Match Preview

SEAvSJ 101 PREVIEW: All you need to know when the Sounders host the Earthquakes in the U.S. Open Cup

SEAvSJ USOC 101 cover jackson ragen-2

The Seattle Sounders are hosting the San Jose Earthquakes in the Round of 32 of the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday. Here is everything you need to know:

WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is at 7 p.m. PT at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Wash. (TICKETS).

WHERE TO WATCH: The match will be televised on ESPN+.

HOW THEY GOT HERE: Sounders: Bye, Earthquakes: 5-0 win over NISA side Bay Cities FC.

FORM GUIDE (all competitions, most recent first): Seattle: LWDLL, San Jose: WLWWD

PREVIOUS MEETING: These two sides met just 18 days ago in San Jose, with the ‘Quakes pulling off a 4-3 comeback win. It was the first time in Sounders history that they had lost after leading a match by at least two goals (128 games). Click here to view the highlights on the Sounders FC App.

QUEST FOR FIVE: Fresh off their historic Concacaf Champions League victory last week, the Sounders begin their chase for their fifth U.S. Open Cup title. Seattle won in three straight years from 2009-11 and then again in 2014.

JOÃO PAULO INJURY: The Sounders will be without 2021 MLS MVP finalist João Paulo for the rest of the season after he suffered a torn ACL in the CCL Final. Seattle will need to try and fill the Brazilian midfielder’s big shoes in central midfield.

ROTATIONS APLENTY: Head Coach Brian Schmetzer rotated 10 players in his Starting XI this past weekend in a 2-0 loss at FC Dallas, just three days after the Sounders’ CCL win. It will be worth watching how he approaches his lineup on Wednesday with a return to MLS play this coming Sunday at home against Minnesota United (1 p.m. PT; ESPN, ESPN Deportes, 93.3 KJR FM, El Rey 1360 AM | TICKETS).

CCL CHAMPIONSHIP CELEBRATION

CCL CHAMPIONSHIP CELEBRATION

We are celebrating our Concacaf Champions League title on July 9 against the Portland Timbers. Come help us commemorate this historic championship!

BATTLE OF YOUNG GOALKEEPERS: Early USOC rounds tend to see a mix of veterans and young players, and there could be a great battle between the posts on Wednesday between the Sounders’ Andrew Thomas and the Earthquakes’ Emi Ochoa. Thomas, 23, and Ochoa, 17, are two of the best young goalkeepers in the U.S. pipeline. Thomas had a standout career at Stanford and could be in line to make his First Team debut, while Ochoa has represented both the U.S. and Mexico at the youth international level and signed to the First Team at just 14.

NEW COACH BUMP: Since parting ways with Head Coach Matías Alymeda, the ‘Quakes have won three of their last four matches under Interim Manager Alex Covelo.

2026 Season Membership Deposits

2026 Season Membership Deposits

Feel the pull of the Sound and step into something bigger. 2026 will continue to put Seattle soccer on the world stage, so there's no better time to join the Rave Green and grow with the Sounders legacy. Secure your seat alongside the best fans in MLS.

Two Tickets & Two Beers (vs. Portland Timbers)

Two Tickets & Two Beers (vs. Portland Timbers)

Come out to Lumen Field to watch your Seattle Sounders take on Portland with this special ticket offer sponsored by Michelob Ultra. For just $40 + Taxes & Fees, get two tickets & two beers for the match. For 21+ fans only and drinks must be picked up in the North Plaza 21+ beer garden prior to kickoff.

Kickoff at 7:30 p.m. PT on October 4.

Match & Merch Bundle (vs. Portland Timbers)

Match & Merch Bundle (vs. Portland Timbers)

Add a limited-edition Cascadia Rivalry t-shirt to your ticket to the Portland Timbers match. Matchday pick up info will be communicated prior to the match via email.

Kickoff at 7:30 p.m. PT on October 4.