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PRESS RELEASE:
April 22, 2026
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 5, Austin FC 1
Quakes erase early deficit, erupt for five second-half goals to improve to 8-1-0 for first time in club history and take sole possession of first place in the Western Conference; Rookie Jack Jasinski fuels comeback with goal in first MLS start, Paul Marie records three assists in MLS-record span and Preston Judd scores a brace; Black and Blue now go on the road Saturday to face St. Louis CITY SC
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes erased an early deficit to defeat 5-1 Austin FC at PayPal Park on Wednesday night to move to 8-1-0 in Major League Soccer regular-season play for the first time in club history and take sole possession of first place in the Western Conference table for the first time in 14 years.
The visitors opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Joseph Rosales intercepted a wayward pass in his attacking third. San Jose goalkeeper Daniel got a hand on the ensuing left-footed attempt but it bounced into the net to give Austin FC a 1-0 lead.
After intermission, the Earthquakes’ attack erupted for five unanswered goals. In minute 58, Niko Tsakiris’ left-footed corner kick was headed home by rookie Jack Jasinski, who was making his first career MLS start, to make it 1-1. Then in minute 77, Nicolas Dubersarsky took down Jamar Ricketts in the box and a penalty was awarded to San Jose. Timo Werner converted from the spot one minute later to give San Jose a 2-1 lead. The Quakes added an insurance goal in the 83rd minute when Werner pinged a deep diagonal ball to the right wing for Paul Marie, who crossed it back in front of net; Preston Judd swept the ball home for his fourth goal of the season to make it 3-1. Just two minutes later, Ousseni Bouda outraced and shielded off Austin defender Jon Bell to haul in a Marie long ball and slotted it home to extend the advantage to 4-1. In the 88th minute, Bouda and Marie—the latter recording his third assist of the night and in the shortest span in MLS history (5 minutes, 28 seconds)—combined to feed Judd for his second goal of the match via header for the final 5-1 margin. With the victory, the Quakes also became the first MLS team in the post-shootout era (since 2000) to win eight of their first nine games to begin a season.
Quakes fans can watch the replay of tonight’s win on KTVU Plus on Sunday, April 26, at 8 p.m. PT.
The Black and Blue now go on the road to face St. Louis CITY SC on Saturday, April 25. Kickoff from Energizer Park in St. Louis, Missouri, is set for 5:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally via Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as local radio on KSFO 810 AM (English) and La Kaliente 1370 AM (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
San Jose moved to 8-1-0 (22 GF, 4 GA) for the first time dating back to the club’s inception in 1974 in the North American Soccer League (NASL) and moved into sole possession of first place in the Western Conference table for the first time since 2012. Austin FC moved to 1-4-4 (12 GF, 19 GA) and 13th place in the West with seven points.
The 8-1-0 beginning to 2026 eclipses the previous best start in club history after nine games in 2012 (7-1-1), which ended in the Quakes capturing the Supporters’ Shield. The Quakes also became the first MLS team in the post-shootout era (since 2000) to win eight of their first nine games to begin a season.
The Earthquakes’ regular-season record vs. Austin FC moves to 4-2-6 (28 GF, 21 GA). Their home record against Verde moves to 3-0-3 (15 GF, 6 GA) in MLS play as San Jose remained unbeaten against Austin at home.
The Quakes started seven American players tonight. No team in MLS has averaged more of them in the starting 11 more in 2026 than Bruce Arena’s Earthquakes (7.8/game), with approximately 70% of the minutes going to American players.
With only four goals conceded in the first nine games, the Quakes’ defense has set a new club record for least goals conceded over a nine-game start in MLS play. In terms of an overall nine-game stretch at any point during the season, they tied the 2005 Supporters’ Shield-winning Quakes, who conceded four goals in three separate nine-game stretches (May 7-June 25, May 14-June 29 and Aug. 13 to Oct. 1).
Tonight marked only the third time the Quakes have trailed at any point during the game this season. They were unable to find the equalizer against Seattle on March 15 (1-0, L), but came back from a 1-0 road deficit to Sporting Kansas City on April 11 (3-1, W) and erased an early 1-0 Austin FC lead in this game (5-1, W).
The five-goal eruption in one half has only occurred one other time in club history on Aug. 11, 1996, in the second half of a 6-1 home win over the New England Revolution at Spartan Stadium. The team was known as the Clash back then.
Five of goalkeeper Daniel’s nine MLS starts in 2026 have resulted in clean sheets and the other four have ended in just one goal conceded in each, bringing his current goals against average to a gaudy 0.44 on the season.
Bruce Arena won his 281st regular-season game, a record among MLS head coaches. The late great Sigi Schmid is second is 140.
Jack Jasinski’s 58th-minute goal was the first of his MLS career and second across all competitions this season. Jasinski, a defender out of Princeton University, was the team’s MLS SuperDraft second-round pick in 2026.
Niko Tsakiris’s 58th-minute assist was his team-leading sixth of the league season and ninth of his MLS career.
Timo Werner’s 78th-minute goal was his second of the league season and his Quakes career. He also converted his first penalty kick of 2026.
Timo Werner’s 83rd-minute assist was his fourth of the league season and fifth across all competitions.
Preston Judd’s 83rd and 89th-minute goals were his fourth and fifth goals of the league season, and the 15th and 16th of his MLS career. He is now tied with Ousseni Bouda for the team lead in goals (5).
Paul Marie’s 83rd-minute, 85th-minute and 89th-minute assists were his first, second and third of the league season and his sixth, seventh and eighth of his MLS career. Marie’s three assists in 5:28 set a new MLS record for the fastest trio of helpers over that span.
Ousseni Bouda’s 85th-minute goal was his fifth of the league season and 10th of his MLS career. He is now tied with Preston Judd for the team lead in goals (5).
Ousseni Bouda’s 89th-minute assist was his second of the league season and third of his MLS career.
Niko Tsakiris stayed hot with his sixth goal contribution in his last four league games. Niko Tsakiris had three key passes to up his league-leading total to 35. Tsakiris also leads MLS in chances created (31), corner kicks taken (44) and crosses (20), and is tied for third in assists (6).
With Jack Jasinski scoring his first MLS goal and Paul Marie’s two assists, the Quakes now have nine different goalscorers in 2026 and 10 different players having distributed at least one assist.
Collectively, the Quakes are tied for first in MLS in goals (22), while also leading the league in assists (27), expected goals (27.14), accurate longballs (39) and corner kicks won (59), and are tied for second in goals against (4), as well as second in clean sheets (5).
San Jose Earthquakes 5 – 1 Austin FC
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 — PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 57°F Mostly Sunny
NorCal Honda Dealers Man of the Match: Jack Jasinski
*all stats unofficial
Match Officials:
Referee: Timothy Ford
AR1: Stefan Tanaka-Freundt
AR2: Ryan Graves
4th Official: Elijio Arreguin
VAR: Greg Dopka
AVAR: Jonathan Johnson
Scoring Summary:
ATX (0-1) – Joseph Rosales (unassisted) 9’
SJ (1-1) – Jack Jasinski (Niko Tsakiris) 58’
SJ (2-1) – Timo Werner (penalty kick) 78’
SJ (3-1) – Preston Judd (Paul Marie, Timo Werner) 83’
SJ (4-1) – Ousseni Bouda (Paul Marie) 85’
SJ (5-1) – Preston Judd (Paul Marie, Ousseni Bouda) 89’
Misconduct Summary:
SJ – Earl Edwards Jr. (caution) 45+1’
SJ – Reid Roberts (caution) 54’
SJ – Jack Jasinski (caution) 68’
ATX – Joseph Rosales (caution) 71’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Jamar Ricketts (Dave Romney 90’), Reid Roberts, Daniel Munie, Jack Jasinski (Paul Marie 75’); Beau Leroux (Ian Harkes 82’), Ronaldo Vieira (C) (Jonathan González 90’), Niko Tsakiris; Timo Werner (Nick Fernandez 90’), Ousseni Bouda, Preston Judd.
Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK), Noel Buck, Max Floriani, Jack Skahan.
POSS.: 68.9%; SHOTS: 37; SOG: 16; CORNERS: 14; OFFSIDES: 1; SAVES: 1; FOULS: 16; xG: 6.7
AUSTIN FC: Brad Stuver (GK) (C); Brendan Hines-Ike, Jonathan Bell, Jon Gallagher, Guilherme Biro (Žan Kolmanič 38’); Besard Sabovic, Nicolas Dubersarsky (Ervin Torres 87’), Jorge Alastuey (Mikkel Desler 66’), Joseph Rosales (Micah Burton 87’); Facundo Torres, CJ Fodrey (Christian Ramirez 66’),
Substitutes not used: Damian Las (GK), Mateja Djordjevic, Christian Ramirez, Ilie Sanchez, Oleksandr Svatok.
POSS.: 31.1%; SHOTS: 5; SOG: 2; CORNERS: 1; OFFSIDES: 0; SAVES: 11; FOULS: 21; xG: 0.6
EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA
On coming back to seal a victory after being down a goal at halftime:
“They’re just a good group, and I think our three old players on the field, in terms of Daniel and the goals. I think he’s 31, Timo [Werner]’s 30 and [Ronaldo] Vieira I think is only 27-28, but to have the that experience on the field was important. I thought Timo from the opening minute was terrific on the night, and gave the players a lot of confidence. Then all the guys, they played well. Our center back pairing is doing extremely well. Jack Jasinski for his first MLS start, I thought did well, and obviously scored an important goal for us, so a lot of good things tonight for sure.”
“It doesn’t seem like they’re overly aggressively chasing the game to put themselves in it. We’re being aggressive. But they also understand that there’s plenty of time left in the game, and the most important thing is, when you’re down a goal, not to be down two goals. So we’ve been able to accomplish that so far.”
On Jack Jasinski’s first MLS start and scoring his first career goal:
“Jack’s been our backup right back since the start of preseason, and he played well last week in the [Lamar Hunt U.S.] Open Cup game and had a goal in that game as well. So that’s one of the strengths of our team. We have anyone that goes down, the next guy’s ready to play, and I think we’re going to see on Saturday that we’re probably going to have to make a number of changes in that game.”
