San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bulls Battle to 1–1 Draw at PayPal Park
@Jose.arw
Date: July 5, 2025
Venue: PayPal Park – San Jose, California
Attendance: Packed house with fans staying late for the club’s first-ever postgame fireworks show
@Jose.arw
irst Half: Forsberg Fires Red Bulls Ahead
The game started with high energy on both sides, but it was the Red Bulls who struck first. In the 19th minute, veteran midfielder Emil Forsberg found space near the top of the box after a well-timed pass from Peter Stroud. Forsberg didn’t hesitate, rifling the ball into the top-left corner past Earthquakes goalkeeper Daniel to make it 1–0.
This was Forsberg’s seventh goal of the season and another showcase of his leadership and European pedigree. San Jose responded with possession but struggled to break through New York’s tight, high-pressing midfield.
Despite several attempts by Cristian Espinoza and Chicho Arango, San Jose couldn't find a breakthrough before halftime.
@Jose.arw
Second Half: San Jose Strike Back Through Own Goal
The Earthquakes returned with more urgency after the break and leveled the match in the 58th minute—though in unusual fashion. Cristian Espinoza sent in a low, dangerous cross from the right flank that was deflected into the net by Red Bulls defender Mohammed Sofo for an own goal.
San Jose’s fans erupted as the Quakes tied the game at 1–1 without technically scoring themselves. However, the momentum didn't last long. Just six minutes later, DeJuan Jones, already on a yellow, went in late on Choupo-Moting and received a second yellow card. He was sent off in the 64th minute, forcing San Jose to play with ten men for the final stretch.
@Jose.arw
Late Game Tension: VAR Drama and a Bench Ejection
With a man advantage, New York Red Bulls increased the pressure. They thought they had the go-ahead goal in the 83rd minute when Sean Nealis headed the ball into the net from a corner. However, after a long VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside—Choupo-Moting was judged to have interfered with the goalkeeper's line of sight.
The tension escalated further when Red Bulls substitute Raheem Edwards was sent off from the bench in the 87th minute for dissent, after aggressively protesting the offside decision.
The final minutes saw end-to-end play, but neither side could find a winner.
@Jose.arw
Post-Match: Fireworks and Frustration
At the final whistle, the match ended 1–1—reflecting a game full of drama, controversy, and commitment. Fans were treated to a fireworks show following the game, a first-time tradition introduced by the Earthquakes for Independence Day weekend.
For San Jose, the result extended their unbeaten run to four matches (1 win, 3 draws), keeping them within reach of a playoff spot. However, they'll be frustrated at not capitalizing on their home advantage, especially after such a strong attacking season so far.
The Red Bulls, meanwhile, extended their winless streak to four (0 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss) and are still looking for a rare road victory (now 1–6–4 away).
@Jose.arw
San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bulls battled to a dramatic 1–1 draw on July 5, 2025, at PayPal Park, in a match full of goals, red cards, and VAR controversy, leaving both teams still searching for consistency in their playoff push.