San Jose Earthquakes & Inter Miami CF Draw During Electric Night At PayPal Park

Jose Rocha
11 minutes ago
5 min read

Inter Miami CF traveled to PayPal Park to face the San Jose Earthquakes marking the first time Lionel Messi has played in Northern California since joining Major League Soccer.

Inter Miami came into the Bay Area looking to reverse course after suffering a 4-1 defeat against Minnesota United, while San Jose came into their Wednesday match off three straight victories, including most recently defeating Colorado Rapids 2-0 with goalkeeper Daniel recording a clean sheet. This matchup created tons of buzz in the Bay Area, as fans crowded San Jose's Santana Row for the chance to even get a glimpse of the international superstar.

Images by Jose Rocha of Rocha Multimedia / Rocha Report and Tectonic Takes

Fans arrived in large numbers and gathered around PayPal Park early, as it was announced before the match that the game was sold out, ensuring an attendance of 18,000 people. As the fans entered the concourse, The atmosphere was electric, and it was clear that this game would be action-packed, offering plenty for fans to anticipate.

The game started with a bang as Inter Miami scored very early goal from Maximiliano Falcón within the first minute of the game. Seconds after the beginning whistle, and Inter Miami had already gotten on the board, and silenced the home crowd, but you could tell from the body language of the Earthquakes that they were determined to get right back into the game.

Inter Miami scored early, but the San Jose Earthquakes quickly answered with a goal from Chico Arango. Soon after gaining the initial advantage, the Quakes equalized with Inter Miami bringing immediate life back into the crowd at PayPal Park.

Both teams continue to play very calculated against each other in the game could be best described as a chess match. Both teams weren't aggressive, yet they were still able to be very calculated and precise with each attack no matter which side of the field. Beau Leroux, promoted from The Town FC Earthquakes Developmental team to a starting position, has been a reliable presence in the midfield for San Jose this season. This game further showcased why this young player is emerging as a star in the Starting XI.

He has been a key part of that midfield defense, and has even contributed on the attacking side as well. Especially with the loss of Hernán Lopez, due to injury for some games this season, he has continued to showcase that he belongs in the starting lineup and continue to showcase why Bruce Arena was able to believe in the young star early in the season. Third sequence of events, he was able to strike from outside of the box swiftly past Sergio Busquets, giving the San Jose Earthquakes a 2-1 lead.

Both teams moved swiftly across the field and showcased how methodical they were when looking for the right chances. The pace was a tad bit slow, but once the players saw their chances, the pressure was on. As the game continued it was a pass from Jordi Alba to Tadeo Allende which saw Inter Miami take the lead in the 44th minute, but the lead was only to be for a short amount of time.

San Jose was able to keep pressure and they were able to convert a third goal when Ian Harkes converted for the third goal, after being assisted by Beau Leroux, for San Jose putting them into the lead once again at 3-2 with the fans cheering loud as the score carried into the half time break.

When both teams returned to the pitch after the halftime break, the intensity remained just as high as in the first half. Inter Miami came back looking just as determined as the Quakes, and they showcased it with an equalizing goal once again from Tadeo Allende. After a few good chances from both side, including very close goal chances from Lionel Messi and Cristian Espinoza, the result would hold at a draw 3-3.

Sellout crowd of 18,000 people were given a treat and the feisty game between the two clubs, and although it ended in a draw, you can see how different this San Jose team is compared to years prior, and the direction that Cruz Arena has this team moving towards is something that can only give San Jose fans a lot to look for. This team currently has been one of the best attacking teams in the entire MLS, and it appears this team is about to hit a stride. Change with a snap of a finger, but San Jose continues to give reasons for fans to be optimistic, and for people to keep an optimistic view on how this team will perform throughout the rest of the remaining season, and in other competitions as well.