The San Jose Earthquakes hit the road this Saturday to take on Sporting Kansas City at Sporting Park. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. PT, with global coverage on Apple TV (English/Spanish) and local radio broadcasts on KSFO 810 AM (English) and La Kaliente 1370 AM (Spanish).
The Black and Blue opened their 2026 campaign in dominant fashion, earning a 3-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Feb. 21. That result sparked the best start in the club’s 52-year history, with San Jose currently standing at 5-1-0 and a point away from the top of the table in the Western Conference.
Now the Quakes aim for the season sweep over SKC, bringing their attacking edge into a venue that has traditionally been a difficult place to play. However, the last time the Black and Blue made the trip, they emerged victorious. Can they do it again in 2026?
San Jose will look to build on a standout performance from midfielder Niko Tsakiris, who is coming off a memorable outing. The 20-year-old U.S. youth international became the second youngest player in club-history to score a brace—behind only Landon Donovan—in a commanding 3-0 win over San Diego FC.
“We're building day by day, game by game here, and to reach this milestone with this group is special,” Tsakiris said.
Last week’s match also showcased another defensive masterclass, as Daniel and the back line recorded their fifth clean sheet of the season—already matching their entire 2025 MLS total through just six games. With confidence growing on both ends of the pitch, the Quakes are now even on points with second-place Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Meanwhile, Sporting Kansas City enters the match still finding its way under first-year coach Raphael Wicky era, falling to Real Salt Lake last weekend, 3-1. However, the team certainly has its share of threats to keep the Quakes’ defense occupied, namely Dejan Joveljić, who has always posed problems for San Jose with seven goals and three assists in 12 career matchups.
On a side note, the Quakes will reunite with club legend Dominic Kinnear, who now serves as an assistant coach for SKC. During his time with San Jose as player (1997), assistant coach (2001-03) and head coach (2004-05, 2014-17), the club won two Audi MLS Cups and a Supporters’ Shield.
The Black and Blue head into Saturday’s matchup aiming to maintain the form that has driven their strong start, combining a potent attack with the club’s best defensive opening to a season. They’ll look to carry that balance forward and close out their 2026 regular-season series against Sporting Kansas City on a high note.
