Vastly improved San Jose set to host Houston
The San Jose Earthquakes can match their point total for the entire 2024 season with a win Saturday night over the visiting Houston Dynamo.
San Jose is eighth in the Western Conference and 4-0-2 in its last six matches, including a 1-0 victory over the Portland Timbers on Tuesday night in the Round of 16 in the U.S. Open Cup.
It's been quite a turnaround for San Jose under first-year head coach Bruce Arena. The Earthquakes finished a dreadful 6-25-3 last season and with a minus-37 goal differential.
San Jose, which is plus-6 in goal differential this season, can equal that point total well before the halfway point of the 2025 season with a win Saturday.
"We've made some mistakes during the regular season, but correctable mistakes by some individuals that we can correct," Arena, a four-time MLS Coach of the Year and former U.S. National Team head coach, said. "We're getting better. I think hopefully, as we get into the second half of the season, we're a better team defensively. If we can continue to be a team that can score some goals, we're going to win some games."
Goalie Earl Edwards Jr. had his second straight shutout against Portland and enters the contest with a 136-minute shutout streak.
Houston is 10th in the Western Conference and comes in off a 3-1 loss at Austin FC on Wednesday in the U.S. Open Cup. However, the Dynamo have won their last two MLS matches by shutouts, including a 2-0 Texas Derby victory at FC Dallas last Saturday as Jonathan Bond made three saves for his sixth clean sheet of the season.
The win at FC Dallas was the team's first on the road this season.
"Our first three points on the road, and that's going to be important this year to grab a few of those, particularly with our start," Houston coach Ben Olsen said.
The Dynamo began the season 0-4-2 before scoring a 1-0 win over Los Angeles Football Club on April 5.
Houston won both meetings with the Earthquakes last season, including a 1-0 victory at San Jose on July 17.
Field Level Media
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
15 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Indiana Pacers 2025 NBA finals: Where to buy official merchandise, caps, T-shirts and more
It's been 25 years, but the wait is finally over—the Indiana Pacers are headed back to the NBA Finals. In a hard-fought Eastern Conference Finals, the Pacers pulled away in the second half of Game 6 to defeat the New York Knicks and secure their place in the championship round. It's a huge moment for the franchise and for Pacers fans who've stuck with the team through thick and thin. Now, Indiana will face the Western Conference champion Oklahoma City Thunder in what promises to be an intense series. Game 1 tips off Thursday, June 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET. With history on the line, this is the time for fans to show their support. Whether you're heading to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, throwing a watch party, or cheering from your couch, make sure you're rocking official 2025 Indiana Pacers NBA Finals gear. There's a wide selection of exclusive Finals merchandise available now, including: Tyrese Haliburton NBA Finals jersey – Represent the Pacers' All-Star point guard and fan favorite with his official Finals jersey. Also Read: Why was Eastern Conference Finals MVP named Larry Bird Trophy? What we know about the award Pascal Siakam hoisted Indiana Pacers New Era NBA Finals hat – This is the same hat the players wore on the court after clinching the Eastern Conference title. A must-have for any fan. Indiana Pacers NBA Finals shirt – Celebrate this historic moment with shirts featuring the Finals logo and bold team graphics. Indiana Pacers NBA Finals roster t-shirt – Get the tee that lists the full 2025 Pacers Finals roster—a keepsake to remember this legendary run. All items are available now at Fanatics, so don't wait—these pieces are flying fast. Whether you're a lifelong fan or riding the wave of this incredible playoff push, this is your moment to be part of Pacers history. Grab your gear, rep your team, and get ready to cheer loud. The road to the first championship in franchise history starts now.
