San Jose Earthquakes hand San Diego FC first MLS loss of 2026 season

SDFC's unbeaten run ends with 3-0 road defeat at PayPal Park

Apr. 5, 2026 at 6:18am

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San Diego FC suffered their first loss of the 2026 MLS season, falling 3-0 on the road to the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night. Midfielder Niko Tsakiris scored twice, including a penalty kick, to lead San Jose to the victory at PayPal Park. SDFC also had defender Manu Duah sent off with a red card in the first half, further complicating their efforts to mount a comeback.

Why it matters

The loss snaps SDFC's unbeaten start to the season and ends their 11-game unbeaten run dating back to last year. It marks their first MLS road defeat since May 2025 and raises questions about the team's discipline and ability to bounce back from adversity after a third straight game with a red card.

The details

San Jose took the lead in the 13th minute when Tsakiris won the ball in the attacking half and fired a shot into the net. Duah was then sent off for a last-man foul in the 28th minute, leading to a San Jose penalty that Tsakiris converted. Beau Leroux added a third goal for the Earthquakes just before halftime to make it 3-0. SDFC struggled to create chances in the second half and were unable to mount a comeback.

  • The first goal came in the 13th minute.
  • The red card to Duah occurred in the 28th minute.
  • Tsakiris converted the penalty in the 34th minute.
  • Leroux scored the third goal in the 45+3 minute.

The players

Niko Tsakiris

A midfielder for the San Jose Earthquakes who scored two goals, including a penalty, in the victory over SDFC.

Manu Duah

A defender for San Diego FC who was sent off with a red card in the first half for a last-man foul, putting his team down a player for the remainder of the match.

Preston Judd

A forward for the San Jose Earthquakes who earned the penalty that led to the second goal and also scored the third goal before halftime.

Beau Leroux

A San Jose Earthquakes player who provided the assist on the third goal just before halftime.

Mikey Varas

The head coach of San Diego FC who acknowledged his team's poor performance and lack of discipline in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“No silver linings, we started the game really poorly with individual errors that lead to two goals conceded and a red card.”

— Mikey Varas, Head Coach, San Diego FC

“Too many guys not executing the way they should be, executing the way they have and too many young guys who are playing a little bit naive right now, we have to improve from there.”

— Mikey Varas, Head Coach, San Diego FC

What’s next

SDFC will look to bounce back when they host Minnesota United next Saturday, April 11, at Snapdragon Stadium.

The takeaway

This loss raises concerns about SDFC's discipline and ability to respond to adversity after a third straight game with a red card. The team will need to quickly regroup and refocus ahead of their next home match as they aim to get their season back on track.