayed atop the league leaderboard with 32 goals and 34.13 expected goals.
Preston Judd scored his first and second MLS goals of the season, as well as the fifth and sixth goals of his career. Combined with his goal and assist in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play, he’s up to four goal contributions in all competitions (2g/2a).
DeJuan Jones, recently called up to the U.S. Men’s National Team for June training camp ahead of the Concacaf Gold Cup, amassed his fourth assist of the season and 26th of his MLS career.
The Quakes stayed unbeaten (3-0-3) in all games started by recent acquisition DeJuan Jones, who joined the team via trade with the Columbus Crew last month.
Ian Harkes had his first two assists of the MLS season tonight, running his career total to eight. He also had a goal vs. Inter Miami in his last league outing, giving him three goal contributions in his last two matches.
Daniel Munie’s 76th minute go-ahead goal was the first one of his MLS career.
Cristian Espinoza continues to lead all MLS with eight assists and 51 key passes.
Earl Edwards Jr.’s shutout streak in all competitions ended at 197 minutes after conceding Ezequiel Ponce’s 31st-minute goal.
Luca Ulrich, acquired via short-term loan earlier today from the Quakes’ MLS NEXT Pro team, The Town FC, was an unused substitute backing up Earl Edwards Jr. at goalkeeper.
San Jose Earthquakes 3 – 3 Houston Dynamo FC
Saturday, May 24, 2025 – PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 62°F Mostly Sunny
Man of the Match Presented by Northern California Honda Dealers: Preston Judd
HOU (3-3) – Griffin Dorsey (Franco Escobar, Jack McGlynn) 90+1’
Misconduct Summary:
HOU – Ezequiel Ponce (caution) 53’
SJ – Preston Judd (caution) 89’
HOU – Pablo Ortiz (caution) 89’
SJ – Reid Roberts (caution) 90+7’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Earl Edwards Jr.; Dave Romney, Daniel Munie, Max Floriani; Vítor Costa (Reid Roberts 87’), Ian Harkes, Beau Leroux, DeJuan Jones (Nick Lima 87’); Hernán López (Preston Judd 64’) (Preston Judd 64’), Cristian Espinoza (C), Josef Martínez.
Substitutes not used: Luca Ulrich (GK), Ousseni Bouda, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Benji Kikanović, Paul Marie, Amahl Pellegrino.
HOUSTON DYNAMO FC: Jonathan Bond (GK); Pablo Ortiz, Femi Awodesu, Griffin Dorsey, Felipe Andrade (Franco Escobar 78’); Artur (C), Amine Bassi ( Toyosi Olusanya 83’), Ondrej Lingr, Jack McGlynn, Brooklyn Raines (Nicolas Lodeiro 83’) ; Ezequiel Ponce (Sebastian Kowalczyk 65’).
Substitutes not used: Jimmy Maurer (GK), Ethan Bartlow, Erik Duenas, Michael Halliday, Gabe Segal.
“I give our players a lot of credit for coming back down from two goals and basically have the game won at the end. We didn’t manage the game very well at the end.”
“I think we could have done better on all the goals. We could have scored more goals. We should have come in at halftime ahead. We had some very good chances. We just have to be a little bit cleaner.”
On the Quakes’ seven-game unbeaten streak in all competitions:
“I mean, I’m not ready to have parade in downtown San Jose. We should have had three points.”
On the upcoming matched against LA Galaxy and St. Louis CITY SC:
“The team has done well over the last two or three weeks. We have two difficult games next week—to go to L.A. against a team that hasn’t won a game in 15 games. They’re going to be very well-prepared to try to get their first one of the year. That’ll be very challenging—as will the game in St. Louis. We have to step up and get it right there. Then take the break that we have and hopefully be prepared for the second half of this season.”
EARTHQUAKES FORWARD PRESTON JUDD
On coming back from a two-goal deficit in the second half to secure a draw:
“I think we’re trying to build our culture to never say die. We were down 2-0 and nobody really stopped believing. The result feels like a loss after the tie after we went up 3-2, but I think it’s a good learning point and to know we’re always in the game.”
“It feels a little disappointing with the draw. … I think we deserved three points there, but we did get a point down 2-0 so it’s a positive point.”
On scoring a brace off the bench against the Houston back line:
“Josef [Martínez] helped me out there because they paid a lot of attention to him, so I was able to get on their back shoulders, and they didn’t know where I was at, so I took advantage of that and finished those chances when I got them.”
“I think throughout my whole career I’ve been behind great players, and sitting behind them and learning from them is important. But when I get an opportunity, it’s important to take advantage of that. I think tonight I showed I’m ready to play when called upon.”
On any differences between last year and this year’s team:
“I try not to think too much about last year, but I think last year was just very unlucky. We’d get an unlucky bounce, or an unlucky call in the last 10 minutes, so it kind of felt inevitable at some points last year. And this year, we have the players. We have the passion. We have the grit to make a result out of it. We’re not going to stop believing.
Inter Miami CF Forward LIONEL MESSI (10) during warmups of the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward LIONEL MESSI (10) takes a shot during warmups of the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward LIONEL MESSI (10) prepares to take a shot during warmups with Inter Miami CF Defender JORDI ALBA (18) waiting for his turn during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) finishes his pregame prayer before the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaMatch referee Joe Dickerson before the kickoff of the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender DAVE ROMNEY(12) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Midfielder BENJAMIN CREMASCHI (30) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Midfielder TELASCO SEGOVIA (8) controls the ball under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) steals the ball away from Inter Miami CF Midfielder TELASCO SEGOVIA (8) with help from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward LIONEL MESSI (10) dribbles under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward LIONEL MESSI (10) dribbles under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OUSSENI BOUDA (11) assess his options against Inter Miami CF Defender MARCELO WEIGANDT (57) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) carries the ball forward against Inter Miami CF Defender MAXIMILIANO FALCÓN (37) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward LIONEL MESSI (10) passes the ball under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender DAVE ROMNEY(12) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) drives the ball upfield with Inter Miami CF Midfielder TELASCO SEGOVIA (8) trailing behind during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) passes the ball upfield with Inter Miami CF Midfielder TELASCO SEGOVIA (8) trailing behind during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OUSSENI BOUDA (11) assess his options against Inter Miami CF Defender MARCELO WEIGANDT (57) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OUSSENI BOUDA (11) assess his options against Inter Miami CF Defender MARCELO WEIGANDT (57) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender DEJUAN JONES (22) crosses the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) heads a cross toward the goal during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward TADEO ALLENDE (21) drives the ball away from pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Defender NOAH ALLEN (32) passes the ball back under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF YANNICK BRIGHT (42) and San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) challenge for a header during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Defender JORDI ALBA (18) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward LIONEL MESSI (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Midfielder SERGIO BUSQUETS (5) passes the ball under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) dribbles away from pressure from Inter Miami CF Midfielder TELASCO SEGOVIA (8) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender DEJUAN JONES (22) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender DEJUAN JONES (22) dribbles from pressure from Inter Miami CF Midfielder BENJAMIN CREMASCHI (30) and Inter Miami CF Defender JORDI ALBA (18) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) cuts the ball back against Inter Miami CF Defender JORDI ALBA (18) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) crosses the ball under pressure from Inter Miami CF Defender JORDI ALBA (18) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) crosses the ball under pressure from Inter Miami CF Defender JORDI ALBA (18) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Midfielder TELASCO SEGOVIA (8) dribbles away from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Defender JORDI ALBA (18) clears the ball under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) heads to the corner flag to celebrate his goal during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) under pressure from Inter Miami CF Forward LIONEL MESSI (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward AMAHL PELLIGRINO (7) reverses direction under pressure from Inter Miami CF YANNICK BRIGHT (42) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward LIONEL MESSI (10) under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender VITOR COSTA (94) and San Jose Earthquakes Defender DAVE ROMNEY(12) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Midfielder TELASCO SEGOVIA (8) gets away from a lunging tackle from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Midfielder TELASCO SEGOVIA (8) dribbles away from pressure as Referee Joe Dickerson signals advantage during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Midfielder TELASCO SEGOVIA (8) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender DANIEL MUNIE (5) tries to tackle the ball away from Inter Miami CF Forward LIONEL MESSI (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Midfielder SERGIO BUSQUETS (5) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward JOSEF MARTÍNEZ (17) and Inter Miami CF Defender MAXIMILIANO FALCÓN (37) battle for the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward JOSEF MARTÍNEZ (17) and Inter Miami CF Defender MAXIMILIANO FALCÓN (37) battle for the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward LIONEL MESSI (10) drives the ball upfield during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward LIONEL MESSI (10) chases down a pass during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward LIONEL MESSI (10) works to get away from pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender DAVE ROMNEY(12) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward LIONEL MESSI (10) attempts to create space to shoot against pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender DANIEL MUNIE (5) and San Jose Earthquakes Defender DAVE ROMNEY(12) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward TADEO ALLENDE (21) controls a cross during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward TADEO ALLENDE (21) prepares to cross the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Defender GONZALO JUJÁN (2) works against San Jose Earthquakes Forward AMAHL PELLIGRINO (7) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward ALLEN OBANDO (29) looks for a way around San Jose Earthquakes Defender DAVE ROMNEY(12) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward ALLEN OBANDO (29) looks for a way around San Jose Earthquakes Defender DAVE ROMNEY(12) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward LIONEL MESSI (10) under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender DANIEL MUNIE (5) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender MAX FLORIANI (25) tackles the ball away from Inter Miami CF Forward LIONEL MESSI (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward LIONEL MESSI (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender MAX FLORIANI (25) tackles the ball against Inter Miami CF Defender NOAH ALLEN (32) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward LIONEL MESSI (10) drives the ball across field under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder MARK-ANTHONY KAYE (14) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward TADEO ALLENDE (21) works on the side against San Jose Earthquakes Defender DAVE ROMNEY(12) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward TADEO ALLENDE (21) crosses the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Defender JORDI ALBA (18) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward LIONEL MESSI (10) shoots under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender DEJUAN JONES (22) and San Jose Earthquakes Goalkeeper DANIEL (42) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward LIONEL MESSI (10) cuts back against San Jose Earthquakes Defender DANIEL MUNIE (5) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward LIONEL MESSI (10) tries to create space away from San Jose Earthquakes Defender DANIEL MUNIE (5) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaInter Miami CF Forward LIONEL MESSI (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Head Coach BRUCE ARENA excorts Inter Miami CF Forward LIONEL MESSI (10) off the field to prevent him from getting a red card from Referee Joe Dickerson during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami at PayPal Park in San Jose, California
PRESS RELEASE:
May 14, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 3, Inter Miami CF 3
San Jose draws back-and-forth six-goal thriller to run unbeaten streak in all competitions to four games; Quakes now travel to face New England Revolution on Saturday
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes drew with Inter Miami CF 3-3 on Wednesday night in Major League Soccer regular-season play at PayPal Park in front of a sellout crowd of 18,000 fans.