“He’s been good. He’s been a great kid since day one here. I’m an Ivy Leaguer, but I could never go to Princeton and graduate. He hasn’t graduated yet. He has a semester left, but I’ve been amazed at his work ethic and his passion to play and all of that. He’s been solid at both ends. Obviously the last two games, he scored goals. But he’s a good player. He loves to play. He’s obviously a smart kid. He’s a good athlete. Physically, he’s got great size for a right back. So it’s a positive. I actually probably coached his [college] coach. We used to call it ODP (Olympic Development Program), and [Princeton Head Coach] Jim Barlow is a really bright guy. I knew that anybody who plays for Jimmy at the collegiate level is going to be a smart soccer player, and Jack is, and I can attribute a lot of that to his coaching at Princeton.”
On the positives through the first nine games of the 2026 season:
“This is one of the few times we’ve been behind in the game, with the exception of the Seattle game, and I think was good to see the character of the team—come back and win the game. I give Austin a lot of credit. They played extremely hard in that first half, and they were tough to play against. The first half, we had some chances we probably should have converted. In the second half, we played well. It wasn’t easy. They pushed us real hard, and now it’s going to be challenging for us to get ready for our game on Saturday.”
“I think winning games is a starting point. We won nine games last year. We have eight now, hopefully we can get we can pass nine, and that remains to be seen. Just the consistency of our team. Obviously we’re a better team defensively this year. Last year, we just made so many foolish errors and conceded goals. But obviously we have a better team this year. They work for each other. As I stated, our veteran players are leaders, and they’re doing a good job, and they set the tone. Rony [Vieira]’s been great as a captain. Daniel, he’s had a couple of difficult years here as a goalkeeper, and now he’s being rewarded for his hard work, and that’s a positive as well. Timo [Werner] is a wonderful addition to the team. Then the young guys I can start in bunch of places. … They’re young. They haven’t formed any bad habits yet, and hopefully they won’t, and that’s been a positive. So I attribute it simply that they grind it out, they work hard every day, and they like each other.”
On still having a goal to chase after taking over first place in the league:
“We have to improve. If we don’t improve, we’re probably going to be a team that’s scrambling to make the playoffs. So the goal here is to continue to work to get better, and we need to be patient. This is not going to be [a consistent upward trend], there are going to be a few peaks and valleys along the way. We’ve got to be prepared for that. But if we continue to work hard and learn from our mistakes, I think we can be a good team for the second half of the season. First half of the season, at some point you get thrown out the window. It’s all going to come down to the second half of the season. So it’s great to have a good start, but again, it’s a grind. We have another 25 games left. There’s a lot of soccer be played. We’re really pleased with the group to date. But this is a long haul. We got to be prepared for not only the good days, but some of the days that aren’t so good.”
EARTHQUAKES DEFENDER JACK JASINSKI
On scoring in his first MLS career start and initating the second-half comeback:
“Great ball by Niko [Tsakiris]. I think I was in between a couple guys, and it was perfect. Perfect cross and I put it in the corner. Best feeling in the world, obviously. Happy to get the goal and help the team tonight.”
On the team’s confidence even after trailing at halftime:
“The team goes into every game and we expect to win. We went down early today, and I don’t think there was a point at all in that game where we thought we were going to lose. Even at halftime, down by one [goal] we always thought we were going to come back. The fans were great. They didn’t stop all game.”
“This team never gives up. The way that we play, I think other teams get tired. We can keep going at it for 90 minutes. We have depth. The guys off the bench, especially today, brought a lot of energy and helped us at the end.”
On the depth of the roster given the multi-game weeks:
“It’s super important in any good team to have depth. Especially the MLS season with games on Wednesday, Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday. Every day in training is a fight. The scout team is often doing well against the starters, so it’s a battle every day. I don’t think they feel that comfortable with their spot. It’s a really competitive group.”
On the coaching staff giving him opportunities to play as an MLS SuperDraft second-round pick:
“ I’m really grateful they gave me a shot in preseason. I think I took advantage of it and all the guys were very welcoming. This team has a lot of college players. They understood where I was coming from, and they helped me every day in training to get better. I’m grateful I got a shot. This year I was the only draft pick that the Quakes had. I’m happy to be playing in the team and helping the team at this level.”
POOL REPORTER QUESTION FOR PROFESSIONAL REFEREE ORGANIZATION (PRO)
Wondering if you could break down the 14 minutes of stoppage time for us.
The response to the submitted question: The officials on the field and in the VOR all track lost time for substitutions, injuries, goals, and other delays during the half. All lost time for those reasons added up to 14 minutes.
####
Quakes Communications Contacts:
Ryan Maquiñana – Director, PR & Communications
RMaquinana@sjearthquakes.com
C: 650.243.8523
Delmy Barillas – Manager, PR & Communications
DBarillas@sjearthquakes.com
C: 424.240.8006
PRESS RELEASE:
April 4, 2026
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 3, San Diego FC 0
Quakes move to 5-1-0 for first time in club history with unprecedented fifth clean sheet in six games; San Jose also first team to beat SDFC in MLS play this season; Black and Blue go on the road next Saturday vs. Sporting Kansas City
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes defeated San Diego FC 3-0 on Saturday night in front of a PayPal Park crowd of 17,410 to improve to 5-1-0 for the first time in club history to pull within one point of the top spot in the Western Conference table.
Goalkeeper Daniel and the Earthquakes’ defense remained suffocating, recording their fifth shutout in six games to extend the ongoing club record, but this time the attack also came alive as San Jose submitted a complete performance on both sides of the ball.
Niko Tsakiris opened the scoring for San Jose in the 13th minute when Preston Judd intercepted a wayward pass and fed the attacking midfielder, who dribbled to his left and blasted the ball toward the near post and into the back of the net to make it 1-0. In minute 28, SDFC defender Manu Duah fouled Judd in the box and was sent off after a video review. Six minutes later, Tsakiris subsequently converted the subsequent penalty kick for the brace and a 2-0 Earthquakes lead, making him the second youngest player to score a brace in San Jose history behind Landon Donovan. The Quakes then tripled the advantage in the third minute of first-half stoppage time, when Beau Leroux motored down the left sideline and found a streaking Judd who promptly finished the goal to make it 3-0 at the break. After intermission, the game settled but San Jose continued to apply pressure before the final whistle to earn their unprecedented fifth clean sheet.
The Black and Blue now go on the road next Saturday, April 11, to face Sporting Kansas City. Kickoff from Sporting Park is set for 5:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally via Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as local radio on KSFO 810 AM (English) and La Kaliente 1370 AM (Spanish).
MEDIA ASSETS
DOWNLOAD PHOTOS, VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS, PRESS CONFERENCE VIDEOS
MATCH SUMMARY | WATCH GAME
GAME NOTES
San Jose moved to 5-1-0 for the first time dating back to the club’s inception in 1974 in the North American Soccer League (NASL) and is even with second-place Vancouver on points with 15 in the very competitive Western Conference table. San Diego lost their first match in MLS play and are now 3-1-2 and seventh place in the West with 11 points.
The Earthquakes and SDFC (an expansion club last season) met for just the third time in the young El Camino Rivalry. The clubs split their first two matchups in 2025, with the road team winning each match (SJ 0-1 SD on Aug. 17; SD 0-1 SJ on Sept. 27).
The Quakes’ 1-0 win over SDFC on Sept. 27, 2025, was the last time San Diego has been shut out. They currently had a seven-game scoring streak dating back to that match.
With only one goal conceded in the first six games, the Quakes’ defense has set a new club record for least goals conceded over a six-game period in MLS play.
With five clean sheets, the Earthquakes have already matched last season’s total in MLS play in Matchday 6.
Bruce Arena won his 278th regular-season game, an MLS record. The late great Sigi Schmid is second is 140.
Daniel earned his fifth clean sheet of the season and 16th of his MLS career. He is only second in the league in shutouts in 2026 to LAFC’s Hugo Lloris (6).
Niko Tsakiris’ 13th-minute goal was his first of the MLS season and second of his career.
Preston Judd’s 13th-minute assist was his first of the MLS season and fifth of his career.
Niko Tsakiris’ 34th-minute penalty-kick goal was his second of the MLS season and third of his career.
Niko Tsakiris (20 years, 289 days) became the second youngest player in Quakes history to score a brace behind Landon Donovan, who accomplished the feat three times before turning 21.
TWO GOALS IN ONE GAME BEFORE AGE 21, CLUB HISTORY:
YR-DAYS Player Date Game
19-097 Landon Donovan 06/09/2001 SJ vs. LA
19-157 Landon Donovan 08/08/2001 SJ at NE
20-180 Landon Donovan 08/31/2002 SJ at DC
20-289
Niko Tsakiris
04/04/2026
SJ vs. SD
Preston Judd’s goal in the third minute of first-half stoppage time was his third of the MLS season and 14th of his career.
Beau Leroux’s assist in the third minute of first-half stoppage time was his second of the MLS season and sixth of his career.
Niko Tsakiris had eight key passes to up his league-leading total to 24. Tsakiris also leads MLS in corner kicks taken (39) and crosses (18).
Collectively, the Quakes lead MLS in expected goals (16.18), accurate longballs (35) and corner kicks won (52). They are second in goals against (1) and clean sheets (5).
U.S. Women’s National Team and Bay FC midfielder Claire Hutton fired the ceremonial pregame siren.
The first 12,000 fans through the PayPal Park doors tonight received El Camino Rivalry Rally Towels courtesy of Ford.
San Jose Earthquakes 3 – 0 San Diego FC
Saturday, April 4, 2026 — PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 75°F Mostly Cloudy
Attendance: 17,410
NorCal Honda Dealers Man of the Match: Niko Tsakiris
*all stats unofficial
Match Officials:
Referee: Fotis Bazakos
AR1: Kathryn Nesbitt
AR2: Chris Wattam
4th Official: Rosendo Mendoza
VAR: Jorge Gonzalez
AVAR: Robert Schaap
Scoring Summary:
SJ (1-0) – Niko Tsakiris (Preston Judd) 13’
SJ (2-0) – Niko Tsakiris (penalty kick) 34’
SJ (3-0) – Preston Judd (Beau Leroux, Jamar Ricketts) 45+3’
Misconduct Summary:
SJ – Ousseni Bouda (caution) 11′
SD – Manu Duah (ejection) 32′
SD – Osvald Søe (caution) 52’
SD – Jeppe Tverskov (caution) 59’
SJ – Jonathan González (caution) 77’
SJ – Niko Tsakiris (caution) 90+3’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Benji Kikanović, Reid Roberts, Daniel Munie, Jamar Ricketts (Dave Romney 69’); Beau Leroux (Jonathan González 69’), Ronaldo Vieira (C) (Ian Harkes 86’), Niko Tsakiris; Ousseni Bouda (Nick Fernandez 70’), Jack Skahan (Paul Marie 57’), Preston Judd.
Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK), Noel Buck, Max Floriani, Jack Jasinski.
POSS.: 43.9%; SHOTS: 24; SOG: 10; CORNERS: 7; OFFSIDES: 1; SAVES: 1; FOULS: 18; xG: 4.5
SAN DIEGO FC: Duran Ferree (GK); Osvald Søe, Manu Duah, Luca Bombino, Oscar Verhoeven (Willy Kumado,78’); Jeppe Tverskov (C), Onni Valakari (Alex Mighten 78’), David Vazquez (Wilson Eisner 40’); Lewis Morgan (Bryan Zamblé 57’), Anders Dreyer, Marcus Ingvartsen (Aníbal Godoy 57’).
Substitutes not used: CJ Dos Santos (GK), Pedro Soma, Bryce Duke, Anisse Saidi
POSS.: 56.1%; SHOTS: 6; SOG: 1; CORNERS: 5; OFFSIDES: 3; SAVES: 7; FOULS: 13; xG: 1
EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA
On what stands out during the Earthquakes’ first 5-1-0 start in club history:
“I’ve done this for a while, and the biggest thing is we look like a team, not applauding, necessarily attacking and or defending. And in particular, it’s a complete effort by the group, and that’s important. We’re banging away with a couple of local kids and domestic players, which is highly unusual in our league right now, so I think the group is doing very well. And I think the credit goes to the whole group, not just one end of the field.”
“Well, if you broke training camp and you told me, we’d be 5-1 after the first six games … I would not agree with that, so I’m very pleased. However, we have a long way to go. There’s a lot of room for improvement, and hopefully, you know, we can get through this first half of the season in decent form, so we’re positioned in the second half to be a team that can qualify for the playoffs.”
On the pressure and execution against San Diego amid the absences of DeJuan Jones and Timo Werner:
“We’re getting better every week. I think there’s a lot ahead. We can still strengthen our roster. We can get Timo Werner back on the field hopefully next week. We’ve lost DeJuan Jones for the year, so that’s going to be an issue. … I’m pleased with the group we have. I think we have a good group of players.”
On the team’s youth excelling, including Niko Tsakiris’ brace:
“Fantastic. We really missed Niko last year, because he was hurt for a good part of the year, and then in the fall, he had a number of national team call-ups. He scored an important goal against Austin, So you know, his development has been great, so we’re really pleased with that. I think the same could be said for Beau Leroux, and Reid Roberts, his first year playing full time has been very good. Benji Kikanovic has grown into his position. Ronaldo Vieira is a real pro. Preston Judd has been very good. Ousseni Bouda has improved. And so, you know, a lot of positive things. But I’m well aware of the fact that this is just the start. We should have this conversation in August and see how everything is in August. So to date, you know, things are positive.”
On Niko Tsakiris’s development and becoming the second youngest Earthquake to score two goals behind Landon Donovan:
“Well if he can catch Landon Donovan, he’s doing pretty well for himself. Yeah, that’s great. He had a very good performance tonight. I think the goals tonight were good goals. That first goal, I don’t know how he possibly scored that goal. It’s probably something I taught him in training I can’t remember. So real positive. Niko’s done very well.”
On two straight clean sheets vs. high-powered attacks:
“Well, obviously, I think we’re a confident team right now, but we have 28 more games to play. We may lose our next 28 games, so we have to put everything in the right perspective. But defensively we played well, obviously the red card was a big play in the game, because I believe that was our second goal, right off the red card. And then they had to play shorthanded and give San Diego credit. They never quit in the second half.”
EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER NIKO TSAKIRIS
On being the second youngest Quakes player in history to score a brace behind Landon Donovan:
“It’s amazing. I think, first and foremost, amazing to get three points tonight back at home. We’re building day by day, game by game here, and to get this achievement with this group of guys, it’s special. … The career that he had and the player that he was, it’s special to be with him in that same category. I still have a lot of work to do, and it’s a great first step for me.”
On the team’s identity after a record-breaking start to the season:
“We’re a hardworking team. We want to be hard to play against, and I think we’ve shown that we’re going to give everything on the field. Whether guys are starting or coming off the bench, we know everyone’s there to prove a point and to get the three points that we need. I think everybody moving in the right direction and being a collective I think is really going to help us.”
“We want to win. We want to win matches. I feel like this group knows that we need to do whatever it takes to get those three points. And if that’s grinding it out, it’s grinding it out. If it’s keeping the ball, it’s what, it’s what we have to do. I feel like the group knows what the expectations are to get those three points.”
On his growing confidence this season with the Quakes and the U.S. Youth National Team:
“I think it was just a matter of time, and when that chance would come, I know that I put the work in continuing to do so, to better myself every day. Of course, the national team definitely was a reminder for me. I’m good enough to do it in preseason as well. So coming into this year, the momentum that the team had in preseason to now our first few games, and success that we’re having, the success that I’m having— the national team brought moments of confidence for me, but also being here with the club.”
####
Quakes Communications Contacts:
Ryan Maquiñana – Director, PR & Communications
RMaquinana@sjearthquakes.com
C: 650.243.8523
Delmy Barillas – Manager, PR & Communications
DBarillas@sjearthquakes.com
C: 424.240.8006
PRESS RELEASE:
March 7, 2026
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 0, Seattle Sounders 1
Quakes’ unbeaten run ends at three in front of sellout crowd at PayPal Park; San Jose faces Vancouver Whitecaps FC in road contest next Saturday
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Seattle Sounders FC 1-0 on Sunday afternoon in front of a sold-out PayPal Park crowd of 18,251 to snap their unbeaten streak at three.
The visitors struck first in minute 20 when Danny Musovski and Jesús Ferreira combined to feed a streaking Paul Rothrock on the right wing, whose subsequent low finish gave Seattle a 1-0 lead and snapped the Quakes’ club-record streak of not conceding to start the season at 290 minutes.
After intermission, the Quakes came firing out the gate with 11 shots (five on goal), but Sounders goalkeeper Andrew Thomas turned them all away. After an 80th-minute goal by Seattle’s Cody Baker was called back due to offside, the Quakes put on another furious rally. Ultimately, San Jose outshot Seattle 25-7, had more shots on goal (8-4), won more corner kicks (17-0), had more expected goals (3.0-0.5) and dominated possession (59.6%-40.4%), but could not secure the equalizer before the final whistle.
The Black and Blue now go on the road next Saturday, March 21, to face Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Kickoff from BC Place is 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally via Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as local radio on KSFO 810 AM (English) and La Kaliente 1370 AM (Spanish).
MATCH SUMMARY
GAME NOTES
With the result, San Jose moves to 3-1-0 with nine points (6 GF, 1 GA) and fourth in the Western Conference as of tonight’s final whistle. Seattle Sounders FC goes to 3-1-0 with six points and fifth in the West (5 GF, 2 GA).
The San Jose Earthquakes are 15-17-10 (50 GF, 62 GA) in the all-time regular-season series against Seattle Sounders FC, and 8-6-6 (25 GF, 20 GA) at home.
Today’s match marked the first leg of the Heritage Cup, a competition honoring the two teams’ history in the North American Soccer League (NASL). The winner is decided by head-to-head points, then goal differential as a tiebreaker. The Sounders are current holders after a 1-1 draw in San Jose and 3-2 Seattle win at Lumen Field in 2025.
Seattle’s 20th-minute goal snapped goalkeeper Daniel and the Quakes’ club-record streak of not conceding to start a season at 290 minutes.
The Quakes’ 23-game streak of scoring at least one goal dating back to last season came to an end. The last time they were held scoreless was May 17, 2025, at New England, in a 0-0 draw.
San Jose outshot Seattle 25-7, had more shots on goal (8-4), won more corner kicks (17-0), had more expected goals (3.0-0.5) and outpossessed them (59.6%-40.4%).
Seattle needed an average of 20.8 seconds to regain possession, while San Jose did it in 14.1 seconds, according to Sportec.
Collectively, the Quakes lead MLS in accurate longballs (23) and corner kicks won (40); are second in expected goals (10.57), goals against (1) and clean sheets (3). They are also tied for fourth in total assists (9) and tied for fifth in total goals (6).
Niko Tsakiris had four key passes to up his league-leading total to 15.
Ousseni Bouda remained fourth among league leaders in aerial duels won with 23.
To celebrate the Quakes’ first Hello Kitty Night, the club gave away Quakes x Hello Kitty Tote Bags to the first 9,000 fans through the gates.
San Jose Earthquakes 0 – 1 Seattle Sounders FC
Sunday, March 15, 2026 — PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 82°F Sunny
Attendance: 18,251 (sellout)
*all stats unofficial
Match Officials:
Referee: Victor Rivas
AR1: Corey Rockwell
AR2: Kali Smith
4th Official: Nabil Bensalah
VAR: Lukasz Szpala
AVAR: Fabio Tovar
Scoring Summary:
SEA (0-1) – Paul Rothrock (Jesus Ferreira, Danny Musovski) 20’
Misconduct Summary:
SEA – Nouhou (caution) 10′
SEA – Nikola Petković (caution) 46’
SEA – Danny Musovski (caution) 56’
SEA – Peter Kingston (caution) 59’
SJ – Niko Tsakiris (caution) 86′
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Benji Kikanović (Paul Marie 90+1’), Reid Roberts, Daniel Munie, DeJuan Jones (Vítor Costa 57’); Beau Leroux (Nick Fernandez 77’), Ronaldo Vieira (C), Niko Tsakiris; Ousseni Bouda (Jack Skahan 77’), Timo Werner, Preston Judd.
Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK), Jonathan González, Ian Harkes, Jamar Ricketts, Dave Romney.
POSS.: 59.6%; SHOTS: 25; SOG: 8; CORNERS: 17; OFFSIDES: 0; SAVES: 3; FOULS: 6; xG: 3.0
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC: Andrew Th omas (GK); Jackson Ragen, Antino Lopez; Jesus Ferreira (Albert Rusnák 46’), Nikola Petković (Alex Roldan 65’), Peter Kingston ( Snyder Brunell 86’), Nouhou (C), Paul Rothrock, Cody Baker, Georgi Minoungou (Cristian Roldan 65’); Danny Musovski (Osaze De Rosario 65’).
