Niko Tsakiris Scores Twice in San Jose’s Victory Against San Diego

Niko Tsakiris scored twice as the San Jose Earthquakes defeated 10-man San Diego FC 3-0 on Saturday night, marking their best-ever start to a season.

Preston Judd added a goal and an assist, leading San Jose (5-1-0, 15 points) to its largest victory margin this season.

Goalkeeper Daniel kept a clean sheet, only needing to make one save, as San Diego (3-1-2, 11 points) struggled to create scoring chances after defender Manu Duah was sent off in the 32nd minute.

This red card was San Diego’s second in two matches, following Christopher McVey’s dismissal late in a 2-2 draw with Real Salt Lake on March 22.

San Diego was shut out for the first time in eight MLS regular season games, a run that began with a 1-0 loss to San Jose on September 27 of last year.

Tsakiris opened the scoring after Judd intercepted a poor back-pass from Lewis Morgan, leading to a quick counter. Judd passed to Tsakiris on the left side of the penalty area, and Tsakiris fired a powerful shot that beat goalkeeper Duran Ferree.

The match changed shortly after the 30-minute mark when Judd was fouled by Duah in the penalty area. Initially shown a yellow card, Duah’s punishment was upgraded to a red after a video review for denying a clear goal-scoring chance without attempting to play the ball.

Tsakiris converted the penalty, putting the Quakes in control. Judd made it 3-0 in first-half stoppage time, finishing Beau Leroux’s low cross from close range.

Ferree made seven saves as San Jose had 24 shot attempts during the game.