

San Jose Earthquakes Advance in U.S. Open Cup with Comfortable Win
Major League Soccer's San Jose Earthquakes progressed to the next round of the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a straightforward 2-0 victory over USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC. The match, played on April 16, saw the Quakes use their top-flight quality to overcome a spirited lower-division opponent.
Professional Display from MLS Side
San Jose avoided any potential cup upset by establishing control early. They broke down a compact Phoenix defense to take a first-half lead, easing pressure on the home supporters. The Earthquakes managed the game intelligently, limiting Phoenix's opportunities while looking dangerous on the counter-attack. A second goal after the interval effectively ended the contest, allowing San Jose to rotate players and see out the match with minimal fuss.
Cup Run Begins
For the Earthquakes, this result is a confident first step in a competition they will view as a genuine opportunity for silverware. The clean sheet and efficient performance will please the coaching staff. For Phoenix Rising FC, the defeat ends their Open Cup journey for another year, but competing respectably against an MLS opponent offers some consolation. Their focus now returns fully to the USL Championship season.