Substitutes not used: Stefan Frei (GK), Paul Arriola, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, Sebastian Gomez.
POSS.: 40.4%; SHOTS: 7; SOG: 4; CORNERS: 0; OFFSIDES: 1; SAVES: 7; FOULS: 11; xG: 0.5
EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA
On the team’s first setback of the season after a club-record 3-0-0 start:
“You see the difference between the two teams defensively. One team doesn’t make a mistake for 90 minutes and the other team does. So, there’s still some growth there. … We’re making progress. We’ve conceded one goal in four games.”
On his message to the team after the match:
“I told the team after the game—in good games, in any sport, at a good level, you have to make plays. [Seattle Sounders FC] made the plays and made a difference. [Paul] Rothrock got the goal in the first half. Their keeper making two saves on breakaways and defense saving the ball off the line. Those are guys that made plays. There’s the difference in the game, we had guys in position to do the same and didn’t get it done, so that’s part of the growth.”
“Today’s game shows that we’re making progress as a team, and it’s a good lesson for us. Hopefully we can learn from it and get better. And then we go to Vancouver on Sunday and Vancouver embarrassed us last year, so it’ll be interesting to see if we can give them a good game.”
On the team winning 17 corner kicks to none for Seattle:
“We had 17 corner kicks. You’d like to believe you can be a little bit more dangerous. We weren’t good on our corners. Today’s service wasn’t good. But give Seattle credit, they did a real good job there.”
EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER RONALDO VIEIRA
On increasing the pressure in attack on Seattle in the second half:
“I think the performance in the second half was much better than first one. We had a few chances. They didn’t threaten us at all in the second half, but we have to come to win the game and just put the chances away. We have to take the positives from the game like this is—they are a team that’s been together for a long time. We’re a fairly new team, so we take on the positive and move on to next week.”
On the first time playing a full 90 minutes with Timo Werner on the pitch:
“I think we all know he’s obviously a very good player. Creates a lot of chances, like you saw today, he created a lot of chances for us. I think overall, for this being his first game—his first start, I think he’s fitting in well with the team, and we can only get better. We take on the positives from this game and move on.”
On looking ahead to next week’s match:
“I think we just have to be honest with each other and hold each other accountable when things don’t go right, and that’s part of the game. So today, we look at each other and we say, ‘I think we all know we have to do better.’ … ‘Look, that’s a team that’s been a winning team for a long time, and a team that’s been together for a long time.’ So not necessarily we have to put heads down and say we lost. Fair enough, we lost. But we lost to a good team, and they didn’t win comfortably. So that’s most important.”
####
Quakes Communications Contacts:
Ryan Maquiñana – Director, PR & Communications
RMaquinana@sjearthquakes.com
C: 650.243.8523
Delmy Barillas – Manager, PR & Communications
DBarillas@sjearthquakes.com
C: 424.240.8006
PRESS RELEASE:
Feb. 28, 2026
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 2, Atlanta United FC 0
San Jose starts season with second consecutive win and clean sheet with goals from Preston Judd, Ousseni Bouda; New Design Timo Werner dishes assist in MLS debut; Quakes take on defending Supporters’ Shield holders Philadelphia Union next Saturday in first road trip of season
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Atlanta United FC 2-0 on Saturday afternoon at PayPal Park in front of 16,159 fans to start the 2026 Major League Soccer season with their second straight shutout victory for the first time in club history.
The Earthquakes opened the scoring in minute 24 when Jamar Ricketts intercepted a wayward pass by Atlanta’s Lucas Hoyos, charged forward and served a cross from the left wing for Preston Judd, who headed the ball past the goalkeeper for his second goal of the season and a 1-0 lead.
After intermission, the Quakes continued to attack and doubled their lead off the counter set up by two second-half subs. In the 79th minute, Jack Skahan found new Designated Player Timo Werner on the right wing, who promptly fed Ousseni Bouda for the 2-0 lead and final margin.
The Black and Blue now travel to Chester, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, March 7, to face the Philadelphia Union. Kickoff from Subaru Park will take place at 4:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally via Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as local radio on KSFO 810 AM (English) and La Kaliente 1370 AM (Spanish).
MATCH SUMMARY
GAME NOTES
With the result, San Jose moves to 2-0-0 with six points and moves into a tie for first in the Western Conference with LAFC (5 GF, 0 GA). Atlanta United goes to 0-2-0 with 0 points and 14th in the Eastern Conference (0 GF, 4 GA).
The win also marked the first time since San Jose began MLS play in 1996 that they started a season with two victories in shutout fashion.
San Jose earned the club’s first win over Atlanta United FC, having played four prior matches dating back to 2017, the last being the season opener back in 2023 (ATL 2-1 SJ).
San Jose is now 1-4-0 (9 GF, 13 GA) against Atlanta United FC in regular-season play with a 1-1-0 (5 GF, 5 GA) record at home.
Bruce Arena won his 275th regular-season MLS game to extend his league record among head coaches. The late great Sigi Schmid is second with 240.
Head Coach Bruce Arena now sports a 5-2-2 career record against Atlanta United FC (including Audi MLS Cup Playoffs).
Tonight marked the first career MLS matchup between Bruce Arena and Atlanta United FC Head Coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino, despite a wealth of league and international head coaching experience between the two.
Preston Judd’s 24th-minute goal was his second of the season and 13th of his MLS career.
Jamar Ricketts’ 24th-minute assist was his second of the season and fifth of his MLS career. He has now also assisted Judd in back-to-back games.
Niko Tsakiris had three key passes tonight following eight against Sporting Kansas City in the season opener, totaling a league-leading 11 so far this season.
Timo Werner made his long-anticipated Earthquakes and MLS debut in the 61st minute, replacing Preston Judd. The biggest signing in Quakes history whose trophy case includes the UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup, Werner arrived in the Bay Area on Wednesday night after he and his wife welcomed their first baby back in their native Germany two weeks ago.
Ousseni Bouda’s 79th-minute goal was his first of the season and sixth of his MLS career.
Timo Werner’s 79th-minute primary assist was his first of the season and first of his MLS career.
Jack Skahan’s 79th-minute secondary assist was his first of the season and fifth total assist of his MLS career.
Daniel earned his second clean sheet in as many games and 11th total clean sheet of his MLS career.
The Quakes are currently tied for first in the league in total goals scored with LAFC and San Diego FC with five.
With a combined expected goals figure of 6.67, the Quakes lead the league so far in the 2026 campaign.
San Jose has raced out to a 5-0 goal differential on the season despite having lost the possession battle in both of their matches in 2026.
The Quakes took seven corner kicks and now lead the league (22), ahead of Seattle Sounders FC (18) and FC Cincinnati (17).
San Jose also now lead the league in accurate long balls distributed (15), ahead of Seattle Sounders FC (12) and FC Cincinnati (11).
Tonight was Grateful Dead Night, where the team debuted The Dead Kit—a psychedelic homage to the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead’s very first performance under that name, which took place at an acid test party in downtown San Jose where the City Hall Rotunda now stands.
San Jose Earthquakes 2 – 0 Atlanta United FC
Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 — PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 75°F Mostly Cloudy
Attendance: 16,159
NorCal Honda Dealers Man of the Match: Preston Judd
*all stats unofficial
Match Officials:
Referee: Ricardo Fierro
AR1: Chris Elliot
AR2: Stephen McGonagle
4th Official: Timothy Ford
VAR: Jorge Gonzalez
AVAR: Matthew Rodman
Scoring Summary:
SJ (1-0) – Preston Judd (Jamar Ricketts) 24’
SJ (2-0) – Ousseni Bouda (Timo Werner, Jack Skahan) 79’
Misconduct Summary:
ATL – Latte Lath (caution) 16’
ATL – Cooper Sanchez (caution) 39’
ATL – Ronald Hernández (caution) 52’
SJ – DeJuan Jones (caution) 90’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Benji Kikanović, Reid Roberts, Daniel Munie, DeJuan Jones; Beau Leroux (Jonathan González 77’), Ian Harkes, Niko Tsakiris (Paul Marie 90+2’), Ousseni Bouda (Nick Fernandez 90+2’), Jamar Ricketts (Jack Skahan 77’), Preston Judd (Timo Werner 61’).
Substitutes not used: Francesco Montali (GK), Noel Buck, Vítor Costa, Dave Romney.
POSS.: 45.4%; SHOTS: 13; SOG: 6; CORNERS: 7; OFFSIDES: 4; SAVES: 1; FOULS: 9; xG: 2.8
ATLANTA UNITED FC: Lucas Hoyos (GK), Ronald Hernández (Tristan Muyumba 61’), Elias Baez, Enea Mihaj, Juan Berrocal, Steven Alzate, Cooper Sanchez (Pedro Amador 70’), Tomas Jacob, Latte Lath, Miguel Almirón, Saba Lobjanidze (Alexey Miranchuk 60’).
Substitutes not used: Jayden Hibbert (GK), Luke Brennan, Matthew Edwards, Adrian Gill, Stian Gregersen, Cayman Togashi.
POSS.: 54.6%; SHOTS: 8; SOG: 1; CORNERS: 4; OFFSIDES: 2; SAVES: 4; FOULS: 19; xG: 0.7
EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH/SPORTING DIRECTOR BRUCE ARENA
On the team starting out with its second straight clean sheet victory:
“Our team’s shape tonight, for the most part, was really good. Technically on the ball, maybe too many turnovers, a little bit sloppy, and we still need to be better coordinated. We need to communicate there, but we have to accept the fact that it is the second game of the season, so there’s still going to be a number of mistakes.”
On Preston Judd’s development:
“Yeah, we think Preston’s a real good player. The reason we didn’t bring in many players this year is because we think these guys are pretty good. Preston last year scored—I think I said this last week—seven goals in limited minutes, so we know we can score goals. And I think he has two, right? He and [Daniel] Munie might be tied for top goal scorers in MLS right now. They’re roommates too.”
On Timo Werner’s assist in his debut:
“Well, I think [Jack] Skahan played the ball over the top to him, So Jack, in a matter of a day or two, figured out Timo’s ability to run is there. He took off, and he got to step on the defender and shook him loose a little bit with a little bit of a fake, and delivered an excellent ball across the six-yard box. So I think that’s a guy with a lot of experience and ability, and I think he’s just going to continue to get better as we move forward as a team.”
