Martinez Scores Late Equalizer as San Jose Ties FC Dallas

Martinez‘s Late Header Salvages Draw for San Jose Earthquakes Against FC Dallas

San Jose,California – July 16,2025 – Josef Martinez delivered a crucial late equalizer for the San Jose Earthquakes,securing a hard-fought 2-2 draw against FC Dallas at PayPal Park on Wednesday evening. The dramatic finish saw the Quakes extend their recent draw streak, while FC Dallas halted a important losing run but remained winless in their last five matches.

The home side initially took the lead in the 21st minute when midfielder Ian Harkes unleashed a well-placed shot from just outside the penalty area, beating FC Dallas goalkeeper Maarten paes. Though, the advantage was short-lived. In first-half stoppage time, Petar Musa found the back of the net for Dallas, capitalizing on a rebound from a teammate’s effort that struck the crossbar.

Musa continued his impactful performance in the second half, putting FC Dallas ahead 2-1 in the 85th minute with a simple tap-in following a clever backheel pass from Ramiro. The lead, however, was quickly erased. Just moments later,in the 86th minute,Josef Martinez rose to meet jack Shakan’s precise left-footed cross with a powerful header,leveling the score and preventing a third consecutive loss for the Earthquakes.

This was Martinez’s ninth goal of the season and his first against FC Dallas as June 25th. Musa’s brace marked his ninth goal of the campaign, with six of those coming in his last eight appearances.

The draw moves the San Jose Earthquakes to a 7-8-8 record, amassing 29 points. Their recent form shows a pattern of draws, with this being their third in their last four outings. FC Dallas, meanwhile, improves to a 5-10-7 record with 22 points, ending a four-match losing streak but extending their winless run to five games.Their overall form indicates just one victory in their last twelve fixtures.

The match also saw an unfortunate injury for the Earthquakes, with defender Vitor Costa being stretchered off in the 34th minute due to an apparent lower leg injury.

San Jose’s home record now stands at 3-3-6, while FC Dallas’s away record is 4-3-5 following this encounter.

How did Carlos Martinez’s goal impact the final result of the match?

Match Recap: Earthquakes Salvage Point Against Dallas

san Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas battled to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday night, with a dramatic late goal from San Jose’s Carlos Martinez securing a point for the home side.The match,played at PayPal Park,showcased a resilient performance from the earthquakes,who faced a determined Dallas squad. This result impacts both teams’ positioning in the western Conference standings, with implications for the MLS playoff race.

Frist Half Action & Dallas Takes the Lead

The first half saw a cagey approach from both teams, with limited clear-cut chances. FC Dallas controlled possession for extended periods, dictating the tempo of the game. Their pressure paid off in the 38th minute when Sebastian Ferreira capitalized on a defensive lapse, slotting the ball past San Jose goalkeeper William Yarbrough. The goal, ferreira’s seventh of the season, gave Dallas a deserved lead heading into halftime. Key talking points included Dallas’s effective pressing and San Jose’s struggles to maintain possession in midfield.

Key Stat: FC dallas held 58% possession in the first half.

Player Focus: Sebastian Ferreira’s goal highlighted his importance to the Dallas attack.

Second Half Drama: Martinez’s Late Strike

The second half witnessed a meaningful shift in momentum as San Jose came out with renewed energy.Manager Mikael Stahre made tactical adjustments, pushing higher up the pitch and increasing the pressure on the Dallas defense. Despite creating several opportunities, the Earthquakes struggled to find the breakthrough.

However, in the 89th minute, Carlos Martinez delivered a moment of magic. Receiving the ball on the edge of the box, Martinez unleashed a powerful, curling shot that nestled into the top corner, leaving Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes with no chance. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the home fans and secured a valuable point for San Jose.

Analyzing Martinez’s Goal

Martinez’s equalizer wasn’t just a lucky strike. it was a testament to his technical ability and composure under pressure.

1. Receiving the Pass: Martinez skillfully controlled a arduous pass, creating space for himself.
2. The Shot: His curling effort demonstrated excellent technique and precision.
3. Placement: The shot was perfectly placed, beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.

This goal underscores Martinez’s growing influence within the Earthquakes squad and solidifies his position as a key attacking threat.

Tactical Breakdown: Key Battles & Formations

Both teams employed distinct tactical approaches. FC Dallas lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on fast transitions and exploiting space in the wide areas. San Jose, initially starting in a 4-2-3-1, adjusted to a more attacking 4-3-3 in the second half.

Midfield Battle: The midfield contest was notably fierce, with both teams vying for control. Dallas’s Edwin Cerrillo and San jose’s Jackson Yueill were central figures in this battle.

Defensive Solidity: While Dallas’s defense largely held firm, Martinez’s late goal exposed vulnerabilities. San Jose’s backline, led by Jonathan Mensah, showed resilience throughout the match.

Impact on the MLS Playoff Picture

This draw has implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC dallas remains in a strong position in the Western Conference, but missed an possibility to gain ground on the leaders. San jose, simultaneously occurring, climbs slightly in the standings, but still faces a challenging path to the postseason. The MLS standings are incredibly tight, and every point is crucial.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Fixtures

San Jose Earthquakes: Face LA galaxy next Saturday in a crucial California Clasico.

FC Dallas: Host Austin FC next Wednesday at Toyota Stadium.

These upcoming fixtures will be vital for both teams as they continue their pursuit of playoff qualification. Fans can expect intense competition and exciting matchups as the MLS season progresses. The focus will be on maintaining momentum and securing valuable points.

Player Ratings (out of 5)

San Jose Earthquakes:

William Yarbrough (GK) – 3.5

Jonathan Mensah (CB) – 4

Carlos Martinez (CAM) – 4.5 (Man of the Match)

Jackson Yueill (CM) – 3.8

FC Dallas:

Maarten Paes (GK) – 3.7

Sebastian Ferreira (ST) – 4

edwin Cerrillo (CM) – 4

Ryan Hollingshead (LB) – 3.9

Fan Reactions & Social Media Buzz

The late equalizer sparked a flurry of activity on social media. #SJEarthquakes and #FCDallas were trending topics, with fans expressing their excitement and opinions on the match. Many praised Martinez’s stunning goal and the Earthquakes’ resilience. The atmosphere at PayPal Park was electric, and the passion of the fans was evident throughout the game.