The San Jose Earthquakes welcome Austin FC to PayPal Park for a pivotal MLS clash on April 22, with kickoff set for 10:30 PM ET. The hosts are riding high, sitting second in the Western Conference and overall standings after a blistering start, while Austin FC are still searching for rhythm, languishing in 13th. This fixture could have serious implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations as the Earthquakes seek to solidify their top-tier credentials and Austin look to reverse their defensive woes.
Note for US readers: Polymarket is now live for real-money trading in the US following its 2025 acquisition of QCX, a CFTC-regulated exchange, available in most states except Arizona, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, Nevada and Ohio. New US users can claim a 100% deposit match up to $50 with code ACQUIRE05. Market prices shown are real-money figures from the Polymarket platform. Kalshi, also CFTC-regulated, trades in all 50 states.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on recent form and season-long trends, here are our top betting recommendations for this match. We’re particularly confident in a San Jose Earthquakes win, given their dominant defense and clinical attack.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Sportsbook | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose Earthquakes to Win | Bet365 No Odds Available | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | SJ Earthquakes have won 7 of 8, with a +14 goal difference. Austin have managed just 1 win. |
| Under 2.5 Goals | Bet365 No Odds Available | ⭐⭐⭐ | Earthquakes’ defense has conceded only 3 goals in 8 games; expect a tight contest. |
| Ousseni Bouda to Score or Assist | Bet365 No Odds Available | ⭐⭐⭐ | Bouda leads the team in goals (4) and has 4 big chance assists. |
Our approach: Start with the San Jose Earthquakes win, add Under 2.5 Goals for parlay potential.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Polymarket Match Prediction: Live Odds & Win Probability
Polymarket traders are zeroing in on this West Coast contest, with the San Jose Earthquakes entering as the clear favorites in market sentiment. Austin FC’s price signals a lack of confidence from the market, likely reflecting their defensive struggles so far this season. The draw sits at middling value, and overall, the market appears decisive with healthy trading volume for a regular-season MLS fixture. This Polymarket live tracker offers an additional pulse on how fans and traders view the matchup heading into kickoff.
Season Form & Standings
The 2026 MLS campaign has seen the San Jose Earthquakes emerge as one of the most balanced teams in the league, combining an attacking threat with defensive resilience. With seven wins from their first eight games, they hold second place with a formidable +14 goal difference. Austin FC, meanwhile, have struggled for momentum, sitting thirteenth with just one victory and a -3 goal difference. As the 2026 MLS season unfolds, this fixture offers San Jose a chance to keep pace with the leaders, while Austin desperately need a spark to ignite their playoff chase.
| Team | Pos | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose Earthquakes | 2 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 17 | 3 | +14 | 21 |
| Austin FC | 13 | 8 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 11 | 14 | -3 | 7 |
Potential Match-Winners
- Ousseni Bouda (San Jose Earthquakes, 2026 MLS): Averaging 0.5 goals per match (4 in 8), 4 big chance assists, and a 50% shot accuracy rate. Leads all Earthquakes players in direct goal involvement.
- Preston Judd (San Jose Earthquakes, 2026 MLS): 0.38 goals per game, 2 assists, and 50% shot accuracy. Reliable as a secondary scoring threat, especially on the break.
- Facund Torres (Austin FC, 2026 MLS): Three assists (league-best for Austin), 21 big chance assists, and 45.45% shot accuracy. Creative hub for Austin but needs teammates to finish chances.
Head-to-Head
Recent history between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC has been tightly contested, with draws common. However, the Quakes won the last clash 2-1 back in October.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 19, 2025 | San Jose Earthquakes 2-1 Austin FC | MLS |
| Aug 31, 2025 | Austin FC 3-1 San Jose Earthquakes | MLS |
| May 26, 2024 | San Jose Earthquakes 1-1 Austin FC | MLS |
| Apr 7, 2024 | Austin FC 4-3 San Jose Earthquakes | MLS |
| Oct 22, 2023 | San Jose Earthquakes 1-1 Austin FC | MLS |
San Jose Earthquakes vs Austin FC Prediction
San Jose Earthquakes enter this fixture in commanding form, boasting the league’s stingiest defense and a multi-faceted attack led by Ousseni Bouda. Austin FC have shown flashes of creative promise but remain undermined by defensive frailties. Expect San Jose to control proceedings and capitalize on Austin’s vulnerabilities. Our top selection: San Jose Earthquakes to win (see latest odds at Bet365).
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.