On Timo Werner’s quick transition to playing after arriving on Wednesday night:
“Everybody’s different, athletes in terms of their fitness and how, how quickly they move forward. So we’ll see, but he has a great attitude. He’s working hard. You know, it was a real scramble just getting here, traveling all day on Wednesday, arriving Wednesday night, and then going through a process of physical testing as required by the league. So Thursday and Friday were hectic for him. So to get him on the field in 30 minutes tonight was good because to travel here and the demands on them over the last couple of days were huge so to be able to be mentally tough, to deal with all of that and give it a good performance tonight. It’s really good to see.”
EARTHQUAKES FORWARD PRESTON JUDD
On Jamar Ricketts having an assist on both of Judd’s goals this season:
“Jamar is a great player, dynamic. Not a lot of people have that gift. He’s super-fast and he puts good balls in. I know when he gets down the line, I have to be in the right place to score. He found me two times in a row. Hopefully we keep that (expletive) rolling.”
On being tied with his roommate, Daniel Munie in the club lead for goals with two:
“As a forward and as a center back, I’m a little jealous. I mean, it hurts to be tied with the center back, but at the same time, I’m so happy for him. He’s like family for me. So, to see him doing well, it’s just a good feeling.”
On the addition of Timo Werner:
“With a player like him, dynamic, fast championship mindset, I think it’s only going to add to my game and to the whole team in general. I think it’s going to be exciting with what he can do else in here? I’ve been in MLS, USL my whole life. He’s been in Champions League, Europa League, [German] National Team. So, there’s definitely a lot to learn from him, a lot of experiences I can learn from him and even from the coaches he’s learned from. Just take it all in and try to improve my game through his game.”
On the defensive improvement this season and the performance of goalkeeper Daniel:
“I think we’ve learned in the past two seasons that scoring a lot of goals isn’t going to get us to playoffs or get us a championship. I think it’s going to come from our defense. They say defense wins championships. So,starting off with two clean sheets in the year is huge, and hopefully we can build on that.”
“Daniel is a brick wall. When he’s making those saves, I think we’re pretty close to unbeatable. With our defense playing well and Daniel and making those big-time saves, it’s going to be a hard team to score on.”
EARTHQUAKES FORWARD TIMO WERNER
On his whirlwind week arriving on Wednesday and playing on Saturday:
“The start was a bit crazy. On Tuesday, I was in the embassy in Berlin. I wanted to go back to Leipzig, because I thought I’d get in a few days later, and they called me straight away to come back. I turned around, got it on the same day, flew to San Francisco on Wednesday, [spent] one and a half days in a plane, and had on Thursday my first training with the Earthquakes. It was a really exciting week, especially this game tonight, with the welcome from the fans, from the people in the club, and from the other people around the club. It was a special feeling, because I think, for the last few weeks or months, I got the love that I didn’t have in the past years, and all the people here, they gave me that, and it felt pretty good.”
On his first impression of the Quakes:
“We have a very young team, and still, I think a really hungry team. What I see in the past few days when I’ve been here is that we have also very high quality and I think that’s also why they won the first game. That’s also why they won the second game. We won the second game today, and we saw it, especially in the first half today. We can dominate teams. We can play around teams. We can create chances, especially in the second half, where it was maybe a bit tough in the middle of the game. The most important thing for me is that they’re all good guys. I came into the changing room, and I think it’s always the same. It doesn’t matter if you come in the Chelsea changing room, or you come to San Jose in the changing room, you’re always nervous, because there are new people. There are guys your age. There are younger guys who are also human beings, and they make it pretty easy for me to settle here, to feel comfortable with the team, and also how Bruce is with his team. That for me, was the most important thing: that I come here and that I feel pretty welcome, that’s the biggest comment that I can give San Jose.”
On his relationship with Head Coach Bruce Arena:
“He was the guy who brought me into the club. He came all the way to Germany and had a meeting with me. He traveled—I don’t know, eight, nine hours—to Germany for two hours in a restaurant and then flew nine hours back. That was already really impressive to me. As a person, he’s like a father figure. Not even just for me, but for everyone, every player no matter if he plays or not. I think everyone respects him, because of what he did in his career, what he’s like, and how he presents on the pitch, but also off the pitch. I’ve never seen a guy who is so open to the players, who talk with them and create this community with them and that’s what I really like about him. I think over the next few weeks, when he gets me know better, and I get know him and his staff and all the people around him better, there will be even better relationship. So far, I can only say that he was the reason why I came here. He presented the club and the area pretty well, so he made it easy. When I arrived, he was behind everything. He made sure that everything went well and that I had the best all-inclusive package that I could have. Those are small things at the end, but that makes it special.”
On what he’s doing to get back in match shape:
“I was a bit difficult to be fair, to keep in shape, to train all the time by myself. Especially on the days when they left to games in Leipzig [without me], it was difficult to train by myself, to always motivate myself, but I think there was always the aim or the desire to come here, to be in shape straight away, and step out of the plane and play like I did today. Of course, I was not on the level where I should be today, but I mean, at least it was enough to get an assist and help the team. Over the next few weeks, especially in training, but also in the game, it’s important for me to get in the game with my conditioning, this feeling, to have the ball in my feet, to play with the team and to also get connected with them. I think the next two to three games are really important for that. I think it’s also important for me to have it in my head that maybe that not everything will be perfect, but at least it’s starting to work.”
On contributing to a goal in his MLS debut:
“It was a good start. I think the best would’ve been scoring a goal, but you can’t have everything. I think I helped the team with that assist, especially in the phase of the game where it was a bit difficult. Atlanta, if they scored [before then], the game could’ve been different. That’s why they wanted to bring me here to create chances to score goals—not even to score goals but to be involved. For example, taking the pass, where it was close to being offside before what they took it back, but these moments are ones I wanted to be a part of, that I feel comfortable in, to help the team, and get these fun moments back. I think these are moments in the game where I have fun, especially at the end when you win the game. It was tough to also play well on the training pitch. I’m still only sleeping six hours every night, but it’s worth it to play in front of this crowd and to enjoy the football year and win it here.”
On connecting with Ousseni Bouda for the assist and finish:
“At halftime, I went to Bouda because I knew he’s quick as well. When I was looking to play through on the wing or somewhere else, I had him as my first option to pass the ball, and I said that he should go straight to goal. It doesn’t matter what happens, he shouldn’t stop, because they send the ball to the first post in the middle of the goal. Sometimes it happens, sometimes not. But this time, it worked out pretty well, so it was exactly like how I imagined it to be. After the game and after the goal, he came to me and said, ‘Yes! That’s my style of football!’ I think I have to get to know the other players and how they want to play football, and they have to get to know how I play football. I think if we can align on one point, then it looks like the goal [we scored].”
On stepping up as a leader for the team:
“I think I have to. That’s what they expect from me, not only because I played that many games in the highest level in Europe, but also with my age. I turn 30 in a few days, so with experience like that, you have to be a leader, and you have to going forward. We talk about Beau [Leroux] and Niko [Tsakiris]; they’re young players. We have other young players who are responsible, and I think they should not feel responsible. They should enjoy football. When I was 22, I played in Leipzig. I had my best years until I was 26 and 27. I had my best years in terms of enjoying football because I had no pressure. That’s what they should do. I think they should play without pressure. They shouldn’t be a leader. They should only enjoy themselves, and that’s what I’m here for: to be a leader and help these guys. I think now, after three days, it would be all over the place. If I come here and tell people what they should do, that would be crazy. I think that has to settle in the next few weeks and get to know people better and how you can talk to them. Some of them, you have to be a bit careful. Some of them, they need it a bit more direct, and that’s how you get to know people. I want to be a leader, but not like screaming at someone, more like helping them.”
On his personal expectations for himself for the rest of the season:
“Coming here, and I think everybody can see that people were very excited to see me play, and that makes me pretty confident to say that it was absolutely the right decision to come here. Of course, being away from Germany, you are always a bit unsure of where you’re going, but this makes you pretty confident, and especially helping the team with this assist today was also me giving something back. Thanks to the people here who helped me now in the first few days. It’s only a good sign for the next games when you have a welcome like this, and also for the for the rest of the season. I’ve never had, in my career, an aim for the season. I go with the flow. At the end, the assist, like today, the goals, they will come. I want to enjoy the football with the guys. I want to win something with the guys. I think everybody could see in the last two games that we are able to. The season is long. There are enough competitions to play in. I think in the moment, the first thing you want to do is to reach your [teammates], and then that’s my aim as well. How many goals I score? How many assists I get? I think it’s that’s another story.”
####
Quakes Communications Contacts:
Ryan Maquiñana – Director, PR & Communications
RMaquinana@sjearthquakes.com
C: 650.243.8523
Delmy Barillas – Manager, PR & Communications
DBarillas@sjearthquakes.com
C: 424.240.8006
PRESS RELEASE:
Feb. 21, 2026
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 3, Sporting Kansas City 0
San Jose starts season with shutout victory; Daniel Munie brace, Preston Judd goal put Quakes in driver’s seat before hour mark; Black and Blue host Atlanta United FC next Saturday for Grateful Dead Night
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Sporting Kansas City 3-0 on Saturday night at PayPal Park in their 2026 Major League Soccer season and home opener in front of 16,367 fans.
San Jose struck first in the 42nd minute when Preston Judd headed a corner kick off SKC goalkeeper John Pulskamp and Daniel Munie tapped in the rebound to make it 1-0. Then in the first minute of first-half stoppage time, the Earthquakes doubled their advantage when in transition, Niko Tsakiris found Jamar Ricketts on the left wing, whose low cross was finished in the back of the net by a sliding Judd.
Up 2-0 after the break, the Quakes added a third goal in minute 54 when Reid Roberts tracked down a loose ball near the corner flag. He pushed the ball to Beau Leroux in the box, whose cross from the right was tracked down by Munie for a glancing header for the final 3-0 margin. Daniel and the back line, who faced only one shot on goal all game, closed out the match for the first clean sheet of 2026.
The Black and Blue continue their opening homestand on Saturday, Feb. 28, against Atlanta United FC for Grateful Dead Night at PayPal Park, where they will debut The Dead Kit, their new psychedelic secondary jerseys that were designed in collaboration with the iconic Bay Area band. Kickoff will take place at 4:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally via Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as local radio on KSFO 810 AM (English) and KZSF 1370 AM (Spanish).
MATCH SUMMARY | WATCH GAME
GAME NOTES
With the result, San Jose opens their 2026 MLS regular season with a win and all three points to move to 1-0-0 (3 GF, 0 GA). Sporting Kansas City goes to 0-1-0 (0 GF, 3 GA).