The visitors struck first in the opening minute courtesy of a Maximiliano Falcón strike and Jordi Alba assist. However, the Quakes would answer immediately when Cristian Espinoza fed Cristian “Chicho” Arango for a third-minute equalizer to make it 1-1. The hosts pulled ahead in the 37th minute when Beau Leroux took advantage of a loose ball at the top of the box and drilled it home for a 2-1 lead. The two clubs then traded goals in the 44th minute and fourth minute of stoppage time, respectively. Tadeo Allende evened the score for Inter Miami, but Ian Harkes would have the final say of the first half, coolly placing the ball in the back of the net from the top of the box thanks to assists from Leroux and Amahl Pellegrino. San Jose led 3-2 at the break.
After intermission, Inter Miami once again knotted the score, when Lionel Messi and MLS debutant Baltasar Rodriguez assisted a streaking Allende for his second of the night. In the 62nd minute, Espinoza appeared to have recaptured the lead for San Jose with a left-footed strike, but the flag was up on the previous touch from Ousseni Bouda and game stayed tied. Though both sides had their chances to take ultimate control, the final whistle blew and the points were shared—extending the Quakes’ unbeaten streak to four matches in all competitions.
The Black and Blue will now travel this weekend to take on the New England Revolution on Saturday, May 17. Kickoff from Gillette Stadium will take place at 4:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as on local radio via KSFO 810 AM (English) and 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Earthquakes move to 0-1-1 all-time vs. Inter Miami CF (3 GF, 4 GA).
Chicho Arango scored his ninth goal of the season to move into second in the MLS Golden Boot race to Philadelphia’s Tai Baribo, who has 10. It was the Colombian forward’s 62nd career MLS goal. He would later come off in the first half after injuring his left leg.
Cristian Espinoza secured his eighth assist of the season on Arango’s goal to keep the MLS assist lead. It was his 79th career assist, a club record. He also continues to lead the league in key passes (49).
Cristian Espinoza extended his consecutive games streak—a club record and the longest active run in MLS—to 122, good for third all-time and second among field players.
Cristian Espinoza played in his 200th MLS game tonight—all with San Jose.
First-year midfielder Beau Leroux continues to impress in MLS play, scoring his second goal of the season and notching his third assist.
Ian Harkes also scored a goal (his first of the season and sixth of his MLS career) and notched an assist (his first of the season and seventh of his MLS career).
Vítor Costa had his second assist of the campaign and the fifth of his MLS career.
Amahl Pellegrino had his second assist of 2025 and the fourth of his MLS career.
Josef Martínez came on in the 69th minute. In 2023, he tallied eight goal contributions (7g/1a) for Inter Miami CF in MLS play, helping the Herons secure the Leagues Cup trophy.
Hernán López played his first MLS game since May 1, a 2-1 road win over Sporting Kansas City, coming on in the 79th minute and taking a late shot in search of a game-winning goal.
The Quakes continue to lead all MLS with 29 team goals after adding three more tonight. They are also tops in expected goals (29.78).
Daniel made two saves against Inter Miami, upping his total to 48 and keeping him second in MLS to Charlotte’s Kristijan Kahlina (54).
San Jose Earthquakes 3 – 3 Inter Miami CF
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 – PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 70°F Clear
Attendance: 18,000 (sellout)
Man of the Match Presented by Northern California Honda Dealers: Beau Leroux
On facing Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF tonight:
“For the most part, we did a good job on Messi. He was threatening throughout the game. He’s a terrific player. Our guys did a good job. I think the opening couple of minutes were crazy—to concede a goal that early was poor on our part. I think the second and third goals, we could have been better. As any coach would tell you, we always look at what we could have done a little bit better. So give them credit—three goals, the finishes were great. So take the point and move on.”
“I think the biggest mistake we could have made tonight was to be too respectful of Messi. Some teams maybe get players around him a little tighter and try to dive the ball. We just want to play our game and try to be the better team tonight. At the same time, obviously have the greatest respect for a player of his skill and talent and all of that. So hopefully the people in the stands enjoyed the game.”
On Beau Leroux’s breakout debut MLS season so far:
“He’s been very good for us since game one. He came into preseason without a contract, and he earned a supplemental contract. By the end of our play in Coachella in preseason, he demonstrated that he was a player that could challenge to get into our first 11. We gave him the opportunities and he never shrunk at all. He’s just getting better and better every game. I thought his goal was outstanding tonight and [Ian] Harkes’ goal as well. So it’s good to see that those two got on the scoresheet.”
On room for improvement amid a four-game unbeaten streak in all competitions:
“Our record is not indicative of the way we’ve played over our first 13 games. We should have more points. Defensively, although we gave up three goals tonight, I thought at times we performed pretty well. The team is getting better defensively, but obviously we can’t concede in the first 15 seconds of the game. I think we could have done a better job in the second or third goal, but obviously that’s just a coach talking.”
“We’re getting better as a team. I’m hopeful that as we get through the first half of the season, we have a really good feel for who we are and where we need to go in the second half of the season.”
EARTHQUAKES FORWARD CRISTIAN ESPINOZA
On not being intimidated by the moment and playing their game:
“We came out to the field with that in mind, the mindset to deliver three points. There were a lot of moments where we had control of the game, but obviously they have a really good player. So that’s why the game was really open for both teams. But it’s really important to get points. Either it’s three points or at least one point tonight. As I said before, we tried everything. So we went for the three points, but at least we got one point. We need to keep growing as a team.”
On facing Lionel Messi again after his CD Alavés team upset FC Barcelona in 2016 at the Camp Nou:
“It was really special to me for my career. This was the second time that I could face Messi on the field. First was in Spain. I wasn’t able to get his jersey then [via trade], and today I did, so I’m really happy for that. And also being on the field as the captain of my team, while he also was a captain for Inter Miami. It was a really special moment for me, and I really enjoyed playing against Messi.”
On tonight’s energy from a sold-out crowd:
“I think it was amazing on the field for everybody. I think the fans really brought the noise today. In some moments, we only heard, “Messi, Messi,” but it’s part of the game. That’s it. I think we just did focus on the game. … But I think the team controlled their feelings really well and we just focused on what we have to do.”
On the team’s response after Chicho Arango left the game due to injury:
“The whole team was really focused on what we should do inside the field. We were preparing for this game the past four days. We knew it. We just put focus in what we have to do, and not too much focus on them. I think that was the key. And today, after their first goal, we can respond right away, and we tied the game. We were able to take the lead two times, actually, but yes, it was a really physical game.”
EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER BEAU LEROUX
On his 37th-minute goal:
“First and foremost, I want to thank God for all he had done for me. The goal just popped up on top of the box and I hit it well. It was fortunate enough to go in.”
On playing against Lionel Messi:
“I’ll remember it for the rest of my life. It’s an honor to share the field with him and all the great players on our team and their team. Not going to think about it too much. … Just looking forward to the next game.”
On his approach to the game this early in his career:
“It’s just staying humble. It really calms me and me being a follower of Christ, just it really calmed me as a player and as a person. That helps on and off the field.
On his midfield partnership with Ian Harkes, with both assisting each other on their respective goals:
“Our relationship has grown a lot. Him and I being new to the team, we have gotten better on chemistry. Like I said before, he’s like an older brother to me on the field and I just listen to him as much as possible, and we just feed and grow off of each other.”
San Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) passes the ball under pressure from Sporting Kansas City Forward DANIEL SALLOI (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSporting Kansas City Midfielder NEMANJA RADOJA (6) dribbles away from pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSporting Kansas City Defender LOGAN NDENBE (18) dribbles away from pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) dribbles the ball upfield during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) looks for a teammate to pass to during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) crosses the ball with the outside of his right foot during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) jumps to control the ball with his chest during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) dribbles the ball upfield during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) crosses the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) shoots on goal during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) passes the ball under pressure from Sporting Kansas City Midfielder NEMANJA RADOJA (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder MARK-ANTHONY KAYE (14) pressures Sporting Kansas City Midfielder MANU GARCIA (21) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) cuts back against Sporting Kansas City Defender JOAQUIN FERNANDEZ (24) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) dribbles between Sporting Kansas City Defender JOAQUIN FERNANDEZ (24) and Sporting Kansas City Defender LOGAN NDENBE (18) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) passes the ball under pressure from Sporting Kansas City Defender JOAQUIN FERNANDEZ (24) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) makes a move on Sporting Kansas City Forward DANIEL SALLOI (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) and Sporting Kansas City Defender JOAQUIN FERNANDEZ (24) battle for the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) controls the ball under pressure from Sporting Kansas City Defender LOGAN NDENBE (18) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSporting Kansas City Forward SHAPI SULEYMANOV (93) looks for options under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender DAVE ROMNEY(12) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward JOSEF MARTÍNEZ (17) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward JOSEF MARTÍNEZ (17) looks for a teammate under pressure from Sporting Kansas City Midfielder MANU GARCIA (21) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSporting Kansas City Forward DANIEL SALLOI (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSporting Kansas City Forward DANIEL SALLOI (10) makes a move on San Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender DANIEL MUNIE (5) blocks an attempted pass by Sporting Kansas City Forward DANIEL SALLOI (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSporting Kansas City Midfielder NEMANJA RADOJA (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSporting Kansas City Defender JANSEN MILLER (15) dribbles away from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) and San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender VITOR COSTA (94) controls the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender DAVE ROMNEY(12) heads the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward OUSSENI BOUDA (11) dribbles under pressure from Sporting Kansas City Midfielder ERIK THOMMY (26) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSporting Kansas City Midfielder MANU GARCIA (21) looks for a teammate during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSporting Kansas City Midfielder MANU GARCIA (21) shoots during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSporting Kansas City Midfielder ERIK THOMMY (26) shoots for his goal during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSporting Kansas City Defender ROBERT VOLODER (4) congratulates Sporting Kansas City Midfielder ERIK THOMMY (26) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City at PayPal Park in San Jose, California
PRESS RELEASE:
April 19, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 3, Sporting Kansas City 5
San Jose climbs back from early 3-0 deficit but unable to complete second-half resurgence; Quakes go on the road next Saturday against Columbus Crew
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Sporting Kansas City 5-3 on Saturday night at PayPal Park in front of 14,147 fans.
Logan Ndenbe struck first for the visitors in the 18th minute when he scored from the left wing off a shared assist by Dejan Joveljic and Daniel Salloi. Three minutes later, Salloi hauled in a long ball from goalkeeper John Pulskamp and slotted it home to double SKC’s advantage. In the 24th minute, Shapi Suleymanov found Manu García in the box, who promptly finished the through ball to make it 3-0.
San Jose pulled one back in the 30th minute when defender Rodrigues dribbled deep into the attacking third and his through ball from the right wing was finished by a streaking Josef Martínez in the box. The Quakes drew closer in the 42nd minute when an Espinoza free kick near the right corner flag was headed past Pulskamp by Cristian “Chicho” Arango to make it 3-2 at intermission.
The Quakes aimed to complete the comeback in the second half, but in the 73rd minute, Salloi finished an Erik Thommy pass from the right wing into the back of the net to push the SKC lead back to 4-2. Thommy added a fifth for SKC in the 85th minute off a Manu Garcia feed. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, the Quakes drew a penalty and Arango converted from the spot for the final 5-3 margin.
The Black and Blue will now travel to Columbus, Ohio next Saturday, April 26, to take on the Columbus Crew. Kickoff from Lower.com Field will take place at 4:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as on local radio via KSFO 810 AM (English) and 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Earthquakes move to 27-33-10 all-time vs. Sporting KC (91 GF, 99 GA), with an 18-9-8 (53 GF, 40 GA) record at home. Tonight’s result evens the season series. In their last meeting back on March 1 in Kansas City, Kansas, the Quakes won 2-1 for their first road win over SKC since Aug. 19, 2015.
Quakes team captain Cristian Espinoza extended his consecutive games streak—a club record and the longest active run in MLS—to 118, third on the league’s all-time list.
The Quakes regained their spot atop the MLS team goals leaderboard after scoring three more to run their total to 19, two more than Vancouver. San Jose is also No. 1 in expected goals at 22.57, ahead of Vancouver’s 22.35.
Josef Martínez’s 30th-minute goal was his fifth of the season and 121st in his MLS career, extending his lead among all active players. He currently stands sixth all-time in MLS history. Martínez also now has six goal contributions in just five meetings with SKC (4g/2a).
Rodrigues’ assist on Josef Martínez’s 30th-minute goal was his first of the season and fourth of his career in MLS play.
Chicho Arango’s 42nd-minute and 94th-minute goals were his fifth and team-leading sixth of the season, as well as his 58th and 59th of his MLS career. Arango now has 10 goal contributions in nine MLS regular-season matches against SKC (7g/3a).
Cristian Espinoza’s assist on Chicho Arango’s 42nd-minute goal was his sixth of the season—tied for the league lead with Charlotte FC’s Pep Biel—and 77th of his career in MLS play, extending his club record. Espinoza also continues to lead MLS in key passes with 36, five more than Colorado’s Djordje Mihailovic (31).
Goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr. and defender Daniel Munie made their first starts of the season.
Max Floriani made his MLS and Quakes debut in the 88th minute, coming on for Rodrigues.
San Jose Earthquakes 3 – 5 Sporting Kansas City
Saturday, April 19, 2025 – PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 60°F Clear
Attendance: 14,147
Match Officials:
Referee: Joe Dickerson
AR1: Chris Elliot
AR2: Kevin Lock
VAR: David Barrie
AVAR: Tom Supple
4th Official: Brandon Stevis
Scoring Summary:
SKC (0-1) – Logan Ndenbe (Dejan Joveljic, Daniel Salloi) 18’
“You concede three goals in the first 30 minutes; you don’t deserve to win. I give our team a lot of credit. We got it to 3-2 at halftime. I felt we were in position to win the game, but we continued to make some errors that were costly in the second half. Overall, it’s a poor performance on our part. There’s no two ways about it. … We were poor today. Give our opponent credit. They played hard. They converted the opportunities that were there. They deserve a lot of credit.”
On making costly mistakes in defense:
“Some players played pretty poorly tonight and made some big mistakes. I’ll take the responsibility for that. Those particular players are not going to step on the field again unless they can get it right and be more consistent in their play. We made some mistakes that I think cost us for sure.”
On the team’s inconsistent performance:
“You want consistency. You prefer to have players at this kind of level (makes straight-line motion with hand from left to right) as opposed to this (makes up and down motion with hand). We still have players that operate this way—very good, not good, very good, not good. That’s not good. We need more consistency from the individuals in the team. That’s something we’ve actually addressed. We need to be a smart team.”
EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER IAN HARKES
On where tonight’s game falls in relation to the rest of the season so far:
“There was kind of a good spark in terms of the season and how we started, and you know there’s bumps up and down in the road, but a game like tonight, you never want to see happen. … We have to bounce back. We know that the mistakes were unacceptable, and you can’t have that.”
On the team falling behind early and the comeback falling just short:
“I think we need to look at ourselves in terms of responsibility, the team and the mentality going into it. Because, like you said, seeing the way we were playing, the way we came back in the in the first half, it was just a classic way-too-late situation of where the game gets going and the players start to pick themselves up, but it’s already too late. We shouldn’t wait ‘til it’s 3-0 down to kind of have a kick in the butt, in terms of getting our mentality right. So we have to look at ourselves in the mirror. Every single person has to stand up, and try and be better.”
On adapting to injuries and stepping up collectively ahead of next Saturday’s game in Columbus:
“Yeah, it’s a responsibility of everyone on the team. You have to step up and the next guy up. When these things happen, injuries are going to happen. We don’t want them to, especially to top guys, but the next one has to step up and perform better. And I think again, it’s a mentality thing, and it doesn’t get any easier. We’re going to Columbus Crew, and they’re flying as a team and as a whole culture and club. So it’s going to be tough, but not impossible, and we have to get a desperate kind of three points now.”
