Niko Tsakiris nets a brace in San Jose's shutout over San Diego

San Jose Earthquakes continue their best-ever start to the season with a 3-0 victory over 10-man San Diego FC.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 10:55am

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Niko Tsakiris scored two goals and Preston Judd added a goal and an assist as the San Jose Earthquakes cruised to a 3-0 victory over San Diego FC on Saturday night. The Earthquakes kept their fifth clean sheet of the season, with goalkeeper Daniel making only one save. San Diego was reduced to 10 men in the 32nd minute when defender Manu Duah was sent off for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.

Why it matters

The win extends San Jose's best-ever start to the MLS season, as they now sit atop the Western Conference with 15 points from 6 games. Meanwhile, San Diego suffers their second red card in as many matches, highlighting disciplinary issues that could hinder their playoff push.

The details

Tsakiris opened the scoring in the first half with a powerful shot from the left side of the penalty area. The game turned in the 32nd minute when Judd was fouled by Duah, leading to a red card for the San Diego defender. Tsakiris converted the resulting penalty to double San Jose's lead. Judd then added a third goal just before halftime, thumping in a first-time finish from close range.

  • The match was played on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • Tsakiris scored his goals in the first half.
  • Duah was sent off in the 32nd minute.
  • Judd scored in first-half stoppage time.

The players

Niko Tsakiris

A forward for the San Jose Earthquakes who scored two goals in the match.

Preston Judd

A midfielder for the San Jose Earthquakes who scored a goal and provided an assist.

Manu Duah

A defender for San Diego FC who was sent off in the 32nd minute for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.

Daniel

The goalkeeper for the San Jose Earthquakes who kept a clean sheet, making only one save.

Duran Ferree

The goalkeeper for San Diego FC who made 7 saves in the match.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to build on this strong start to the season. The team is playing with confidence and discipline, and we will look to maintain that going forward.”

— Niko Tsakiris, Forward, San Jose Earthquakes

“The red card was a pivotal moment, and we struggled to create chances after that. We need to learn from this defeat and bounce back quickly.”

— Manu Duah, Defender, San Diego FC

What’s next

San Jose will look to extend their lead atop the Western Conference when they host Real Salt Lake on April 12. San Diego will aim to rebound from this loss when they travel to face Portland Timbers on April 19.

The takeaway

San Jose's impressive start to the season has them firmly in control of the Western Conference, while San Diego's disciplinary issues could hinder their playoff aspirations if they cannot find a way to avoid costly red cards.