San Jose moves to 28-33-10 (91 GF, 95 GA) against Sporting Kansas City in regular-season play with a 19-9-8 (55 GF, 38 GA) record at home.
Bruce Arena won his 274th regular-season MLS game to extend his league record among head coaches. The late great Sigi Schmid is second with 240.
Tonight’s giveaway was 5,000 full-size soccer balls as part of the Quakes’ One Ball Can Change a Life campaign to donate at least 15,000 balls to the local community in 2026.
Before the match, there was a special #BayAreaUnite First Kick to celebrate the biggest year in American soccer history with representatives from local pro teams participating in the festivities:
Bay FC – Brandi Chastain
Golden State Warriors – Kelenna Azubuike
San Francisco 49ers – Tom Rathman
San Francisco Giants – Hunter Pence
Firing the ceremonial Earthquakes pregame siren as the players walk onto the field was England World Cup legend and longtime Liverpool FC star John Barnes.
The Quakes wore a black “VC” patch on the right shoulder in memory of Head Sporting Strategist Vassili Cremanzidis, who tragically passed away at age 36 earlier this month. Cremanzidis’ family flew in from his hometown of Montréal and participated in the starting 11 photo before kickoff.
The Quakes also donned a “USA 250” patch on the chest to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Daniel Munie’s first and second goals of the season in the 42nd and 54th minute were his third and fourth career league goals.
Preston Judd’s goal in the first minute of first-half stoppage time was his first of the season and 12th of his MLS career.
Jamar Ricketts’ primary assist in the first minute of first-half stoppage time was his first of the season and fourth of his MLS career.
Niko Tsakiris’ secondary assist in the first minute of first-half stoppage time was his first of the season and fourth of his MLS career.
Beau Leroux’s 54th-minute primary assist was his first of the season and fifth of his MLS career.
Reid Roberts’ 54th-minute secondary assist was his first of the season and fifth of his MLS career.
Daniel earned his first clean sheet of the season and 10th of his MLS career.
Jonathan González, a Bay Area native from Santa Rosa, made his Earthquakes debut in the 83rd minute, replacing Beau Leroux.
San Jose Earthquakes 3 – 0 Sporting Kansas City
Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 — PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 51°F Mostly Clear
Attendance: 16,367
NorCal Honda Dealers Man of the Match: Daniel Munie
*all stats unofficial
Match Officials:
Referee: Alexis Da Silva
AR1: Chris Wattam
AR2: Jeffrey Swartzel
4th Official: Elijio Arreguin
VAR: Edvin Jurisevic
AVAR: Robert Schaap
Scoring Summary:
SJ (1-0) – Daniel Munie (unassisted) 42’
SJ (2-0) – Preston Judd (Jamar Ricketts, Niko Tsakiris) 45+1’
SJ (3-0) – Daniel Munie (Beau Leroux, Reid Roberts) 54’
Misconduct Summary:
SJ – Daniel Munie (caution) 36’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); DeJuan Jones (Vítor Costa 71’), Reid Roberts, Daniel Munie, Benji Kikanović; Ronaldo Vieira (C) (Ian Harkes 66’), Beau Leroux (Jonathan Gonzalez 83’), Niko Tsakiris; Jamar Ricketts (Paul Marie 83’), Ousseni Bouda, Preston Judd (Jack Skahan 71’).
Substitutes not used: Francesco Montali (GK), Nonso Adimabua, Nick Fernandez, Dave Romney.
POSS.: 44.9%; SHOTS: 18; SOG: 6; CORNERS: 15; OFFSIDES: 0; SAVES: 1; FOULS: 16; xG: 3.9
SPORTING KANSAS CITY: John Pulskamp (GK); Ian James, Justin Reynolds (Kwaku Agyabeng 38’), Wyatt Meyer, Jayden Reid; Manu Garcia, Jake Davis, Jacob Bartlett, Calvin Harris (Taylor Calheira 90+1’), Shapi Suleymanov (Jansen Miller 68’); Dejan Joveljic (C).
Substitutes not used: Stefan Cleveland (GK), Ethan Bartlow, Shane Donovan, Zamir Loyo Reynaga, Cielo Tschantret.
POSS.: 55.1%; SHOTS:7; SOG: 1; CORNERS: 3; OFFSIDES: 1; SAVES: 3; FOULS: 12; xG: 0.5
EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA
On starting the 2026 season with a victory:
“I think opening at home, it’s important to get three points, and we accomplished that. The performance wasn’t perfect, but it was a good performance. It’s a performance that gives our team confidence and we can continue to grow as a team. Next week, we have a very good opponent in Atlanta [United FC], and that’ll be challenging. Hopefully we can get better over the next week and be able to deal with it.”
On the team’s defensive performance tonight:
“We’re pretty athletic in the back. We have good pace. I thought Reid Roberts and [Daniel] Munie were very good. Our outside back played well. [Ronaldo] Vieira is a good, solid player in the central part of midfield. Defensively, we’re pretty solid against a team that, to their credit, they move the ball pretty well. They weren’t that dangerous in the final third, but they’re a possession team, and they made us work.”
On defender Daniel Munie scoring a brace tonight:
“If you told me Daniel Munie was going to score two goals tonight, I would have told you you’re crazy. The corner kick, the first one was just simple instincts and understanding his role on corners here. The second one was just in the right position in front of the goal, and a very good header.”
On Preston Judd and the remaining forwards picking up the scoring slack from last season:
“He’s a classic target type of No. 9, but he scores goals. Last year he had seven goals—I think statistically it was something like not even 700 minutes—so he probably was a more prolific goalscorer than the players we lost, so we know he can score goals. We think [Ousseni] Bouda has that potential that well, and hopefully we’re going to get some goalscoring out of Timo Werner when he arrives.”
“If you don’t give up goals, you don’t have to score 60 goals. And when you score 60 goals, you should win more games. And when you concede 60-something goals, it doesn’t add up real well. Defending well is certainly a priority, and I think we’re capable of getting goals.”
On the anticipation of Timo Werner’s arrival:
“Hopefully he’s going to make our team better. We’ll continue to try to improve our roster. The reason we didn’t do much in the offseason was because we felt that this group of players that we have has great potential. In time, they’ll be very good players. I think you saw some of that tonight.”
EARTHQUAKES DEFENDER DANIEL MUNIE
On opening the season with a win:
“It’s great. You want to start the season off with three points, especially at home in front of our fans. I feel like this is going to be a good reason why you guys should show up every single game, and we’re going to need you guys to support throughout the whole year. And like I said earlier, it’s going to be important to win all the games at home and win three points. It’s a good start, and it feels good.”
On scoring a brace:
“The goals are great, but I think most importantly, getting a shutout was probably most important, especially after last year, we didn’t get many shutouts. Especially starting off the season right, and it showed in preseason, when we got a few shutouts throughout preseason. I think that’s very important, and it’s going to be important for us going forward.”
“It’s a good service, good delivery from our teammates, and good, hard runs from everyone. I think a lot of goals come from inside the six-[yard box]. It doesn’t have to be pretty. Getting a gritty goal, as my boy Preston [Judd] would always say. Very happy on the score.”
On Ronaldo Vieira as the new captain:
“Rony was the captain tonight. He’s a guy that has a lot of experience, and a guy that we’re going to lean on throughout the whole year and help us with his leadership. I think we got a lot of guys in our locker room that can lead the team, and I think we have a fun, energetic group. It’s going to be exciting to watch.”
On the success of playing in a different formation from the 2025 season:
“We did change formation. We were in three back last year and moved to a four now. I think it worked well throughout preseason. We have a good connection right now, and I’m very happy with how it transpired today. I think we didn’t really give up too many chances either. I feel like we kind of kept the play in front of us. It’s a good job shifting, good communication, because you’re going to need communication from everyone; it’s not just the back six. I think it’s going to be also the front guys working there, working their tails off. It took every single one of us good effort from everyone. I’m looking forward to how the year goes.”
On Niko Tsakiris’ confidence on the field:
“It’s great. We have a lot of confidence in him, and we know what he can do, what he’s capable of. He maybe didn’t get as many minutes as he wanted last year, but maybe he has something to prove. I feel like he’s doing a great job, and I feel like the whole team has a lot of confidence and in him. We’re looking forward to seeing what he can do, because he can do so much for us.”
####
Quakes Communications Contacts:
Ryan Maquiñana – Director, PR & Communications
RMaquinana@sjearthquakes.com
C: 650.243.8523
Delmy Barillas – Manager, PR & Communications
DBarillas@sjearthquakes.com
C: 424.240.8006
To see more action click here or go to the image galleries tab up above on the left side.
To see more action click here or go to the image galleries tab up above on the left side.
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Town FC secured a bid to the Western Conference Semifinals after routing the reigning MLS NEXT Pro champion, North Texas SC.
No. 2-seeded TTFC earned the right to host the Quarterfinals match after finishing the regular season with 52 points on a 14-8-6 record. North Texas SC, the No. 6 seed, had previously defeated The Town FC in April, and was looking for a steep upset at PayPal Park.
TTFC showed why it was crowned Pacific Division champion, scoring in both halves and shutting out North Texas SC to the tune of a 3-0 victory. Defender Max Floriani played all 90 minutes and found TTFC’s first breakthrough in the 32nd minute after heading in a corner kick.
Missael Rodríguez took advantage of a North Texas turnover in the 48th minute to set up an offensive attack for The Town FC. After Nick Fernandez’s shot was saved, Rodríguez located the miss and deflected the ball into the net to give TTFC a commanding 2-0 lead.
Fernandez capped off The Town FC’s big day with an impressive 82nd-minute goal that saw him launch a left-footed missile from the top of the 18-yard box to put the cap on a dominant playoff victory. The Town FC outshot North Texas 22-3, and only allowed one shot on goal.
TO THE MAX:
Floriani hasn’t been with TTFC the entire season, but the No. 2 MLS SuperDraft pick showed his ability to be at the right place, at the right time. His 32nd-minute goal was his first tally as a member of The Town FC and as a professional player.
RODRÍGUEZ REIGN:
Rodríguez was one of The Town FC’s most consistent players during the regular season, notching seven goals, the second-most on the team. He led TTFC with five shots on Saturday, displaying his offensive traits that helped The Town FC finish tied for the best goal-differential in the Western Conference (plus-23).
