INDIO, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes drew New York City FC 2-2 on Wednesday afternoon at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, in their opening preseason game at the 2024 Coachella Valley Invitational. Paul Marie and Benji Kikanović each scored for San Jose.
The Earthquakes fell behind early in the first half but responded with two goals in quick succession. Marie netted from long range in the 23rd minute, and two minutes later, Kikanović headed home a Cristian Espinoza cross to put San Jose ahead. However, that lead was short-lived as NYCFC would equalize before the break. The second half was scoreless.
The two teams will now play another friendly utilizing a second group of players on an adjacent field.
The Quakes will face Charlotte FC on Feb. 10 and the Portland Timbers on Feb. 14 before returning to San Jose ahead of the regular season opener on Feb. 24 in Dallas.
MATCH INFORMATION
2024 Preseason – Coachella Valley Invitational
NYCFC 2 – 2 San Jose Earthquakes
Feb. 7, 2024 – Empire Polo Grounds – Indio, Calif.
Scoring Summary:
NYC (1-0) – Monsef Bakrar (unassisted) 10’
SJ (1-1) – Paul Marie (unassisted) 23’
SJ (1-2) – Benji Kikanović (Cristian Espinoza) 25’
NYC (2-2) – Santiago Rodríguez (Monsef Bakrar) 42’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel; Oscar Verhoeven, Tanner Beason, Rodrigues, Paul Marie; Carlos Gruezo, Jackson Yueill (C), Jack Skahan; Benji Kikanović, Jeremy Ebobisse, Cristian Espinoza.
NEW YORK CITY FC: Matt Freese; Birk Risa, Mitja Ilenič, Thiago Martins, Keaton Parks; James Sands, Santiago Rodríguez, Talles Magno; Kevin O'Toole, Monsef Bakrar, Hannes Wolf.