Former Earthquake Troy Dayak sounds the siren before the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaFormer Earthquake Troy Dayak sounds the siren before the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaThe DC United team huddles just before kickoff of the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) passes the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) tackles the ball against DC United Forward DOMINIQUE BADJI (14) and pressure from DC United Midfielder HOSEI KIJIMA (77) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Defender LUCAS BARTLETT (3) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) under pressure from DC United Midfielder MATTI PELTOLA (4) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Forward CHRISTIAN BENTEKE (20) clears the ball under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender DAVE ROMNEY(12) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward JOSEF MARTÍNEZ (17) shoots for one of his three goals on the day during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) shoot a penalty kick for his goal during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) shoot a penalty kick for his goal during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Goalkeeper KIM JOON-HONG (1) prepares for San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) to shoot his penalty kick during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Goalkeeper KIM JOON-HONG (1) hops in anticipation of a penalty kick during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Goalkeeper KIM JOON-HONG (1) choose the wrong direction of a penalty kick from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Midfielder GABRIEL PIRANI (10) dribbles away from pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Defender KYE ROWLES (15) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Forward DOMINIQUE BADJI (14) shoots during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) dribbles with pressure from DC United Midfielder HOSEI KIJIMA (77) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Midfielder HOSEI KIJIMA (77) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender VITOR COSTA (94) controls the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender VITOR COSTA (94) crosses the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) shields the ball under pressure from DC United Midfielder GABRIEL PIRANI (10) and DC United Defender DAVID SCHNEGG (28) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Defender DAVID SCHNEGG (28) dribbles away from pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward JOSEF MARTÍNEZ (17) controls the ball in the box with pressure coming from DC United Defender KYE ROWLES (15) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) shoots under pressure from DC United Midfielder HOSEI KIJIMA (77) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) battles for the ball with DC United Defender DAVID SCHNEGG (28) down the side of the field during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) under pressure from DC United Midfielder GABRIEL PIRANI (10) and DC United Midfielder MATTI PELTOLA (4) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Goalkeeper DANIEL (42) at the start of the second half of the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Midfielder GABRIEL PIRANI (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Forward JOAO PEGLOW (7) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Midfielder MATTI PELTOLA (4) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Defender DEREK DODSON (18) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Defender DEREK DODSON (18) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Defender AARON HERRERA (22) dribbles against San Jose Earthquakes Defender VITOR COSTA (94) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Defender AARON HERRERA (22) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Forward JOAO PEGLOW (7) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Goalkeeper DANIEL (42) leaps for a cross intended for DC United Forward CHRISTIAN BENTEKE (20) who is marked by San Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Midfielder JARED STROUD (8) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Midfielder JARED STROUD (8) dribbles against San Jose Earthquakes Defender DAVE ROMNEY(12) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Midfielder GABRIEL PIRANI (10) under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Forward CHRISTIAN BENTEKE (20) under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Defender AARON HERRERA (22) under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Forward AMAHL PELLIGRINO (7) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) makes a tackle against DC United Midfielder GABRIEL PIRANI (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) and DC United Forward JACOB MURELL (17) battle for a header during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Goalkeeper DANIEL (42) celebrates a goal during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Forward CHRISTIAN BENTEKE (20) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaDC United Forward CHRISTIAN BENTEKE (20) cuts back against San Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OSCAR VERHOEVEN (33) and San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder MARK-ANTHONY KAYE (14) put pressure on DC United Midfielder RANDALL LEAL (11) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and DC United at PayPal Park in San Jose, California
PRESS RELEASE:
April 6, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 6, D.C. United 1
Explosive first half, Josef Martínez hat trick propel San Jose back into win column on historic day commemorating 30 years of MLS; Quakes now go on the road to face LAFC next Saturday night
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes defeated D.C. United 6-1 on Sunday afternoon in Major League Soccer regular-season play at PayPal Park in front of 14,196 fans.
Today’s match commemorated Major League Soccer’s Inaugural Game on April 6, 1996. The Quakes, then known as the Clash, defeated D.C. United 1-0 on a late Eric Wynalda goal in front of 31,683 fans at Spartan Stadium in San Jose—an attendance record for a sporting event in the city at the time. Current Earthquakes Head Coach Bruce Arena was on the opposite sideline in the same role for D.C. United, while current Earthquakes midfielder Ian Harkes’ father John was a defender for the visitors.
Several former players from both teams were honored on the field at halftime: Wynalda, John Doyle, Eddie Lewis, Altimont “Freddie” Butler, Troy Dayak, Tom Liner, Dave Gold, Ramiro Corrales and Dave Salzwedel for the Clash, and Arena, Harkes, Jeff Agoos, Shawn Medved and Marco Etcheverry on hand for D.C. United. Quintessential Earthquakes and Clash cheerleader Krazy George also made his triumphant return to PayPal Park.
As for the game, the Quakes got off to a scorching start in the eighth minute when forward Cristian “Chicho” Arango headed a Cristian Espinoza corner kick off D.C. forward Christian Benteke past goalkeeper Joonhong Kim for a 1-0 lead. The hosts doubled their advantage in the 16th minute when forward Josef Martínez and midfielder Niko Tsakiris played an unconventional one-two with their heads in transition, with a streaking Martínez the final beneficiary for the clinical finish. The goal was Martínez’s 118th in MLS play, elevating him past Bradley Wright-Phillips for sixth on the league’s all-time list. San Jose wasn’t finished, and in the 20th minute, midfielder Beau Leroux was awarded a penalty kick after being fouled in the box by midfielder Matti Peltola. Quakes forward Cristian Espinoza converted from the spot in the 20th minute to make it 3-0. With his 33rd goal in Black and Blue, the Argentine captain jumped to fourth on the club’s all-time scoring list, passing Landon Donovan. Christian Benteke pulled one back for the visitors in the third minute of stoppage time in the first half after heading home a Derek Dodson cross from the right wing to make it 3-1.
The second half saw more attacks coming to fruition for the Black and Blue, as Martínez made it a brace in the 81st minute. The Venezuelan striker took in an incisive pass from forward Amahl Pellegrino and blasted it home to make it 4-1. Pellegrino added a goal of his own in the 90th minute for his first of the season, assisted by second-half substitutes Jamal Ricketts and Mark-Anthony Kaye for a 5-1 margin. Then in the second minute of stoppage time, Espinoza curled a ball from the right wing behind the D.C. back line for Martínez, who slotted the ball into the back of the net for the hat trick and final 6-1 scoreline.
The Black and Blue will now travel to Los Angeles next Saturday, April 12, to take on Los Angeles Football Club. Kickoff from BMO Stadium will take place at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as on local radio via KSFO 810 AM (English) and 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Quakes are currently 19-15-9 (72 GF, 69 GA) against D.C. United, with a 10-5-7 (41 GF, 31 GA) record at home. San Jose is now unbeaten in their last four against D.C. dating back to 2019 (2-0-2).
The Quakes scored six goals for the first time in MLS play since Sept. 19, 1999, when as the Clash, they defeated the Miami Fusion 6-1 powered by a brace from Ronald Cerritos.
Today’s match commemorated Major League Soccer’s Inaugural Game on April 6, 1996. The Quakes, formerly known as the Clash, defeated D.C. United 1-0 on an Eric Wynalda goal in front of 31,683 fans at Spartan Stadium in San Jose—an attendance record for a sporting event in the city at the time. Current Earthquakes Head Coach Bruce Arena was on the opposite sideline in the same role for D.C. United, while current Earthquakes midfielder Ian Harkes’ father John was a defender for the visitors.
Several former players from both teams were honored on the field at halftime: Wynalda, John Doyle, Eddie Lewis, Altimont “Freddie” Butler, Troy Dayak, Tom Liner, Dave Gold, Ramiro Corrales and Dave Salzwedel for the Clash, and Arena, Harkes, Jeff Agoos, Shawn Medved and Marco Etcheverry on hand for D.C. United. Quintessential Earthquakes and Clash cheerleader Krazy George also made his triumphant return to PayPal Park.
Quakes team captain Cristian Espinoza extended his consecutive games streak—the longest active run in MLS—to 116, third on the league’s all-time list.
With his 8th-minute goal, Quakes forward Cristian “Chicho” Arango scored his team-leading fourth goal this season and 57th of his career.
Assisting on Chicho Arango’s 8th-minute goal and Martínez’s 92nd-minute goal, Cristian Espinoza notched his fourth and fifth helpers of the season, and 75th and 76th of his career to extend his club record.
Cristian Espinoza also extended his league lead in key passes to 29, five more than Colorado’s Djordje Mihailovic and Seattle’s Albert Rusnák who are tied for second with 24.
With his 20th-minute penalty kick goal, Cristian Espinoza scored his first one of the season and passed Landon Donovan for fourth on the club career scoring list with 33.
With his 16th-minute, 81st-minute and 92nd-minute goals, Quakes forward Josef Martínez scored his second, third and fourth goals of the season as well as passed Bradley Wright-Phillips for sixth on the MLS career scoring list, going from 117 to 120 goals. The Venezuelan now has 12 goal contributions (11g/1a) in 15 matches vs. D.C.
Josef Martínez also became the seventh player in club history to record a hat trick. Only Chris Wondolowski has multiple three-goal games for San Jose (5).
Assisting on Josef Martínez’s 16th-minute goal, Niko Tsakiris notched his first helper of the season and second of his early MLS career.
Assisting on Josef Martínez’s 81st-minute goal, Amahl Pellegrino notched his first helper of the season and third of his MLS career.
Assisting on Amahl Pellegrino’s 90th-minute goal, Jamar Ricketts notched his first career MLS assist. Mark-Anthony Kaye also assisted on the goal, amassing his second helper of the season and 28th in his MLS career.
In addition to the big day in attack, goalkeeper Daniel’s performance in net was not to be overlooked. The Brazilian faced 17 shots (10 on goal), saving nine to keep D.C. United to one goal. Daniel now leads all MLS goalkeepers with 37 saves, four ahead of Charlotte’s Kristijan Kahlina with 33.
San Jose Earthquakes 6 – 1 D.C. United
Sunday, April 6, 2025 – PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
SJ (6-1) – Josef Martínez (Cristian Espinoza) 90+2’
Misconduct Summary:
DC – Christian Benteke (caution) 18’
SJ – Dave Romney (caution) 59’
SJ – Vítor Costa (caution) 70’
DC – Lucas Bartlett (caution) 72’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Dave Romney, Bruno Wilson, Rodrigues; Vítor Costa (Jamar Ricketts 76’), Ian Harkes (Mark-Anthony Kaye 69’), Beau Leroux (Oscar Verhoeven 85’), Cristian Espinoza (C), Niko Tsakiris (Amahl Pellegrino 69’); Chicho Arango (Ousseni Bouda 85’), Josef Martínez.
Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK), Preston Judd, Daniel Munie, Reid Roberts.
“I think the first 10 minutes of the game they had an advantage on us. I thought they came out well. They pressed us up high. Second half, they started and got a really good chance. It could have been 3-2 and then you see people get a little nervous at that point. I think the scoreline is a little unfair. They’re a team that’ll be fine as they move forward. As a starting point, to have the best goalscorer in the league doesn’t hurt. I think they’re going to find ways to win games and be very competitive.”
On the team’s dominant attack today:
“Niko [Tsakiris] did well. As he gets more experience, I think he’ll get a little better at this level and play a little quicker. He’s a kid with some talent. There were some good plays and good passes on his part. That’s encouraging. [Amahl] Pellegrino is a goalscorer. He’s got a good nose to the goal. He knows how to get good forward positions and nice to see him finishing today. He had a couple chances during the year that he hadn’t put in the back of the net. It’s good to see that he got a goal today. [Josef] Martínez has three goals, Chicho [Arango] goal and [Cristian] Espinoza. A good afternoon. Let’s be fair. I don’t think that’s a fair score line today. That’s not a 6-1 game. I’m going to take it. Schedule this game every 30 years and we’d be in good shape.”
On Josef Martínez’s impact on the team:
“He’s a pure 9 (striker). He has a great nose for the goal. I think some of our issues in our first six games away, Josef missed one of the games with international duty. We haven’t found him. We haven’t noticed some of the runs he’s made today. He’s getting some chances. He scored three goals. He could have had a fourth one right at the end. That’s a real positive. I’ve been around players like Josef in my career, so I have a good sense of how they’re thinking. … I had Marco Etcheverry here this weekend, who I absolutely love and is one of the greatest players in history of this league. I talked to him about some of his counterparts in South America. I love these players. They come here and they really buy into the league. It’s really rewarding to have those kind of players on the team.”
On the growth of MLS since 1996:
“The talent and league have improved. The American players are considerably better. The facilities at some of our clubs are world-class. They’re beautiful stadiums, great training facilities and good coaches. The league is moving forward. I think the World Cup is going to be exciting for the sport in this country. It’s going to be a big boost to MLS because I think we’re going to see some real players coming to MLS for the 2027 season.”
On American players in MLS:
“I’m very much in favor of getting Americans developed. Even today, we see two young players in the midfield for us in Beau Leroux and [Niko Tsakiris]. [Jamar] Ricketts played. In the back line, we have [Dave] Romney as an American player and [Ian] Harkes as well. I think that’s important that we can continue to grow the sport in our country and develop our players as well.”
EARTHQUAKES CAPTAIN CRISTIAN ESPINOZA
On the decision to take the penalty kick over forwards Josef Martinez and Chicho Arango:
“In the moment, I felt really confident to take it and I asked them if they would let me take the P.K. They were really open to let me take it.”
On the dominant scoreline at the end of the first half:
“In football, you never know what’s going to happen. The game is 90 minutes. You have to be focused the entire time. We were winning 3-0. By the end of the first half, a goal put them in a good position to fight for the game again. We knew it. In the second half, we came out on the field knowing that [D.C. United] was going to push the game. We had to be ready to respond. That’s what we did.”
“It’s amazing. I always enjoy when I see my teammates score. Obviously, even more when I help them.”
On the team’s areas for improvement moving forward:
“We’re improving a lot in so many things. I think the compactness of the team is really important to keep all the lines together. When you move as a team, you keep the shape really tight between lines. Don’t let the other team play in between you. Sometimes you need to sacrifice yourself. Run a little bit more. That’s what we demand inside the field for each other.”
On Beau Leroux’s performance this season:
“He was not part of the first team last year and the previous years, but we were training together. I saw right away the quality of player that he is. He has a chance to show that every single weekend. He’s doing an amazing job. He’s becoming a really important piece for this team.”
EARTHQUAKES FORWARD JOSEF MARTÍNEZ
On scoring the hat trick:
“It’s taken maybe seven games to get sharp. Today’s special, not because of the three goals, but because my son was here. That’s what was most important for me. We worked a lot this week and we pushed a lot. We deserved this game. The last two games at home, we didn’t get the result the way we wanted, but today was a special day for everyone, and we gave them what they deserved.”
On D.C. United’s approach to defend:
“We saw in the video that D.C. United was a tough team. Maybe we didn’t expect to score that early, but the second one and third one came easier because they pushed a lot and were leaving a lot of space for us. The moment we were more patient with the ball, we created more chances. Maybe today was a good example and we have to continue with that.”
On the decision for Cristian Espinoza to take the penalty kick:
“When the penalty was there to take, Chicho and myself discussed who wanted to take it. We didn’t want to fight and we saw Cristian had a chance to score, so we left it with him. We have a lot of confidence in eac other. We’re not jealous of who scores. And in the end, it’s a team, so if you score, we’re happy, we’re winning, and that’s what’s important for us.”
On the league’s growth since his arrival in 2017:
“Amazing. I came here in 2017, and today, it’s another league, especially the level. The teams come here to fight and compete, bringing in important players. Every game is a battle. I’m so happy to be in this league for all this time, and I’m happy to be in San Jose.”
The Quakes team huddle before the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender REID ROBERTS (18) passes the ball under pressure from Seattle Sounders Defender ALEX ROLDAN (16) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Defender ALEX ROLDAN (16) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Midfielder OBED VARGAS (18) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Defender ALEX ROLDAN (16) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Defender ALEX ROLDAN (16) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Midfielder ALBERT RUSNÁK (11) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Defender JACKSON RAGEN (25) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Midfielder CRISTIAN ROLDAN (7) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Midfielder CRISTIAN ROLDAN (7) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Midfielder JOÃO PAULO (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Midfielder JOÃO PAULO (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Midfielder JOÃO PAULO (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Midfielder ALBERT RUSNÁK (11) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Defender NOUHOU (5) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) slide tackles Seattle Sounders Forward JESÚS FERREIRA (9) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Forward JESÚS FERREIRA (9) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Forward PAUL ROTHROCK (14) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) tracks down Seattle Sounders Forward PAUL ROTHROCK (14) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) tracks down Seattle Sounders Forward PAUL ROTHROCK (14) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Midfielder CRISTIAN ROLDAN (7) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Midfielder CRISTIAN ROLDAN (7) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OUSSENI BOUDA (11) cuts back his dribble against Seattle Sounders Defender ALEX ROLDAN (16) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender DAVE ROMNEY(12) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender DAVE ROMNEY(12) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Forward JESÚS FERREIRA (9) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Goalkeeper DANIEL (42) races across to grab the ball away from Seattle Sounders Defender ALEX ROLDAN (16) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Goalkeeper DANIEL (42) races across to grab the ball away from Seattle Sounders Defender ALEX ROLDAN (16) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OUSSENI BOUDA (11) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OUSSENI BOUDA (11) dribbles away from pressure from Seattle Sounders Midfielder CRISTIAN ROLDAN (7) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Midfielder CRISTIAN ROLDAN (7) crosses the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward PRESTON JUDD (19) and Seattle Sounders Defender YEIMAR (28) battle for the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Midfielder CRISTIAN ROLDAN (7) battles for the ball with San Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) holding onto him during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Defender NOUHOU (5) intercepts a pass to San Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) reaches for the ball against Seattle Sounders Midfielder OBED VARGAS (18) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) shoots during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) weighs his options against Seattle Sounders Defender NOUHOU (5) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) breaks toward the end line against Seattle Sounders Defender NOUHOU (5) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Defender NOUHOU (5) pushes San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) off the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OUSSENI BOUDA (11) dribbles from pressure from Seattle Sounders Defender JACKSON RAGEN (25) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Midfielder OBED VARGAS (18) and Seattle Sounders Defender JACKSON RAGEN (25) converge on San Jose Earthquakes Defender OUSSENI BOUDA (11) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) cuts the ball back against Seattle Sounders Defender NOUHOU (5) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender NICK LIMA (24) crosses the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) and Seattle Sounders Forward JESÚS FERREIRA (9) battle for the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward JOSEF MARTÍNEZ (17) looks for his options during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward JOSEF MARTÍNEZ (17) looks for his options during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward JOSEF MARTÍNEZ (17) looks for his options during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward JOSEF MARTÍNEZ (17) shoots on goal during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Defender NOUHOU (5) controls the ball with pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) shoots on goal during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSeattle Sounders Goalkeeper STEFAN FREI (24) dives for a shot during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) races down the sideline with pressure from Seattle Sounders Defender JACKSON RAGEN (25) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) races down the sideline with pressure from Seattle Sounders Defender NOUHOU (5) and Seattle Sounders Defender JACKSON RAGEN (25) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders at PayPal Park in San Jose, California
PRESS RELEASE:
March 29, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, Seattle Sounders FC 1
San Jose draws first leg of 2025 Heritage Cup; Quakes continue homestand at PayPal Park next Sunday afternoon vs. D.C. United in match commemorating 30 years of MLS since inaugural game at Spartan Stadium in 1996
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes drew with Seattle Sounders FC 1-1 on Saturday night in Major League Soccer regular-season play in front of 15,228 fans at PayPal Park.
