San Jose Earthquakes vs San Diego FC Prediction & Picks - Major League Soccer

Prediction published on 8/17/25, 3:05 PM  by Erik Gibbs in Major League Soccer Picks

The San Jose Earthquakes host expansion leaders San Diego FC in their first-ever meeting, a timely litmus test for both. San Jose sits on 32 points from 26 matches and remains firmly in the Western Conference playoff mix despite pronounced swings in form. At PayPal Park they will try to harness home energy, press selectively, and turn this into a game of moments rather than prolonged control.

For the Earthquakes, winger Cristian Espinoza represents the main driving force, bending game play via initial crosses, underneath runs, and threatening set-piece play. Jeremy Ebobisse provides a target to hold up center-backs, and combinations in-between lines can release late runners for midfield.

Goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski's shot-stopping and distribution are the key to unstuck pressure and getting transition restarted. The concern is defensive unpredictability: when San Jose lose solidity, opponents spot gaps between full-back and center-back and supply cut-backs from the touchline. Avoiding those stretched phases is essential against a ruthless opponent.

San Diego's debut season has been impressively composed. Sitting atop the West with 49 points, they pair one of the league's most incisive attacks with a disciplined back line. Hirving “Chucky” Lozano stretches defenses with direct dribbles and far-post runs, while Danish forward Anders Dreyer times movements cleverly across the front, toggling between playmaker and finisher.

In midfield, a balanced double pivot supports high pressing triggers, allowing San Diego to win second balls and suffocate counters before they form. The back four is well-drilled at stepping to the first pass and denying entries into the half-spaces.