NICK’S KICKS:
Fernandez, like Floriani, burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2025, even spending time with the first-team Earthquakes during the regular season. Fernandez’s first career playoff goal followed a regular season that featured seven goals and three assists in 16 matches played.
Fernandez also scored in The Town FC’s final regular season game against Austin, giving him goals in back-to-back games.
MOVING ON:
Similar to the Quarterfinals round, the Semifinals matchups will depend on which teams the highest remaining seeds in each conference pick to face. St. Louis CITY2 is the highest seed in the West, and its pick will decide who The Town FC plays next.
MATCH INFORMATION
2025 MLS NEXT Pro Season
The Town FC 3 – 0 North Texas SC
PayPal Park
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Scoring Summary:
TTFC (1-0) — M. Floriani 32’
TTFC (2-0) — M. Rodríguez 48’
TTFC (3-0) — N. Fernandez 82’
Misconduct Summary:
NTX — A. Ramírez (Caution) 27’
NTX — M. Cisset (Caution) 58’
NTX — A. Urzua (Caution) 68’
The Town FC: F. Montali (GK), A. Mbumba, M. Floriani, A. Cano, W. Eisner, E. Mendoza, N. Fernandez (K. Spivey – 88’), C. Medina (R. Rajagopal – 88’), R. Lynch (C. Cowell – 78’), N. Adimabua (J. Donnery – 78’), M. Rodríguez (K. Walwyn-Bent – 90 + 1’)
Substitutes not used: D. Baptista, R. Ibarra, Y. Kikuchi, L. Ulrich
SHOTS: 22; SHOTS ON GOAL: 7; FOULS: 14; CORNER KICKS: 8; SAVES: 1
North Texas SC: J. Harms (GK), G. Gall (Z. Molomo – 84’), M. Cisset, Á. Augusto, J. Dubois (F. Sangare – 32’), C. Swann (S. Sedeh – 79’), A. Essel, A. Urzua, D. García, J. Contreras, D. García
Substitutes not used: N. Arango Montoya, D. Baran, J. Bulkeley, C. Salazar
SHOTS: 3; SHOTS ON GOAL: 1; FOULS: 19; CORNER KICKS: 2; SAVES: 4
PRESS RELEASE:
Sept. 20, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, St. Louis CITY SC 3
San Jose unable to overcome early deficit; Quakes go on the road next Saturday to face San Diego FC
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes fell to St. Louis CITY SC 3-1 on Saturday at PayPal Park in Major League Soccer regular-season play in front of 15,337 fans.
The visitors opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Brendan McSorley poked home a João Klauss cross to make it 1-0. St. Louis doubled their advantage in the 19th minute when McSorley headed down an aerial and Marcel Hartel curled it off the bounce from the arc into the back of the net.
In the 29th minute, the Quakes answered when CITY SC right winger Celio Pompeo fouled Cristian Arango in the box, prompting referee Sergii Demianchuk to award San Jose a penalty kick. “Chicho” converted from the spot two minutes later to cut the lead in half, 2-1. McSorley added a second goal in the 45th minute by heading in a Hartel cross from the right wing to extend the St. Louis lead back to 3-1 before the halftime whistle.
The Quakes showed resolve after intermission and assailed the opposing net, eventually amassing 23 total shots and 11 on goal. But St. Louis goalkeeper Roman Bürki was a stalwart in net, making nine saves on the night and keeping San Jose to one goal before the final whistle.
The Black and Blue now travel to Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 27, to face San Diego FC. Kickoff 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 on KSFO 810 AM (English) and 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
With the result, San Jose is now 11th in the MLS Western Conference with 35 points (9-14-8). Meanwhile St. Louis is 13th with 28 points (7-17-7).
The Quakes are now 0-6-0 (4 GF, 14 GA) against St. Louis in MLS regular-season play with an 0-3-0 (3 GF, 7 GA) record at home.
With one goal tonight, San Jose remains in the top four in MLS with 56 team goals scored.
In the 31st minute, Quakes forward Cristian “Chicho” Arango scored his team-leading 13th goal this season and 66th of his MLS career. He has netted five goals in just three matches against CITY SC.
Tonight was Filipino Heritage Night at PayPal Park, with several Filipino-American luminaries on hand to watch the game, namely halftime musical performer and recording artist P-Lo, 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup goalscorer Sarina Bolden, 2026 FIFA World Cup Bay Area poster artist LeRoid David, UFC featherweight contender Hyder Amil, NBC Bay Area anchor Audrey Asistio and Señor Sisig co-founders Evan Kidera and Gil Payumo.
In honor of Kick Childhood Cancer Month, seven-year-old leukemia survivor Misha Gottesman was tonight’s Honorary Captain and walked out onto the field with Quakes captain Cristian Espinoza. Gottesman signed a one-day contract earlier this week to be an Earthquake for a Day.
A trio of Quakes have close connections to St. Louis. Assistant Coach Steve Ralston attended nearby Oakville High and Forest Park Community College before embarking on a legendary MLS playing career. Defender Daniel Munie, from Maryland Heights, played for St. Louis Scott Gallagher and Saint Louis FC as a youth. Finally, defender Max Floriani starred at Saint Louis University before San Jose drafted him second overall in this year’s MLS SuperDraft.
San Jose Earthquakes 1 – 3 St. Louis CITY SC
Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025 — PayPal Park; San Jose, Calif.
Weather: 70°F Clear
Attendance: 15,337
*all stats unofficial
Match Officials:
Referee: Sergii Demianchuk
AR1: Ryan Graves
AR2: Felisha Mariscal
4th Official: Ricardo Fierro
VAR: Michael Radchuk
AVAR: Jonathan Johnson
Scoring Summary:
STL (0-1) – Brendan McSorley (Joao Klauss, Chris Durkin ) 10’
STL (0-2) – Marcel Hartel (Brendan McSorley, Chris Durkin) 19’
SJ (1-2) – Cristian “Chicho” Arango (penalty kick ) 31’
STL (1-3) – Brendan McSorley (Marcel Hartel) 45’
Misconduct Summary:
SJ – Ronaldo Vieira (caution) 45+2’
SJ – Preston Judd (caution) 72’
SJ – Benji Kikanović (caution) 81’
STL – Simon Becher (caution) 81’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Bruno Wilson (Josef Martínez 63’), Dave Romney, Daniel Munie; Vítor Costa (Jamar Ricketts 79’), Ronaldo Vieira, Mark-Anthony Kaye (Benji Kikanović 63’); Ousseni Bouda, Cristian Espinoza (C) (Jack Skahan 89’); Chicho Arango, Preston Judd (Beau Leroux 79’).
Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK); Max Floriani, Ian Harkes, Rodrigues.
POSS.: 56%; SHOTS: 23; SOG: 11; CORNERS: 11; OFFSIDES: 0; SAVES: 3; FOULS: 16; xG: 4.9
ST. LOUIS CITY SC: Roman Bürki (GK) (C); Devin Padelford, Conrad Wallem, Kyle Hiebert, Timo Baumgarti; Chris Durkin (Seth Antwi 82’), Eduard Löwen, Celio Pompeu (Mykhi Joyner 46’), Marcel Hartel (Alfredo Morales 88’), Brendan McSorley (Tomas Totland 78’); João Klauss (Simon Becher 79’).
Substitutes not used: Ben Lundt (GK), Jaziel Orozco, Tomas Ostrak, Josh Yaro.
POSS.: 44%; SHOTS: 18; SOG: 6; CORNERS: 3; OFFSIDES: 2; SAVES: 9; FOULS: 13; xG: 2.5
EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA
On the team’s performance tonight:
“[It’s] the same problem we’ve had all year. We’ve had a very difficult time with our defending in front of the goal. And oddly enough, it’s something we place a lot of attention on, and we can’t get it right with our back line. They have not done a good job marking people, to be very honest about it. It’s at a point where it’s very surprising to us what we’re seeing.”
On the team’s defensive mistakes tonight:
“You could put 10 [players] back there. If they don’t mark anybody in front of the goal, it doesn’t matter. They’re all in position to make plays. A guy that’s never started the game in the league has scored two goals tonight. Credit to [Brendan McSorley].”
On the Quakes’ goal differential after a strong attacking performance this season:
“There’s no consistency throughout the year. Even though we started with two wins, we’ve been up and down the entire year. … We do score some goals. We score as many goals as most teams in the league. Our issue has been defending, paying the price.”
EARTHQUAKES TEAM CAPTAIN CRISTIAN ESPINOZA
On how to keep a leader mentality:
“I try to give a positive message and push all of us together. I know that my teammates are trying to do their best, but at this point of the season we need more from everybody.”
On the overall defending of the team:
“Defense is not just from the defenders. We all need to defend players. We have so many good players, but if we don’t work as a team we don’t achieve anything. The only one way is for everybody to run, everybody to defend, and then everybody attacks.”
On testing different tactical formations:
“I think that we have experienced so many changes tactically. We’ve been working, I think, the whole year with the back three. Then last game we played 4-3-3. I think that we work really hard to get the tactics right. In some games we are able to do it, and some not. I think we all need to step up in those situations.”
On the team’s focus heading into the final stretch of games:
“We are hesitating too much when the game starts. We don’t take risks, we don’t go forward, and we don’t play well. When do score, we try to go forward, we try to take risks. At some point we have to take the risk from the beginning. The responsibility is 100% on us as the players.”
####
Earthquakes Communications Contacts:
Ryan Maquiñana – Director, Communications
rmaquinana@sjearthquakes.com
C: 650.243.8523
Jake Jansing – Coordinator, Communications
jjansing@sjearthquakes.com
C: 408.425.1329
PRESS RELEASE:
Sept. 13, 2025
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 2, LAFC 4
San Jose falls behind early as comeback bid falls short in front of club-record crowd of 50,978 fans; Quakes return to PayPal Park Sept. 20 vs. St. Louis CITY SC
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes fell to LAFC 4-2 on Saturday at Levi’s® Stadium in Major League Soccer regular-season play in front of 50,978 fans, breaking the all-time club standalone attendance record set in 2019.
The visitors struck first with three goals in the initial 12 minutes. Son Heung-min opened the scoring in the first minute, finishing off a feed from Artem Smoliakov. Denis Bouanga then added a brace in the ninth and 12th minutes to triple LAFC’s advantage.
San Jose finally answered the bell in the 18th minute when Cristian “Chicho” Arango slalomed through multiple defenders and pushed the ball ahead to Preston Judd for the finish to make it 3-1 before the half’s conclusion.