The Quakes struck first in the 32nd minute when midfielder Beau Leroux intercepted a pass in the center of the pitch and unleashed a shot from just outside the box. The ball deflected off a sliding defender and floated over Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei for the San Jose native’s first MLS goal.
After intermission, the visitors assailed the net in search of an equalizer, but the Quakes’ sturdy back line and goalkeeper Daniel repeatedly turned them away, making seven consecutive saves. However, in the 80th minute, forward Albert Rusnak’s blast from the right wing found the back of the net to knot the score 1-1.
The Black and Blue will continue their homestand next Sunday, April 6, when they take on D.C. United in a match commemorating 30 years of MLS since the inaugural game took place at Spartan Stadium, which took place between the two clubs at Spartan Stadium in 1996. Kickoff from PayPal Park will take place at 2 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as on local radio via KSFO 810 AM (English) and 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Quakes move to 15-15-11 all-time against Seattle Sounders FC in MLS play (48 GF, 58 GA) with an 8-5-6 home record (25 GF, 19 GA). San Jose is 5-0-3 vs. Seattle in all competitions since 2021, 4-0-3 in MLS play, and 3-0-1 at PayPal Park during that stretch.
Tonight marked the first leg of the 2025 edition of the Heritage Cup, a competition honoring the two teams’ history in the North American Soccer League (NASL). Head-to-head points determines the winner, with goal differential followed by total goals during the two matches as the first tiebreakers. Seattle has won eight times (2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021), while San Jose has won eight times (2009, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024) and is aiming to keep the Heritage Cup a fourth consecutive year.
Quakes forward/team captain Cristian Espinoza extended his consecutive games streak—a club record and the longest active run in MLS—to 115, good for third all-time. Only Luis Robles (183) and Chris Klein (141) are ahead of him on the list.
MLS ALL-TIME CONSECUTIVE GAMES
183 Luis Robles (2012-18)
141 Chris Klein (2005-09)*
115 Cristian Espinoza (2021-present)*
113 David Ousted (2013-16)
*field players
Defender Reid Roberts, who made his MLS and Quakes debut in the second half last Saturday vs. Charlotte FC, made his first start tonight. The Quakes acquired the fifth overall pick in the first round of this year’s MLS SuperDraft from the New England Revolution to select Roberts out of the University of San Francisco.
Quakes midfielder Beau Leroux, a San Jose native and 2024 MLS SuperDraft second-round pick out of San Jose State, scored his first MLS goal in the 32nd minute. He had an assist in the Feb. 22 season-opening win over Real Salt Lake.
Daniel again showed why he is one of the league’s elite goalkeepers, facing 26 shots (19 in the second half) and saving nine of them. The Brazilian now leads all of MLS in saves as of Saturday night with 28.
MLS 2025 GOALKEEPER SAVE LEADERS
28 Daniel (SJ)
27 Kristijan Kahlina (CLT)
27 Jonathan Sirois (MTL)
27 Zack Steffen (COL)
San Jose Earthquakes 1 – 1 Seattle Sounders FC
Saturday, March 29, 2025 – PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 55°F Cloudy
Attendance: 15,228
Match Officials:
Referee: Guido Gonzales, Jr.
AR1: Micheal Barwegen
AR2: Gerard-Kader Lebuis
VAR: Michael Radchuk
AVAR: Kathryn Nesbitt
4th Official: Malik Badawi
Scoring Summary:
SJ (1-0) – Beau Leroux (unassisted) 32’
SEA (1-1) – Albert Rusnak (Cristian Roldan, Jesus Ferreira) 80’
Misconduct Summary:
SJ – Cristian Espinoza (caution) 35’
SJ – Ousseni Bouda (caution) 59’
SEA – Jackson Ragen (caution) 90+2’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Rodrigues, Bruno Wilson, Dave Romney; Cristian Espinoza (C), Ian Harkes, Cristian “Chicho” Arango, Beau Leroux (Mark-Anthony Kaye 86’), Reid Roberts (Daniel Munie 73’); Ousseni Bouda (Josef Martínez 73’), Preston Judd (Nick Lima 66’).
Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK), Paul Marie, Amahl Pellegrino, Jamar Ricketts, Jack Skahan.
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC: Stefan Frei (C) (GK), Nouhou, Jackson Ragen, Yeimar; Joao Paulo (Danny Musovski 46’), Paul Rothrock (Georgi Minoungou 73’), Alex Roldan, Obed Vargas; Cristian Roldan, Albert Rusnak, Jesus Ferreira.
Substitutes not used: Andrew Thomas (GK), Cody Baker, Reed Baker-Whiting, Jonathan Bell, Kim Kee-hee, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, Danny Leyva.
“The first half we played well, but the second half we did not. Give Seattle a lot of credit; they have a good team. [They’ve] been together a long time, very experienced and obviously put on a lot of pressure. To get a point is a fair result.”
On the team’s standing in the league during this early juncture of the season:
“We’ve played six games to date. The first four games, we should have got a result in every game. In Charlotte, we didn’t play well. Tonight, against a real good team, we had a good first half. Second half wasn’t what I wanted. … There’s a lot of things going on in the league right now. If you look at some of the scores today, it’s a league where everybody’s a little bit up and down right now. It’s still early in the season and we’ll take it one game at a time.”
On the team’s attack and finishing ability:
“It’s certainly something that we know has to get better. Against this team tonight, they’re a good team. I think they scored five or six goals a couple weeks ago. We have to get [Josef] Martínez and [Chicho] Arango on the field together. We had to be careful with Josef tonight because of his traveling [due to international duty]. I think we really need to see our team through the first half of the season to really be able to analyze correctly where we’re at and where we need to go.”
On Beau Leroux returning to the starting lineup and scoring his first MLS goal:
“Beau has been very good. He’s a player with not a whole lot of experience at this level and he’s done very well. I thought he ran out of gas a little bit tonight. That’s why we made the change. He’s been a pleasant surprise.”
“I’m not sure that’s one he’s going to be showing his grandchildren, but it’s nice to get a goal.”
EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER BEAU LEROUX
On developing as a young player and having veterans like Ian Harkes for guidance:
“It’s been great, just learning something new every day from the guys and being involved in trainings and games, just growing and learning as a player.”
“It’s been great. I mean Ian and I get along so well. You know, people have told me that he looks like an older brother on the field, and that’s kind of how it’s been and feels like.”
On the significance of scoring his first goal:
“I kissed the badge. This club means everything to me. You know they took a chance on me. I just love this club. I love San Jose and the people. I definitely feel some weight off my shoulders, but still have a lot to work on. So we still have a lot to do to get these results and go for three points.”
On head coach Bruce Arena having faith in him to start after making his MLS debut this season:
“It’s great. I thank Bruce a lot that he trusts me that much, and the whole coaching staff and the players trust me that much. I just go out there and do the best I can to help the team.”
The new ball is poised for the kickoff of the 2025 Major League Soccer season with the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaIn anticipation of the start of the 2025 Major League Soccer season the new ball is in position before the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaThe San Jose Earthquakes host Real Salt Lake for the opening night of the 2025 Major League Soccer season with the National Anthem before the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender JAMAR RICKETTS (2) controls the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder PABLO RUIZ (7) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender JAMAR RICKETTS (2) looks upfield for a teammate during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Defender PHILIP QUINTON (26) passes the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Defender PHILIP QUINTON (26) passes the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) passes the ball under pressure from Real Salt Lake Midfielder NELSON PALACIO (13) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward CHICHO ARANGO (9) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) drives the ball upfield during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder DIEGO LUNA (8) crosses the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) crosses the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) drives the ball up field during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder BRAIAN OJEDA (6) crosses the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) dribbles away from pressure from Real Salt Lake Midfielder DIEGO LUNA (8) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder BEAU LEROUX (34) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Goalkeeper DANIEL (42) catches a cross during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder PABLO RUIZ (7) crosses the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) dribbles away from pressure from Real Salt Lake Midfielder NELSON PALACIO (13) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender JAMAR RICKETTS (2) looks for a teammate during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender JAMAR RICKETTS (2) crosses the ball with pressure from Real Salt Lake Midfielder TYLER WOLFF (16) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder DIEGO LUNA (8) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder EMEKA ENELI (14) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder TYLER WOLFF (16) crosses the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder PABLO RUIZ (7) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder DIEGO LUNA (8) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder NELSON PALACIO (13) crosses the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder MARK-ANTHONY KAYE (14) dribbles the ball across the field with pressure from Real Salt Lake Defender SAM JUNQUA (29) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder BRAIAN OJEDA (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder TYLER WOLFF (16) drives into the box during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder EMEKA ENELI (14) shoots from close range as San Jose Earthquakes Defender BRUNO WILSON (4) attempts to block the shot during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Defender JUSTEN GLAD (15) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder BODE HIDALGO (19) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder NELSON PALACIO (13) controls the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder NELSON PALACIO (13) cuts the ball back against pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder IAN HARKES (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder DIEGO LUNA (8) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder BODE HIDALGO (19) gets his head on a cross in front of San Jose Earthquakes Goalkeeper DANIEL (42) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, California
MEDIA RELEASE:
Feb. 22, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 4, Real Salt Lake 0
San Jose triumphant in new coach Bruce Arena’s Earthquakes debut; Cristian Espinoza dazzles home crowd with three assists
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Real Salt Lake 4-0 on Saturday night in front of 17,432 fans at PayPal Park to open the 2025 Major League season.
