San Jose Earthquakes vs. San Diego FC

San Jose, Calif. (August 17, 2025) — The San Jose Earthquakes fought hard in their first-ever clash with San Diego FC at PayPal Park on Sunday night, but a pair of late goals from the visitors turned the match around as the Quakes fell 2-1.

San Jose came out on the front foot, generating several dangerous chances in the opening half. Cristian Espinoza tested goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos with a pair of threatening efforts, while Duan Jones caused problems down the right flank, forcing San Diego into last-ditch defending.

The pressure paid off after halftime. In the 61st minute, Josef Martínez capitalized on a defensive miscue to slot home the opening goal, giving San Jose a deserved 1-0 lead. The veteran striker’s finish was his reward for constant movement and pressing in the attacking third.

Despite the advantage, San Diego struck back in the final 20 minutes. Substitute Marcus Ingvartsen equalized in the 70th minute before Anders Dreier converted a breakaway chance in the 77th to complete the comeback.

The Quakes pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages, sending numbers forward and nearly finding the net through set pieces and late crosses, but San Diego’s defense held firm until the final whistle.

Head coach and players praised the team’s energy and fight despite the result, noting the importance of regrouping quickly for the stretch run.

The Earthquakes will look to bounce back in their next match as they continue their push for playoff positioning.