Daniel Munie's 2-goal effort powers Earthquakes past Sporting Kansas City

Defender scores brace as San Jose spoils Rapha Wicky's debut as Sporting KC head coach

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Defender Daniel Munie scored two goals to lead the San Jose Earthquakes to a 3-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City in the season opener for both teams. Preston Judd also scored for San Jose, which outshot Sporting KC 18-7 and had a 15-3 edge in corner kicks. Munie, the 10th overall pick in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft, recorded his first career brace after scoring just two goals in his previous 35 MLS games.

Why it matters

The win for San Jose spoiled the head coaching debut of Rapha Wicky for Sporting Kansas City, who is looking to turn around a team that missed the playoffs last season. The Earthquakes, meanwhile, are hoping Munie's breakout performance is a sign of things to come as they aim to improve on a disappointing 2025 campaign.

The details

Munie opened the scoring in the 42nd minute, tapping in a rebound on a corner kick. Judd then made it 2-0 just before halftime with a sliding left-footed shot. Munie extended the lead to 3-0 in the 54th minute with a header that bounced off the post and in. San Jose goalkeeper Daniel made one save to preserve the clean sheet.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 22, 2026.
  • Munie scored his first goal in the 42nd minute.
  • Judd scored in the first minute of stoppage time at the end of the first half.
  • Munie scored his second goal in the 54th minute.

The players

Daniel Munie

A 26-year-old defender for the San Jose Earthquakes who scored a brace in the season opener.

Preston Judd

A forward for the San Jose Earthquakes who scored a goal in the win.

Rapha Wicky

The new head coach of Sporting Kansas City, making his debut with the team.

Daniel

The goalkeeper for the San Jose Earthquakes who recorded a clean sheet.

John Pulskamp

The goalkeeper for Sporting Kansas City who made three saves in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This game highlighted the strong start to the season for the San Jose Earthquakes, led by a breakout performance from defender Daniel Munie. The loss was a disappointing debut for new Sporting Kansas City head coach Rapha Wicky, who will look to turn the team around after missing the playoffs in 2025.