In a spectacular display of dominance, the San Jose Earthquakes overwhelmed Club Necaxa with a decisive 5-0 victory, propelling them into the Leagues Cup Round of 16. This commanding win at PayPal Park on Thursday night not only marked a significant turnaround for the Earthquakes but also highlighted their offensive prowess, as they scored four goals in the first half alone.
A Rapid Start for the Earthquakes
Before Thursday’s match, the San Jose Earthquakes had not won a game in regulation time since their 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire on July 7. However, they made quick work of Club Necaxa, securing their win within the first 35 minutes of the game. The Earthquakes started strong, with captain Jackson Yueill netting his first goal of the season, setting the tone for the evening.
An Offensive Explosion
The Earthquakes didn’t stop there. Just 17 minutes into the match, Hernan Lopez seized an opportunity and scored with a powerful left-footed strike, doubling San Jose’s lead. The momentum continued as Jeremy Ebobisse delivered an impressive brace, scoring twice within six minutes—first in the 29th minute and then again in the 35th minute. With the score at 4-0 by halftime, the Earthquakes had already secured their victory, leaving Club Necaxa struggling to keep up.
Sealing the Win
To ensure the victory was beyond any doubt, substitute Paul Marie capitalized on a Necaxa turnover, scoring an insurance goal in the 88th minute. This fifth goal was the finishing touch on what was already a comprehensive triumph for San Jose.
Historic Achievement for San Jose
Thursday’s match was significant not only for the scoreline but also for its historical context. This was the first time the Earthquakes had scored four goals in a half of an MLS or Leagues Cup match since their October 2021 game against Austin FC. Furthermore, it marked the first time since 2011 that they had managed to score four goals in the first half of a match. This dominant performance also secured San Jose’s first-ever advancement to the Leagues Cup Round of 16.
Looking Ahead: A Showdown with LAFC
Following this prolific victory, the Earthquakes are set to face Los Angeles FC on August 13 in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. The teams have already met twice this season, with mixed results. San Jose emerged victorious with a 3-1 win on May 4 at PayPal Park, but LAFC took revenge with a 6-2 victory on June 22 at BMO Stadium. The upcoming match will be crucial for San Jose, as they aim to continue their strong run in the Leagues Cup.
The Earthquakes’ recent performance has reignited hope among their fans, and their clash with LAFC is highly anticipated. As San Jose continues their journey in the Leagues Cup, all eyes will be on their ability to maintain this newfound momentum and make a deep run in the tournament.
