Cincinnati came from behind to claim a thrilling 4-2 victory over San Jose at TQL Stadium in a match that swung dramatically after the break. The sides were level at one apiece at the interval, but the hosts took control in the second half to run out comfortable winners and secure three points in front of their home crowd. It was a lively encounter that saw both teams create chances, though Cincinnati's superior finishing in the latter stages proved decisive. San Jose pushed hard throughout but couldn't contain Cincinnati's attacking threat once the second period got underway, and the hosts' ability to convert their opportunities when it mattered most ultimately settled the contest.
The Matchup
FC Cincinnati 4-2 San Jose Earthquakes was the final score at TQL Stadium, in a game where FC Cincinnati did enough across the ninety minutes to deserve the three points. It was not always comfortable for FC Cincinnati, and San Jose Earthquakes pushed for a way back into the game, but the result stood. Games like this can carry real weight later in the season, so this is a scoreline worth remembering. Below is a closer look at how the match broke down, statistically.
Match Events
| Min | Team | Card | Event | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' | FC Cincinnati | K. Smith | 0-0 | |
| 26' | San Jose Earthquakes | Goal — D. Munie (assist: T. Werner) | 0-1 | |
| 34' | FC Cincinnati | Goal — B. J. Ramirez Leon (assist: Evander) | 1-1 | |
| 46' | San Jose Earthquakes | Substitution — N. Fernandez on, I. Harkes off | 1-1 | |
| 57' | San Jose Earthquakes | Goal — T. Werner (assist: P. Judd) | 1-2 | |
| 60' | San Jose Earthquakes | Substitution — Vitor Costa on, J. Ricketts off | 1-2 | |
| 70' | FC Cincinnati | Substitution — K. Smith on, T. Hadebe off | 1-2 | |
| 70' | FC Cincinnati | Substitution — K. Mboma on, T. Barlow off | 1-2 | |
| 73' | San Jose Earthquakes | Substitution — O. Bouda on, J. Skahan off | 1-2 | |
| 79' | FC Cincinnati | Goal — T. Barlow (assist: Evander) | 2-2 | |
| 81' | San Jose Earthquakes | Substitution — R. Vieira on, D. Romney off | 2-2 | |
| 81' | San Jose Earthquakes | Substitution — B. Kikanovic on, J. Jasinski off | 2-2 | |
| 82' | FC Cincinnati | Goal — Evander (assist: O. Nwobodo) | 3-2 | |
| 87' | FC Cincinnati | P. Bucha | 3-2 | |
| 88' | FC Cincinnati | Substitution — O. Nwobodo on, T. Anunga off | 3-2 | |
| 88' | FC Cincinnati | Substitution — E. Echenique on, A. Powell off | 3-2 | |
| 89' | FC Cincinnati | M. Robinson | 3-2 | |
| 90+3' | FC Cincinnati | Substitution — K. Denkey on, A. Jabbari off | 3-2 | |
| 90' | FC Cincinnati | Goal — A. Jabbari (assist: T. Barlow) | 4-2 |
FC Cincinnati vs San Jose Earthquakes Lineups
Looking Ahead
FC Cincinnati does not have long to wait before getting back out onto the pitch. Their next test comes away at Nashville SC, and how they respond after this result will be worth watching. You can follow the build-up and everything you need to know when Nashville SC vs FC Cincinnati going to play at 30 August 2026 in Major League Soccer 2026.
San Jose Earthquakes, meanwhile, will already be turning their attention to what comes next. They are next in action away at Houston Dynamo, a game that will give an early sense of how they carry this result forward. Full details are here: Houston Dynamo vs San Jose Earthquakes going to play at 30 August 2026 in Major League Soccer 2026.