What's Happening?
The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Austin FC 2-1 in a come-from-behind victory but fell short of making the playoffs. Goals by Josef Martinez and Niko Tsakiris secured the win for San Jose, who finished
10th in the Western Conference. Despite the victory, the Earthquakes missed the postseason due to goal differential, with Real Salt Lake advancing instead.
Why It's Important?
San Jose's win highlights their competitive spirit and ability to perform under pressure, even though they did not qualify for the playoffs. The outcome underscores the importance of goal differential in determining playoff positions, emphasizing the need for teams to focus on both winning and scoring. Missing the playoffs may prompt the Earthquakes to reassess their strategies and player performances for future seasons.