Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
Surface: Kentucky Bluegrass
Capacity: 26,000
Weather Forecast — Cincinnati, OH
Temperature: 79°F at kickoff
Wind: 5–9 mph southwest
Humidity: Moderate
Rain: ~15% chance of light showers
Impact: Ideal conditions for high‑tempo play; slight humidity may slow late‑game pressing.
Team Overview
San Jose Earthquakes (10–4–3)
San Jose enters as one of the Western Conference’s most balanced and efficient teams. Their counterattacking structure has been elite, their defensive shape significantly improved, and their attacking trio continues to produce high‑quality chances. Espinoza remains one of MLS’s most dangerous creators, and Ebobisse’s finishing has been reliable.
FC Cincinnati (6–6–5)
Cincinnati has been inconsistent but remains dangerous at home. Their possession‑heavy style and wingback‑driven attack still create problems for opponents, but defensive lapses have cost them points. Lucho Acosta remains the heartbeat of the team, capable of unlocking defenses with a single pass.
Current Rosters — Key Contributors
San Jose Earthquakes
Cristian Espinoza (RW): 6 goals, 9 assists — elite creator
Jeremy Ebobisse (ST): 8 goals — strong hold‑up play
Jackson Yueill (CM): 3 goals, 5 assists — midfield anchor
Rodrigues (CB): Defensive leader
Daniel (GK): Excellent shot‑stopper
Team Strengths:
Counterattacking efficiency
Strong wing play
Improved defensive shape
Set‑piece threat
Weaknesses:
Occasional midfield gaps
Vulnerable to high press
Reliance on Espinoza for creativity
FC Cincinnati
Lucho Acosta (CAM): 7 goals, 7 assists — elite playmaker
Aaron Boupendza (ST): 6 goals — dynamic finisher
Obinna Nwobodo (DM): Ball‑winning machine
Alvaro Barreal (LWB): 4 assists — dangerous in wide channels
Roman Celentano (GK): Strong reflexes
Team Strengths:
Creative midfield
Strong wingback play
High‑tempo pressing
Home‑field advantage
Weaknesses:
Defensive inconsistency
Vulnerable to counters
Occasional finishing inefficiency
Injury Report
San Jose Earthquakes
Nathan — Out (ACL recovery)
Jamiro Monteiro — Questionable (hamstring)
Benji Kikanović — Day‑to‑day (ankle)
FC Cincinnati
Matt Miazga — Questionable (groin)
Sergio Santos — Out (hamstring)
Ian Murphy — Probable (knee)
Cincinnati’s defensive health is the bigger concern.
Recent Team Form
San Jose Earthquakes — Last 10 Matches
Record: 6–2–2
Goals For: 18
Goals Against: 11
Trend: Strong defensive form; Espinoza in peak playmaking rhythm.
FC Cincinnati — Last 10 Matches
Record: 4–3–3
Goals For: 15
Goals Against: 14
Trend: Inconsistent but competitive; Acosta carrying the attack.
Series History
Last 10 meetings: Cincinnati leads 5–3–2
At TQL Stadium: Cincinnati unbeaten in 4 straight
San Jose last won in Cincinnati in 2019.
Key Matchups
Cristian Espinoza vs. Alvaro Barreal
Espinoza’s crossing + creativity vs Barreal’s attacking wingback role. Edge: Espinoza — more consistent final‑third production.
Lucho Acosta vs. Jackson Yueill
Acosta thrives between lines; Yueill must track him tightly. Edge: Acosta — elite playmaker in home environment.
Jeremy Ebobisse vs. Matt Miazga (if healthy)
Ebobisse’s physicality vs Miazga’s aerial strength. Edge: Even — depends on Miazga’s fitness.
Boupendza vs. Rodrigues
Boupendza’s pace vs Rodrigues’ positioning. Edge: Rodrigues — strong one‑on‑one defender.
Statistical Comparison (2026)
| Category | San Jose | Cincinnati |
| Goals per match | 1.58 | 1.32 |
| Goals allowed | 1.05 | 1.47 |
| Possession | 49% | 53% |
| Passing accuracy | 82% | 85% |
| Shots per match | 13.4 | 12.1 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.42 | 1.28 |
San Jose holds defensive and finishing advantages; Cincinnati holds possession and passing advantages.
Betting Trends
San Jose Earthquakes
10–4–3 overall
4–3–2 away
6 of last 9 matches UNDER
Strong defensive consistency.
FC Cincinnati
6–6–5 overall
4–2–3 at home
5 of last 7 matches OVER
Attack strong at home; defense inconsistent.
MATCH ODDS
San Jose Earthquakes + 245
FC Cincinnati – 110
Draw + 325
Over 3.5 – 130 Under 3.5 + 110
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, July 31, 2026
