You’d think a matchup between a brand-new expansion team and a founding MLS member would be a total blowout. Or at least a little predictable. But honestly, the San Diego FC - SJ Earthquakes games in 2025 were anything but. People keep calling it just another "California Clasico" spin-off, but that’s basically missing the point of how weird and intense these two games actually were.
One team was fighting for its life at the top of the table. The other was trying to prove it still mattered in a league that has changed so much since 1996. It wasn’t just soccer; it was a clash of eras.
The August Flip: How San Diego FC Stole the Show
Let’s talk about August 17, 2025. San Diego FC rolled into PayPal Park in San Jose with a lot of hype and even more injuries. They were missing three starting defenders. Most of us expected Bruce Arena’s Quakes to just bully them. And for 70 minutes, they kinda did.
San Jose was dominating. Cristian Espinoza was carving up the wings. Then, the 72nd minute happened. CJ dos Santos, the San Diego keeper, had a complete "brain-fade" moment. He tried to clear a ball, Noel Buck pressured him, and Josef Martínez—because of course it was Josef—pounced on the mistake to make it 1-0.
But here’s where the San Diego FC - SJ Earthquakes dynamic shifted. Mikey Varas, San Diego’s manager, didn't panic. He threw on Marcus Ingvartsen.
In the 81st minute, Franco Negri pulled off this ridiculous flick over a defender and crossed it to Ingvartsen for the header. Boom. 1-1. Three minutes later, Anders Dreyer—who had been quiet all day—went on a dead sprint from the halfway line. He slotted it home, and just like that, San Diego was at the top of the MLS table. Bruce Arena was fuming after the game, calling his own team "poorly coached" for blowing it that late. It was brutal.
The Snapdragon Revenge
Fast forward to September 27. The rematch at Snapdragon Stadium. 29,437 people showed up, mostly expecting another San Diego win. Soccer is funny like that, though.
San Jose played the ultimate "spoiler" role. They didn't need 20 shots this time. They just needed Josef Martínez. In the 14th minute, Cristian Arango (yeah, Chicho and Josef together is a handful) threaded a perfect through-ball. Josef didn't miss.
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The rest of the game was a slog. San Diego had 62% of the ball. They threw everything at the Quakes. Hirving "Chucky" Lozano was trying, but San Jose’s defense, led by Dave Romney at the end, just wouldn't crack.
That 1-0 San Jose win was a massive statement. It proved that despite the "expansion" tag, San Diego FC - SJ Earthquakes matches were going to be a 50/50 scrap every single time.
Why the 2026 Matchup is Different
If you’re looking ahead to April 5, 2026, the vibe has changed.
- Location: PayPal Park, San Jose.
- Current Standings: Both teams are sitting right next to each other in the 11th and 12th spots.
- The Stakes: This isn't about being first in the league anymore; it's about staying relevant in the playoff hunt.
People forget that Bruce Arena is 74. He’s seen every trick in the book. Mikey Varas is 43 and represents the "new school." Their head-to-head record is dead even: one win each.
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What to Actually Watch For
Honestly, keep your eye on the "secondary" players. Everyone watches Lozano and Josef. But the games are won by guys like Luca de la Torre or Alex Mighten. In the last game, people were actually complaining on Reddit that Amahl Pellegrino was "miserable" to watch. Those are the small details that change a game.
Also, watch the goalkeeping. Both teams have had massive errors in this specific matchup that led directly to goals. If Daniel (SJ) or the SDFC keeper blinks first, it’s over.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning on following the next chapter of this rivalry, here is what you need to do:
1. Check the 60-minute mark. In their history, the 60th to 85th minutes are when things get chaotic. Both managers tend to use all five subs to completely change the shape of the game.
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2. Follow the "Danish Connection."
Anders Dreyer and Marcus Ingvartsen are the heart of San Diego's counter-attack. If San Jose lets them link up like they did in August, it's a long night for the Quakes.
3. Watch the Discipline.
These games get chippy. We've seen yellow cards to Ronaldo Vieira and Ousseni Bouda in key moments that forced San Jose to sit back. If a red card comes out early in the 2026 meeting, the tactical plan goes out the window.
The San Diego FC - SJ Earthquakes rivalry is still in its infancy, but it’s already got the late-game drama that most "historic" derbies wish they had. Don't let the table positions fool you—these two teams genuinely seem to dislike each other on the pitch.