San Jose struck first in the 28th minute when Cristian Espinoza passed to recently signed midfielder Beau Leroux on the right wing. The debutant’s incisive pass rolled through the box to a streaking Jamar Ricketts, who scored his first MLS goal.
The Earthquakes doubled their advantage in the 70th minute when Espinoza’s corner kick was headed home by a leaping Rodrigues. Four minutes later, San Jose put the match away when Espinoza’s long ball, his third assist of the night, found forward Ousseni Bouda, who coolly finished to put the Quakes up 3-0. Defender Vítor Costa added an exclamation point in the 84th minute when he slotted a Mark-Anthony Kaye pass into the back of the net for the final 4-0 margin.
The Black and Blue will now head out on their first road trip of the season to take on Sporting Kansas City next Saturday, Mar. 1. Kickoff from Children’s Mercy Park will take place at 5:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as on local radio via KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM (English) and 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
With the win, San Jose moved to 17-15-12 all-time vs. RSL (61 GF, 62 GA) with a home record of 11-7-5 (40 GF, 28 GA).
The 4-0 final margin is the Quakes’ largest victory in a season opener in club history.
Defender Jamar Ricketts, who was selected in the first round of the 2024 SuperDraft (13th overall), scored his first MLS goal in the 28th minute. Midfielder Beau Leroux, who was selected in the second round that year (42nd overall), and team captain Cristian Espinoza supplied the assists.
Forward Cristian Espinoza extended his run of consecutive MLS regular-season games played tonight to a current league-high of 110 (Oct. 2, 2021 – present). The streak is not only a Quakes record but now fifth longest in MLS history and second among all field players in MLS history, passing Darlington Nagbe (May 1, 2021 – Apr. 6, 2024). Goalkeeper Luis Robles holds the league record with 183 straight appearances (Sept. 29, 2012 – May 12, 2018).
Forward Cristian Espinoza’s three assists marked his 10th career multi-assist game in MLS play, giving him 74 total helpers to extend his career club record.
Defender Rodrigues scored his first goal of the season in the 70th minute and fifth career goal in MLS play.
Forward Ousseni Bouda scored his first goal of the season in the 74th minute and third career goal in MLS play.
Defender Vítor Costa’s first goal of the season in the 83rd minute was his third career goal in MLS play.
Midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye’s first assist in the 83rd minute was his 27th career assist in MLS play.
Goalkeeper Daniel made eight saves and earned his first clean sheet of the season, which was also his seventh career shutout in MLS play.
Midfielder Beau Leroux, who signed a first-team contract just yesterday, dished his first MLS assist. He was not only making his first MLS start for the Quakes but also his MLS debut. A San Jose native, Leroux scored five goals last season for the Quakes’ MLS NEXT Pro team, The Town FC.
A grand total of 87 Quakes players made the starting lineup in their MLS debut, with the most recent being defender Oscar Verhoeven on July 20, 2024, at Minnesota United FC. Of those 87 players, Leroux now becomes the 11th to have made a goal contribution, with the most recent being Oswaldo Alanis on Feb. 29, 2020, against Toronto FC.
Tonight’s win gives Bruce Arena his 263rd win in MLS regular-season play, a league record. The late great Sigi Schmid is second with 240 victories.
Defender Dave Romney, midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye, forward Chicho Arango and forward Josef Martínez also made their Black and Blue debuts Saturday night.
San Jose Earthquakes 4 – 0 Real Salt Lake
Saturday, February 22, 2025 – PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Rodrigues, Bruno Wilson, Dave Romney; Jamar Ricketts (Vítor Costa 83’), Ian Harkes, Beau Leroux (Mark-Anthony Kaye 46’), Cristian Espinoza, Hernán López (Amahl Pellegrino 68’); Chicho Arango (Preston Judd 87’), Josef Martínez (Ousseni Bouda 67’).
Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK), Daniel Munie, Nick Lima, Max Floriani.
REAL SALT LAKE: Rafael Cabral (GK); Justen Glad, Philip Quinton (Bryan Vera 58’), Javain Brown (Emeka Eneli 46’), Alexandros Katranis (Sam Junqua 57’); Braian Ojeda (Bode Hidalgo 77’), Pablo Ruiz, Diego Luna, Nelson Palacio, Tyler Wolf; Forster Ajago (Diogo Gonçalves 68’).
On starting the season and his Quakes era with a win:
“The scoreline wasn’t fair. I don’t think that’s a 4-0 game. They had a lot going against them coming in with their game Wednesday in Costa Rica and those challenges and all of that, so as a starting point, let’s be fair about that. But our team played well. It was a good team effort, and obviously, we’re building a team that hasn’t experienced a whole lot of success, so to kick off the season with a win is great. … But let’s keep this in perspective.”
On the team’s overall performance:
“We have a lot we can learn from this. We made some mistakes. We have to get better. But the nice part of this team is that when we started to rebuild the roster, we wanted the team in place for the whole preseason, instead of bringing in guys this week or last week and two weeks from now. So we’ve had a month to try to become a team, and they needed to understand me, and I needed to understand them. So that’s been positive every day. They’ve actually gotten better, so I’m encouraged by that. But we have a long, long way to go. The Real Salt Lake team is going to be a real hard, hard team to play against when we go into Salt Lake. I can promise you that.”
On Ousseni Bouda’s goal and the overall depth on the roster:
“Bouda played very well for us in preseason and every day we saw things in that showed that he’s a really promising player. … We have, oddly enough, four players that didn’t dress tonight that can challenge to get in our first 11 at some point. So, you know, the roster is pretty good. And I think we have some good young players that have come out of our academy system that you know, have a promising future in the league.
On the attacking foursome of Josef Martínez, Chicho Arango, Cristian Espinoza and Hernán López:
“I think our attacking group is going to get better. It’s the hardest thing in this sport. That’s why they pay these guys that score goals a lot of money around the world. in time, we’ll hopefully have a good attacking team. You’re going to see Martínez and Arango scoring goals, Espinoza setting them up and López being an improved playmaker. He’s still young. He’s got a lot to learn. But he’s shown segments in games where he’s a real promising player. There’s a lot of stuff, but to me, the most encouraging part is that our back line was good, and that’s obviously an area that was our primary concern.”
On tempering expectations and not taking too much from one game:
“I think we need a couple months to actually see what this team’s about and where we need to go. And tonight was great to get three points and have a good showing, but we certainly have a way to go. So you know, I don’t have any anything set in stone at this point, and hopefully, as we continue to move forward as a team, we’ll create a pretty consistent mentality and a style of play right now.”
EARTHQUAKES FORWARD CRISTIAN ESPINOZA
On the changes made by the new coaching staff in the preseason:
“During preseason, I remember when the coaching staff came to me with the idea that playing this with this tactic, playing me in the right side, going forward. To be honest, I was really used to playing that position, even when we play in 4-2-3-1. I always try to help the team defensively. Tonight, I feel really comfortable in that position, I am really happy, because I can help the team with the assist.”
On the performance of Chicho Arango and Josef Martínez in their debuts:
“They are doing a really good job in their positions. They force the defenders to play low balls, and that’s really important for us. They made a lot of sacrifices today that really helped the team. That’s what the team is about. Everybody has to be engaging in the defensive part and also in the offensive part. Hopefully in the future, both of them can score more goals and be more in front of the board.”
On the debut performance of Beau Leroux:
“I’m really happy for Beau. I talked to him yesterday, and we were texting because I was really happy for him to have the opportunity to play today. I tried to give him confidence, to play calm, because he’s a really calm guy. He has to do the same thing that he was doing during the preseason. I think he played a really good game. Hopefully we can see him very often this year inside the starting 11. Also, I’m really happy for the other kids like Niko [Tsakiris], Oscar [Verhoeven]. They stepped up during preseason. This is a really good team with big names. They need to be patient and try to be ready when the opportunity comes.”
On improvements moving forward:
“Every day we are improving in so many details. When we are doing good things, maybe there’s another detail that we can fix. I think in the defensive part, we were a little bit disconnected in the end of the first half because they were pushing the game, which is normal, we need to be ready for that. In the first 15 minutes of the second half, I think that we responded really well.”
EARTHQUAKES WINGBACK JAMAR RICKETTS
On scoring his first MLS goal:
“Playing wing back, you got to be up and down the field. But as I’d seen the ball, I knew that I had to crash the back post and be aggressive. Once I’d seen the ball come across, I was like, ‘I got to be the first to win the ball,’ and that’s how I got my foot on it.”
On bouncing back from an injury-riddled rookie season:
“You know, unfortunately, last year I got injured, so I was out for most of the year, but it was kind of a blessing in disguise, because I learned a lot about my body. I was able to watch and really take in everything and learn from the vets and all the coaches. … I was ready for the moment.”
On showing his versatility playing wing back:
“Yeah, so I think it’s just having the trust from my teammates and the coaches to give me confidence to keep going forward and run, and I’m willing to work for anybody in the field as for everybody that’s willing to work for me, you know? And I think that’s what makes this group so good, And the coaching staff, they push us to work for each other. There’s no like hierarchy. Everybody just is one. And then my celebration just came from this excitement,
On opening the season with a win:
“It’s great. Everybody was just smiles in the locker room. The music was blasting. Everybody just felt happy. The coaches were happy. Everybody had a big smile. And I think it’s a this is a great steppingstone, because we got three points, but this is just a start. We have a whole, whole season ahead of us, so we can’t get too much ahead of ourselves, because it’s only one game.”
