The San Jose Earthquakes will face Austin FC on Saturday, Sept. 18 at Q2 Stadium, marking the second of three matchups between the two clubs in Austin’s inaugural season. The Quakes played to a scoreless draw against Austin in the first-ever MLS fixture at Q2 Stadium on June 19.
San Jose’s second trip to Austin comes after a midweek loss to Real Salt Lake on Wednesday. Despite the loss, midfielder Chofis earned MLS Team of the Week honors after his spectacular hat-trick performance that sees him now lead all newcomers in MLS with eight goals.
After the match, Chofis said he was pleased with his efforts but that the team was ultimately left disappointed as they were unable to earn a win at PayPal Park. Chofis said the result is already behind him, adding that his thoughts were immediately fixated on Saturday’s match in Austin, getting back on the pitch and battling for three points.
“Honestly, I am sadder than I am happy because of the result,” Chofis said regarding emotions after the match. “We would have liked to win, and things would have been very different. My only thoughts are in the 10 matches that are left. I really want to make it to the playoffs. I’ve never had a match as great as today. That doesn’t matter anymore. We will try to turn things around and focus on Saturday. I wish it were Saturday already. I want to play and get the three points that we need, and that is where my thoughts are.”
Although recent home results have been unfortunate, the Quakes have been strong on the road this season. San Jose will look to extend their seven-road match unbeaten streak (2-0-5), tied for the longest streak in club history (2003). Additionally, they have conceded no more than one goal in any of their last six road matches.
Austin FC currently sit in 13th in the Western Conference standings and enter Saturday’s match with a record of 5-14-4, following a 2-1 loss against LAFC on Wednesday. Saturday’s match will also feature the second reunion in 2021 between San Jose and former players Danny Hoesen, Nick Lima, and Andrew Tarbell.
Longtime MLS midfielder Diego Fagundez leads the team with six goals while Designated Player Cecilio Dominguez has a team-high four assists. San Jose must also be wary of summer signing Sebastian Driussi, who has already tallied two goals and three assists in eight appearances for the Lone Star club.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 5:00 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on NBC Sports Bay Area Plus, KGO 810 and 1370 KZSF.