Economic Times
a day ago
- Economic Times
Indiana Pacers punch ticket to NBA finals with 125-108 win over New York Knicks
Indiana Pacers punch ticket to NBA finals with 125-108 win Synopsis The Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks 125-108 in Game 6, securing their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. Pascal Siakam's 31 points and Tyrese Haliburton's 21 points and 14 assists led Indiana's balanced attack. They will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Finals, which begins on June 5 in Oklahoma City. In a thrilling Eastern Conference Finals conclusion on Saturday night, the Indiana Pacers secured their first NBA Finals berth since 2000 by defeating the New York Knicks 125-108 in Game 6 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The victory capped a hard-fought series where Indiana's balanced attack and defensive intensity proved decisive against a resilient Knicks squad. ADVERTISEMENT Pacers forward Pascal Siakam led the charge with a dominant 31-point performance, showcasing his scoring versatility and leadership on the big stage. Point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has been the team's engine throughout the playoffs, finished with a solid 21 points and 14 assists, including a crucial 11-point surge in the final quarter that helped seal the win. Haliburton's postseason averages of 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists have been instrumental in Indiana's deep playoff run. The Knicks, fighting to extend their season, kept the game competitive in the first half but faltered in the third quarter as the Pacers intensified their defense. Indiana forced 18 turnovers, converting them into 34 points, and capitalized on 25 fast-break points. New York's Jalen Brunson was held to 19 points on 8-of-18 shooting, while Karl-Anthony Towns, battling a knee injury, contributed 22 points and 14 rebounds. OG Anunoby was a bright spot for the Knicks with 24 points on efficient Pacers' supporting cast also shone: Obi Toppin came off the bench to score 18 points, and Thomas Bryant added 11 points, including a perfect 2-for-2 from beyond the arc. Indiana's three-point shooting was a significant factor, hitting 53.3% (8 of 15) compared to the Knicks' 27.3% (3 of 11). This triumph marks Indiana's second NBA Finals appearance in franchise history and their first since the 2000 Finals, where they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games. The Pacers will now face the Western Conference champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who dominated the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1 in their series and finished the regular season with an impressive 68 wins, earning home-court advantage. ADVERTISEMENT The NBA Finals tip-off is set for Thursday, June 5, at 8:30 PM ET in Oklahoma City. The Pacers' coach expressed pride in his team's resilience: 'We stayed true to our style and were rewarded. Every point matters in this league.' Meanwhile, the Knicks coach acknowledged the challenge: 'Indiana's defense and depth were too much for us tonight.'As the Pacers prepare for their first championship series in 25 years, fans can expect a fiercely competitive Finals featuring two well-rounded teams hungry for NBA glory. ADVERTISEMENT (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates. NEXT STORY
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Indiana Pacers punch ticket to NBA finals with 125-108 win over New York Knicks
In a thrilling Eastern Conference Finals conclusion on Saturday night, the Indiana Pacers secured their first NBA Finals berth since 2000 by defeating the New York Knicks 125-108 in Game 6 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The victory capped a hard-fought series where Indiana's balanced attack and defensive intensity proved decisive against a resilient Knicks squad. Pacers forward Pascal Siakam led the charge with a dominant 31-point performance, showcasing his scoring versatility and leadership on the big stage. Point guard Tyrese Haliburton , who has been the team's engine throughout the playoffs, finished with a solid 21 points and 14 assists, including a crucial 11-point surge in the final quarter that helped seal the win. Haliburton's postseason averages of 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists have been instrumental in Indiana's deep playoff run. The Knicks, fighting to extend their season, kept the game competitive in the first half but faltered in the third quarter as the Pacers intensified their defense. Indiana forced 18 turnovers, converting them into 34 points, and capitalized on 25 fast-break points. New York's Jalen Brunson was held to 19 points on 8-of-18 shooting, while Karl-Anthony Towns, battling a knee injury, contributed 22 points and 14 rebounds. OG Anunoby was a bright spot for the Knicks with 24 points on efficient shooting. The Pacers' supporting cast also shone: Obi Toppin came off the bench to score 18 points, and Thomas Bryant added 11 points, including a perfect 2-for-2 from beyond the arc. Indiana's three-point shooting was a significant factor, hitting 53.3% (8 of 15) compared to the Knicks' 27.3% (3 of 11). Live Events This triumph marks Indiana's second NBA Finals appearance in franchise history and their first since the 2000 Finals, where they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games. The Pacers will now face the Western Conference champion Oklahoma City Thunder , who dominated the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1 in their series and finished the regular season with an impressive 68 wins, earning home-court advantage. The NBA Finals tip-off is set for Thursday, June 5, at 8:30 PM ET in Oklahoma City. The Pacers' coach expressed pride in his team's resilience: 'We stayed true to our style and were rewarded. Every point matters in this league.' Meanwhile, the Knicks coach acknowledged the challenge: 'Indiana's defense and depth were too much for us tonight.' As the Pacers prepare for their first championship series in 25 years, fans can expect a fiercely competitive Finals featuring two well-rounded teams hungry for NBA glory.
