FC Cincinnati delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the MLS season, overturning a second-half deficit to defeat the San Jose Earthquakes 4-2 at TQL Stadium. Three goals inside the final 10 minutes transformed what looked like a frustrating home defeat into an unforgettable victory.
After falling behind twice during the contest, Cincinnati found another gear in the closing stages. Bryan Ramirez started the comeback before Tom Barlow and Evander struck in quick succession, while Ayoub Jabbari sealed the result deep into stoppage time.
The win keeps Cincinnati’s momentum alive in the Eastern Conference, while San Jose will be left wondering how a promising performance unraveled so quickly.
First Half: Munie Opens the Scoring Before Ramirez Responds
The visitors made the brighter start and were rewarded in the 26th minute when Daniel Munie found the breakthrough. San Jose’s early pressure paid off as Cincinnati struggled to settle defensively.
Despite conceding first, the hosts gradually gained control of possession and began creating chances. Their persistence was rewarded in the 33rd minute when Bryan Ramirez finished confidently to bring Cincinnati level before halftime.
The equalizer shifted momentum and ensured both teams entered the break tied at 1-1 after an entertaining opening 45 minutes.
Werner Restores San Jose’s Lead
San Jose regained the advantage shortly after halftime through new signing Timo Werner, who scored in the 56th minute to silence the home crowd.
Werner’s finish appeared to put the Earthquakes in control, and for much of the second half they defended well while threatening on the counterattack. Cincinnati struggled to convert pressure into clear-cut opportunities as time ticked away.
With less than 15 minutes remaining, San Jose looked set to claim an impressive away victory.
Cincinnati’s Incredible Late Rally
Everything changed during a breathtaking finish.
Tom Barlow equalized in the 80th minute after Cincinnati increased the tempo and pinned San Jose inside their own penalty area. Barely two minutes later, star midfielder Evander completed the turnaround, firing home in the 82nd minute to give Cincinnati the lead for the first time.
As San Jose pushed forward in search of another equalizer, gaps opened at the back. Cincinnati punished them once more in the fifth minute of stoppage time when Ayoub Jabbari finished off a late attack to make it 4-2 and put the result beyond doubt.
The three-goal burst inside the final minutes highlighted Cincinnati’s resilience and attacking quality under pressure.
Evander Continues His Outstanding Season
Although several Cincinnati players found the scoresheet, Evander once again proved decisive.
His goal not only completed the comeback but also continued an outstanding individual campaign in which he has consistently produced goals and assists for Cincinnati. The Brazilian remains one of MLS’s most influential attacking midfielders and once again delivered when his team needed him most.
San Jose Left Frustrated
For nearly 80 minutes, the Earthquakes executed their game plan effectively.
Daniel Munie’s opener and Werner’s second-half strike had the visitors in an excellent position, while their defensive organization limited Cincinnati for long stretches. However, their inability to withstand Cincinnati’s late pressure proved costly.
Conceding three goals in the closing stages turned what could have been an important road victory into a painful defeat.
FC Cincinnati vs San Jose Earthquakes Match Summary
Final Score: FC Cincinnati 4-2 San Jose Earthquakes
Goals
- Daniel Munie (San Jose) – 26′
- Bryan Ramirez (FC Cincinnati) – 33′
- Timo Werner (San Jose) – 56′
- Tom Barlow (FC Cincinnati) – 80′
- Evander (FC Cincinnati) – 82′
- Ayoub Jabbari (FC Cincinnati) – 90+5′
What the Result Means
The dramatic comeback gives FC Cincinnati another valuable three points and reinforces their reputation as one of MLS’s most dangerous attacking teams, particularly in the closing stages of matches. Their ability to recover from adversity could prove crucial as the regular season enters its decisive stretch.
For San Jose, the defeat will sting. Despite leading twice and playing well for much of the evening, defensive lapses during the final 10 minutes erased an otherwise impressive performance.
In a league known for dramatic finishes, this contest will be remembered as one of the most thrilling comebacks of the 2026 MLS season.
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