The San Jose Earthquakes return home for their first weekday match of the year, hosting USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC in the Round of 32 of the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night. Kickoff from PayPal Park is set for 7 p.m. PT and the match will stream live on Paramount+ while airing on CBS Sports Golazo Network.
The winner will advance to face either Minnesota United FC or Sacramento Republic FC in the Round of 16 on April 28 or 29.
The Black and Blue have continued their historic start to the season, improving to 6-1-0 after rallying from a 1-0 deficit on the road to secure a 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City and sweep the season series. The comeback was powered by a brace from Jack Skahan and Dave Romney’s first goal for the club—the latter’s first in general since 2023.
With the result, San Jose sits nearly atop the table, level on points with Western Conference rival Vancouver Whitecaps FC with only goal differential separating the two.
Offensively, the Quakes have spread the production across the roster. Seven different players have scored this season, while nine have recorded at least one assist.
Defensively, San Jose has been just as impressive. The team has conceded only two goals, setting a new club record for the fewest allowed over a seven-game span in MLS play. They are also tied for the league lead in goals against.
Wednesday’s match marks the first-ever U.S. Open Cup meeting between the Quakes and Phoenix Rising FC. Phoenix’s deepest run in the competition came in 2024, when it reached the Round of 16 before falling 2-1 to Seattle Sounders FC.
The Quakes are still seeking their first Open Cup title. Their best finishes came with semifinal appearances in 2004 and 2017, where they were eliminated by Sporting Kansas City (then known as the Kansas City Wizards in 2004).
Phoenix enters the match following its most dominant performance of the 2026 season, earning its first win in a 3-0 victory over New Mexico United. Forward Ihsan Sacko leads the team with seven goal contributions, including a brace in that match.
There are also notable connections between the two clubs. Frank Yallop previously served as head coach of the Earthquakes from 2001–2003—winning two MLS Cups—and again from 2008–2013. He later managed Phoenix Rising FC from 2015–2017.
With the Quakes in red-hot form and hungry to win their first Open Cup in club history, the road begins Wednesday at PayPal Park.
