Earthquakes Advance in U.S. Open Cup Despite Red Card

San Jose beats USL's Phoenix Rising FC 2-0 to reach round of 16

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:54pm

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A fractured, cubist painting that breaks down a soccer match into sharp, overlapping geometric planes, with the ball and goal posts as the focal points of the dynamic, abstract composition.The Earthquakes' resilient U.S. Open Cup victory over Phoenix Rising FC is captured in a cubist, geometric illustration that deconstructs the match into a dynamic, multi-perspective work of art.San Jose Today

The San Jose Earthquakes defeated USL side Phoenix Rising FC 2-0 in the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, despite going down to 10 men late in the first half after Jonathan González was sent off. Goals from Nick Fernandez and Jack Jasinski propelled the Earthquakes to victory as they advanced to the round of 16 of the tournament.

Why it matters

The U.S. Open Cup is a prestigious knockout tournament that pits professional and amateur teams across the United States against each other. The Earthquakes' victory over a lower-division opponent despite playing a man down showcases the team's resilience and ability to grind out results, which will be crucial as they continue their campaign in the tournament.

The details

Fernandez opened the scoring in the 3rd minute with a powerful shot from the edge of the box after a short corner kick. Jasinski doubled the lead in the second half, finishing off a quick passing move started by a throw-in. The Earthquakes were forced to play the final 30 minutes a man down after González was shown a second yellow card, but they held on for the clean sheet victory.

  • The match was played on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
  • The Earthquakes will host Minnesota United in the round of 16 on April 28, 2026.

The players

Nick Fernandez

A 24-year-old midfielder who has featured in four games for the Earthquakes this season after spending much of 2025 with the team's MLS NEXT Pro squad.

Jack Jasinski

The Earthquakes' second-round draft pick in 2026, who scored the team's second goal against Phoenix Rising FC.

Jonathan González

The Earthquakes midfielder who was sent off with a second yellow card late in the first half.

Bruce Arena

The Earthquakes' head coach, who was positive about Fernandez's performance in the midfield.

Patrick Rakovsky

The goalkeeper for Phoenix Rising FC, who was unable to stop the Earthquakes' two goals.

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What they’re saying

“He's gotten in a little bit this year now, and he's been a good player. Probably his more comfortable natural position would be as a 10, but he's very versatile.”

— Bruce Arena, Head Coach, San Jose Earthquakes

What’s next

The Earthquakes will host Minnesota United in the round of 16 of the U.S. Open Cup on April 28, 2026.

The takeaway

The Earthquakes' victory over a lower-division opponent despite playing a man down for the final 30 minutes showcases the team's resilience and ability to grind out results, which will be crucial as they continue their campaign in the prestigious U.S. Open Cup tournament.