- Head-to-head: San Diego FC have not won their last home head-to-head with the Quakes.
- Recent form: San Diego FC have won four of their last five, with no defeats in the last two.
- Quakes form: San Jose Earthquakes are winless in five, with four defeats in that run.
San Diego FC will be ready for Quakes
San Diego FC will feel ready for San Jose Earthquakes this Thursday, as the San Diego outfit have won their last three home games in a row with no draws or defeats in that spell. They have enjoyed a good home record throughout MLS 2026, with six wins, three draws and three defeats from 12 games played.
Mikey Varas has shaped SDFC since 18 September 2024, and his press-and-possession blueprint has seen them score 30 goals in 12 home matches in MLS 2026. This will be a chess game between San Diego FC's fluid 4-3-3, vertical passing, measured high press and San Jose's high-energy pressing, direct counter play.
San Jose have been more than decent on the road in MLS 2026, posting six wins, two draws and just three defeats away from home. They will not be afraid to come to Snapdragon Stadium, USA and get on the front foot – especially as San Diego FC have not won their last head-to-head with the visitors, so the San Jose players know they can burst this balloon.
Quakes are looking for a rhythm
Leadership and rhythm
Bruce Arena has overseen San Jose Earthquakes since 1st January 2025, instilling his veteran game management into a group of players still searching for their rhythm.
Recent results and tactics
San Diego FC have had some bite in their recent results, with a 3-1 away defeat to Portland Timbers followed by home wins over Colorado Rapids 3-0 and LA Galaxy 3-1. In that pair of home wins, the team have scored six goals in those matches.
They will be looking to exploit San Diego's pressing shape on Thursday, but their own pressing shape is a work in progress since Arena's coaching reset.
San Diego FC are the superior side
The hosts sit 14th in the MLS 2026 table with 30 points from 22 matches, while San Jose are 9th with 34 points from 22 games. We see this match going San Diego's way as they are the better team and are in form. However, San Jose's good away record suggests that they should get something from this matchup and the odds are a little too short on the home side.
We're taking the visitors as an excellent long shot, while the goal markets suggest a lively encounter. We're going with Over 2.5 goals at 1.32 and BTTS – Yes at 1.35.
- Marcus Ingvartsen is the SDFC's most deadly finisher in MLS 2026, with 11 goals from 21 appearances in 2026, while San Jose's Preston Judd has an identical record, leading the way in their penalty box.