Real Salt Lake Midfielder DOMINIK MARCZUK (11) beats San Jose Earthquakes Defender OSCAR VERHOEVEN (33) down the wing during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder DOMINIK MARCZUK (11) streaks down the sideline during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder BRAIAN OJEDA (6) awaits a corner kick during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Defender JAVAIN BROWN (91) looks for a teammate during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder DOMINIK MARCZUK (11) cuts the ball near the side of the penalty box during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender PAUL MARIE (3) attempts to block a shot from Real Salt Lake Midfielder DOMINIK MARCZUK (11) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ANDERSON JULIO (29) works the ball around the midfield during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ANDERSON JULIO (29) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ANDERSON JULIO (29) protects the ball with pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender PAUL MARIE (3) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ANDERSON JULIO (29) cuts the ball away from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) and San Jose Earthquakes Defender PAUL MARIE (3) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ANDERSON JULIO (29) attempts to get around San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JACKSON YUEILL (14) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OSCAR VERHOEVEN (33) clears the ball with pressure from Real Salt Lake Midfielder NELSON PALACIO (13) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OSCAR VERHOEVEN (33) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder BRAIAN OJEDA (6) crosses the ball away from pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Defender JAVAIN BROWN (91) crosses the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Forward DIOGO GONCALVES (10) controls a ball at the top of the penalty box during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) strips the ball from Real Salt Lake Forward DIOGO GONCALVES (10) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) puts pressure on Real Salt Lake Defender JUSTEN GLAD (15) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) and Real Salt Lake Defender JUSTEN GLAD (15) battle for the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Defender ALEXANDROS KATRANIS (98) points to where he wants his teammate under pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Defender CARLOS AKAPO (29) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Defender ALEXANDROS KATRANIS (98) controls the ball near the touchline during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender CARLOS AKAPO (29) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender OSCAR VERHOEVEN (33) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder BRAIAN OJEDA (6) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder BRAIAN OJEDA (6) crosses the ball away from pressure from San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder DIEGO LUNA (8) looks for options around San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder CRISTIAN ESPINOZA (10) and Real Salt Lake Defender PHILIP QUINTON (26) battle for the ball near the touchline during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Forward CRISTIAN CHICHO ARANGO (9) shoots with San Jose Earthquakes Goalkeeper DANIEL (42) diving and San Jose Earthquakes Defender RODRIGUES (26) signaling offside during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaReal Salt Lake Midfielder ANDERSON JULIO (29) receives a yellow card from referee MARK ALLATIN during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) cuts the ball back during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder HERNÁN LÓPEZ (23) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder NIKO TSAKIRIS (30) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Midfielder JACK SKAHAN (16) charges the ball against Real Salt Lake Defender ALEXANDROS KATRANIS (98) and Real Salt Lake Midfielder MATT CROOKS (25) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaA shot from Real Salt Lake Midfielder DIEGO LUNA (8) has San Jose Earthquakes Goalkeeper DANIEL (42) diving for the ball headed into the corner of the net during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Defender CARLOS AKAPO (29) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward PRESTON JUDD (19) passes the ball during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward AMAHL PELLIGRINO (9) looks for options against Real Salt Lake Defender JUSTEN GLAD (15) during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, CaliforniaSan Jose Earthquakes Forward PRESTON JUDD (19) shoots during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park in San Jose, California
MEDIA RELEASE:
Oct. 5, 2024
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 0, Real Salt Lake 1
San Jose edged in second half to close 2024 home slate; Quakes end season on road vs. LAFC on Oct. 19
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Real Salt Lake 1-0 on Saturday night at PayPal Park in front of 16,322 fans to close their 2024 Major League Soccer home schedule.
After a scoreless first half, the visitors appeared to score first in the 56th minute, but substitute Chicho Arango was ruled offside. At the hour mark, Rodrigues almost propelled San Jose into the lead, but his header was just wide. Five minutes later, Arango stayed dangerous, launching a deep attempt that was parried away at the last moment by Quakes goalkeeper Daniel. In the 70th minute, Dominik Marczuk’s header at the far post hit the crossbar and bounced out of harm’s way.
However, in minute 78, RSL midfielder Diego Luna’s left-footed shot at the edge of the box found the back of the net to give the visitors the lead. San Jose forward Preston Judd nearly had an equalizer in minute 90 but goalkeeper Zac MacMath batted it away.
The Quakes complete their 2024 MLS season on Saturday, Oct. 19, when they travel to Los Angeles to face Los Angeles Football Club. Kickoff from BMO Stadium will take place at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as on local radio via AM 810 The Spread (English) and AM 1370 La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Quakes moved to 16-15-12 (57 GF, 62 GA) against Real Salt Lake in MLS regular-season competition, including a 10-7-5 (36 GF, 28 GA) record at home.
San Jose split the season series with Real Salt Lake after defeating them 2-0 in Utah on Aug. 24. The Quakes also saw their two-game unbeaten home streak against RSL snapped after drawing 2-2 with them in 2022 and beating them 2-1 last year.
The Quakes celebrated 50 years with Krazy George, who has been leading cheers since the club’s first match in 1974. The first 5,000 fans through the gates received a Krazy George wig courtesy of Habbas Law.
Cristian Espinoza extended his run of consecutive MLS regular-season games played to a current league-high of 108 (Oct. 2, 2021 – present). The streak is not only a Quakes record but tied for fifth longest in MLS history. He now stands equal with Darlington Nagbe (May 1, 2021 – Apr. 6, 2024) in the all-time annals and second among all field players. Espinoza can pass Nagbe in the season finale on Oct. 19 in a road contest vs. LAFC. Goalkeeper Luis Robles holds the league record with 183 straight appearances (Sept. 29, 2012 – May 12, 2018).
San Jose Earthquakes 0 – 1 Real Salt Lake
Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 – PayPal Park, San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 84°F Clear
Attendance: 16,322
Match Officials:
Referee: Mark Allatin
AR1: Matthew Nelson
AR2: Kevin Lock
4th: Malik Badawi
VAR: Luis Guardia
AVAR: Jonathan Johnson
Scoring Summary:
RSL (0-1) – Diego Luna (Braian Ojeda) 78’
Misconduct Summary:
RSL – Alexandros Katranis (caution) 45’
RSL – Anderson Julio (caution) 53’
RSL – Zac MacMath (caution) 85’
RSL – Justen Glad (caution) 90+5’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel; Oscar Verhoeven (Vítor Costa 75’), Tanner Beason, Rodrigues, Carlos Akapo; Niko Tsakiris (Preston Judd 81’), Jackson Yueill (Alfredo Morales 75’), Hernán López; Paul Marie (Amahl Pellegrino 63’), Cristian Espinoza, Jeremy Ebobisse (Jack Skahan 63’).
Substitutes not used: William Yarbrough (GK), Daniel Munie, Tommy Thompson, Bruno Wilson.
“Niko [Tsakiris] and Jackson [Yueill] broke the lines decently well, but I felt like after that, we didn’t have a lot of tempo change to get in behind them. I think Salt Lake does a pretty good job. They press pretty well, but I actually liked some of the combination plays with Niko, Hernán [López] and Jackson. But I think we were missing that next step to create a big chance.”
On the lone goal of the game:
“It was a really good strike by [Diego] Luna. Good player. They had some chances early on, and then most of their chances came from outside the box. Unfortunately, that one went in. They did hit the crossbar and one back post header. But if you look at the chances, we didn’t have a lot, but we had two really big chances. One with Rodrigues’ header that normally, he can put those away, six yards out, seven yards out, and then Preston Judd had a late one. So that’s a little frustrating. I thought Salt Lake was pretty good tonight. But chance-wise, most of them were outside the box. They did have some really early on in the game. For six minutes they were on this, but I thought we dealt with it pretty well, and it was a good strike.”
On looking ahead to the season finale vs. LAFC:
“Sometimes you’re going to win; sometimes you’re going to lose. What really gets me is if a player is not working hard enough, and for the most part, this group works hard, that’s going to be a big test. LAFC is very good, and they’re still playing for positions in the standings. We do match up pretty well against them. We beat them already this season. so just go down there, play good football, defend well, look at their chances and try to hurt them.”
EARTHQUAKES FORWARD PAUL MARIE
On areas of improvement for next season:
“We are going into the offseason after the next game. I think there’s always areas of the game to improve. Individually, everybody will be able to do their thing. I’ll do my thing. I’ll like to work on the physicality, on being more fit, on being more sharp on the ball. I’ll do all of this, and I’ll work with the coaches on it.”
On transitioning from defender to the forward position late in the season:
“I see myself competing for that position. I think I’ve shown defensively that I can help a lot. You have someone who’s completely acting on the job of doing his defensive part and helping the team. I can definitely get sharper in the final third and help a lot more, but I see myself competing in that.”
On the fans sticking with the team throughout the campaign:
“We have a lot of respect for the people who stayed with us the whole season. We’ve been very lucky to have the support we’ve been having with the stadium and all the fans coming to see us. They pay to come see us, so we have a lot of respect for that. We would love to give them a lot more than what we have been giving them. But we just love their support all year long, and hopefully next year we can give them a little bit more.”