Despite playing on their own turf, Houston could not seize the opportunity, as they lost to the San José Earthquakes by a score of 2-1. The Earthquakes displayed their superiority throughout the match, quickly building a 2-0 lead with two goals from open play. Cristian Arango opened the scoring in the 27th minute of the first half, followed by Ian Harkes, who netted the second just three minutes into the second half. Although Houston made efforts to shift the momentum, they could only reduce the deficit to one goal through Antônio Carlos at the 71st minute, who scored with a powerful header.
A standout moment was Cristian Arango’s goal in the 27th minute of the first half. After receiving a well-placed pass from Daniel Munie, the forward cleverly placed the ball into the bottom left corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
In the 40th minute, Mark-Anthony Kaye nearly extended the lead, but his shot hit the woodwork, missing a golden opportunity.
Antônio Carlos emerged as the standout performer of the match for Houston, not only scoring a goal but also clearing four balls from dangerous areas, solidifying his significance in the game.
On the other side, Daniel Munie was crucial for San José’s defense, clearing two threatening plays and maintaining a solid backline.
Houston’s coach, Benjamin Olsen, set his team in a 4-3-3 formation with Jonathan Bond guarding the goal; Griffin Dorsey, Antônio Carlos, Pablo Ortiz, and Felipe Andrade forming the defensive line; Artur de Lima, Sebastian Kowalczyk, and Júnior Urso as midfielders; and Ezequiel Ponce, Ondrej Lingr, and Jack McGlynn leading the attack.
Meanwhile, San José, guided by Bruce Arena, opted for a 5-3-2 strategy with Daniel in goal; Jamar Ricketts, Dejuan Jones, Daniel Munie, Dave Romney, and Reid Roberts in defense; Ian Harkes, Cristian Espinoza, and Mark-Anthony Kaye in the midfield; and Preston Judd and Cristian Arango at the front.
The match, held at Shell Energy Stadium, was officiated by referee Sergii Boiko.
Looking ahead, Houston will face LA Galaxy next, while San José Earthquakes will travel to Austin FC.
Substitutions for Houston
11’ 1H – Pablo Ortiz was replaced by Ethan Bartlow.
56’ 2H – Sebastian Kowalczyk was substituted off for Lawrence Ennali and Júnior Urso off for Duane Holmes.
81’ 2H – Ondrej Lingr was replaced by Amine Bassi and Griffin Dorsey by Toyosi Olusanya.
Yellow Cards for Houston
21’ 1H – Jack McGlynn (Unsporting behavior) and 35’ 1H – Ezequiel Ponce (Unsporting behavior).
Substitutions for San José Earthquakes
45’ 2H – Mark-Anthony Kaye was substituted for Ronaldo Vieira.
64’ 2H – Preston Judd was replaced by Ousseni Bouda.
77’ 2H – Cristian Arango was taken off for Josef Martínez and Cristian Espinoza for Noel Buck.
84’ 2H – Jamar Ricketts was substituted for Bruno Wilson.
Yellow Cards for San José Earthquakes
30’ 1H – Mark-Anthony Kaye (Unsporting behavior), 9’ 2H – Cristian Espinoza (Unsporting behavior), and 47’ 2H – Reid Roberts (Unsporting behavior).