After intermission, the Quakes pushed for a comeback but Bouanga added an insurance goal in the 87th minute for LAFC. San Jose scored off an own goal in the 90th minute by Sergi Palencia that originated from a Benji Kikanović cross to serve as the final margin, 4-2.
The Black and Blue now return to PayPal Park Saturday, Sept. 20, to face St. Louis CITY SC. Kickoff 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 on 107.7 FM The Bone (English) and KZSF 1370 AM La Kaliente (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
Tonight’s crowd of 50,978 broke the Earthquakes’ all-time standalone record of 50,850, set on June 29, 2019, when San Jose beat the LA Galaxy 3-0 at Stanford Stadium. With the most recent Cali Clasico on June 28 against the Galaxy drawing 42,881 fans at Stanford as well, the Quakes hosted two of the eight highest-attended regular-season matches in all MLS this season—and the only two games on that list west of the Mississippi River.
TOP 10 LARGEST STANDALONE HOME ATTENDANCES IN EARTHQUAKES HISTORY*^
1) 50,978 – Quakes vs. LAFC at Levi’s® Stadium, Sept. 13, 2025
2) 50,850 – Quakes vs. LA Galaxy at Stanford Stadium, June 29, 2019
3) 50,816 – Quakes vs. LA Galaxy at Stanford Stadium, June 25, 2016
4) 50,743 – Quakes vs. LA Galaxy at Stanford Stadium, June 30, 2018
5) 50,675 – Quakes vs. Chivas de Guadalajara at Levi’s® Stadium, July 27, 2024
6) 50,617 – Quakes vs. LA Galaxy at Stanford Stadium, July 1, 2017
7) 50,422 – Quakes vs. LA Galaxy at Stanford Stadium, June 27, 2015
8) 50,391 – Quakes vs. LA Galaxy at Stanford Stadium, June 30, 2012
9) 50,028 – Quakes vs. LA Galaxy at Stanford Stadium, June 29, 2013
10) 50,006 – Quakes vs. LA Galaxy at Stanford Stadium, June 28, 2014
TOP 10 LARGEST HOME ATTENDANCES IN 2025 MLS REGULAR SEASON TO DATE
1) 65,520 – Atlanta United FC vs. CF Montreal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Feb. 22
2) 62,358 – Chicago Fire FC vs. Inter Miami CF at Soldier Field, April 13
3) 60,614 – Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami CF at Huntington Bank Field, April 19
4) 60,005 – Atlanta United FC vs. Charlotte FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, July 19
5) 51,002 – Charlotte FC vs. Atlanta United FC at Bank of America Stadium, March 1
6) 50,978 – Quakes vs. LAFC at Levi’s® Stadium, Sept. 13
7) 43,293 – New England Revolution vs. Inter Miami CF at Gillette Stadium, July 9
8) 42,881 – Quakes vs. LA Galaxy at Stanford Stadium, June 28
9) 42,844 – Atlanta United FC vs. Inter Miami CF at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, March 16
10) 42,562 – Atlanta United FC vs. New York Red Bulls at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, March 8
*The Quakes drew 73,123 fans for a regular-season game vs. D.C. United on July 4, 1999, at Stanford Stadium as the first game of a doubleheader with the U.S. Women’s National Team and Brazil during the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
^The Quakes drew 61,572 fans for a regular-season game vs. the Columbus Crew on June 25, 2009, at Candlestick Park as the first game of a doubleheader with FC Barcelona and Chivas de Guadalajara.
With the result, San Jose still occupies the ninth and final playoff spot in the MLS Western Conference with 35 points (9-13-8). Meanwhile LAFC is fifth with 44 points (12-7-8).
The Quakes are now 7-12-1 (31 GF, 51 GA) against LAFC in MLS regular-season play with a 6-3-0 (19 GF, 19 GA) record at home.
Preston Judd’s 18th-minute goal was his seventh of the season in MLS play and 11th of his career.
Chicho Arango’s 18th-minute assist was his seventh of the season in MLS play and 28th of his career. He increased his tally to five goal contributions (2g/3a) in just four meetings with LAFC.
The Quakes snapped a six-game unbeaten streak in all competitions at Levi’s® Stadium tonight (4-0-2).
San Jose Earthquakes 2 – 4 Los Angeles Football Club
Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 — Levi’s® Stadium; Santa Clara, California
Weather: 69°F Sunny
Attendance: 50,978 (new club standalone record)
*all stats unofficial
Match Officials:
Referee: Rubiel Vazquez
AR1: Gerard-Kader Lebuis
AR2: Kevin Lock
4th Official: Malik Badawi
VAR: David Barrie
AVAR: Joshua Patlak
Scoring Summary:
LAFC (0-1) – Heung Min Son (Artem Smoliakov, Marky Delgado ) 1’
LAFC (0-2) – Denis Bouanga (unassisted) 9’
LAFC (0-3) – Denis Bouanga (Sergi Palencia) 12’
SJ (1-3) – Preston Judd (Cristian “Chicho” Arango ) 18’
LAFC (1-4) – Denis Bouanga (Sergi Palencia) 87’
SJ (2-4) – Sergi Palencia (own goal) 90’
Misconduct Summary:
SJ – Chicho Arango (caution) 21’
SJ – Ronaldo Vieira (caution) 57’
LAFC – Ryan Porteous (caution) 67’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel (GK); Dave Romney, Daniel Munie, Vítor Costa (Jamar Ricketts 81’), Ronaldo Vieira, Rodrigues (Benji Kikanović 60’); Ian Harkes (Noel Buck 81’), Beau Leroux (Ousseni Bouda 60’); Chicho Arango, Cristian Espinoza, Preston Judd (Josef Martínez 66’).
Substitutes not used: Earl Edwards Jr. (GK); Max Floriani, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Bruno Wilson.
POSS.: 63.8%; SHOTS: 18; SOG: 4; CORNERS: 10; OFFSIDES: 0; SAVES: 2; FOULS: 11; xG: 1.9
LOS ANGELES FOOTBALL CLUB: Hugo Lloris (GK); Ryan Porteous, Nkosi Tafari, Artem Smoliakov (Ryan Hollingshead 72’), Sergi Palencia; Eddie Segura, Mark Delgado (Frankie Amaya 86’), Mathieu Choiniere; Denis Bouanga, Timothy Tillman (Andrew Moran 72’), Heung Min Son (David Martinez 79’).
Substitutes not used: Thomas Hasal (GK), Kenneth Nielsen, Ryan Raposo, Adrian Wilbowo, Yaw Yeboah.
POSS.: 36.2%; SHOTS: 9; SOG: 6; CORNERS: 2; OFFSIDES: 2; SAVES: 3; FOULS: 14; xG: 2.9
EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA
On playing in front of a record-breaking crowd:
“I think the crowd tonight shows what a great area this is for soccer in this country. It’s going to be a great venue for the World Cup, and I thank our soccer community for coming out and supporting us tonight. I wish we could have put on a better show, but I think LAFC did. Give them a lot of credit, but a crowd like this is nothing but positive for our franchise and the league.”
On preparing for the remaining four games to make a playoff push:
“I’m preparing a team to try to win these last four games. If we come out the way we did tonight, we’re not going to win any of them. So hopefully, I’d like to say we can learn something from this, but this has been a bit of a broken record this year, some of the mistakes we’ve made.”
On LAFC scoring three goals in 12 minutes:
“I have to accept the responsibility that we have two of our better players in [Chicho] Arango and [Cristian] Espinoza turning the ball over right in the opening minute of the game that helped create their goal. We have to be better to start a game. They’re veteran players and they have to be a little bit sharper. You got to give the opponent credit, to turn that into a goal. But poor playing on our part, and having a team step on the field and play the way we did in the open minutes of the games, it’s on me. I’m quite surprised at the way we stepped on the field in the opening minutes of the game.”
On coming into the second half of the game:
“There’s a lot of ways to look at it. If you’re the other team in the locker room at halftime, you basically have the game won, and you can play pretty smart and conservative in the second half and don’t open yourselves up. I don’t give us that many pats on the back for being maybe in control of the game in the second half, because the only way they decide winners in this game from all my years of being involved is the scoreboard. We won all the other categories, but I don’t know if we get any prizes for that. LAFC played a smart second half. We needed to get the second goal to really scare them a little bit, and we weren’t able to do that.”
EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER IAN HARKES
On playing in front of a club-record breaking crowd at Levi’s Stadium:
“It’s incredible to see. It’s my first time playing at Levi’s. Talking to the players before, they always said it was a special game. I just think we wanted to reward the fans that came out. We’re sorry that we didn’t today. We were disappointed with ourselves, and they had a great showing. Just want to say thank you to everyone that did come out, and hopefully they stick with us, because we have to push for these next four games. We still believe, and we can’t give up. We can’t let this carry over into the last four games.”
“It was a great atmosphere. We were so happy for all the fans to come out and for us to play in there, obviously that kind of scoreline deflates it right away for the players. We really shot ourselves in the foot from the start.”
On tonight’s formation change against LAFC to go with a back line of four defenders:
“We haven’t played a back four for a long time, but we had a whole week to work on it. I think we felt pretty good, and we wanted to isolate Rodrigues, because he played really well against [Denis] Bouanga the first time when we went away against LAFC. The way they shaped up was a little different, and he didn’t receive the ball too much in the touchline. They were running behind a lot. I think we were a little naïve in the way we approached that and didn’t really change.”
On the team’s mentality tonight as they push for a spot in the playoffs:
“Everyone wanted to push and get back into it. Cristian [Espinoza’s] work rate is relentless. He always finds assists and balls into the box. Give Preston [Judd] a lot of credit. Throughout this whole season, he’s shown up in big moments in terms of stealing points for us and also getting game winning goals and everything like that. We always knew that he was going to be lurking, and we’re happy that he got the goal back, and unfortunately, just couldn’t get that next one at the right time.”
“I think we all have good qualities to play off of each other. I think it was working well, besides the goals. I know that’s stupid to say, but we did control a lot of the game. … I wish the scoreline was different from the start, because I think we controlled a lot. We’re just going to continue to keep working on those relationships, and we can play a lot of different formations based off of our different qualities.”
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Earthquakes Communications Contacts:
Ryan Maquiñana – Director, Communications
rmaquinana@sjearthquakes.com
C: 650.243.8523
Jake Jansing – Coordinator, Communications
jjansing@sjearthquakes.com
C: 408.425.1329