Niko Tsakiris insists the San Jose Earthquakes "know what needs to be done" and are not backing down from the playoff fight ahead of a tricky home clash with the Houston Dynamo in MLS.

San Jose finally claimed their first victory since returning from the World Cup break last time out, edging San Diego FC 3-2 to end an eight-game winless streak in the league. It was a much-needed result for a side that had suffered a major drop-off after such a strong start to the season.

The Earthquakes sit fifth in the Western Conference, just two points behind FC Dallas in fourth place, with a top-four finish firmly in their sights. Tsakiris is glad to see their recent performances finally being rewarded, with San Jose now unbeaten in three (D2).

"We are taking things game by game, and going to Texas and getting two points on the road was big for us, just for momentum. Obviously, we're aware of the standings. I think everybody is right now, but our approach is still the same. We know what needs to be done. Our goal is to make the playoffs and to have a home playoff match."

High-flying Houston arrive in form

The Dynamo are five points better off than San Jose and sit second in the West, just three points behind the Vancouver Whitecaps at the summit, after extending their unbeaten streak to three games with a 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake last time out.

Houston have lost just one of their last 12 league games and are high on confidence, with Mateusz Bogusz also on a high after scoring the winner against RSL. That took him to five goals for the season, and he acknowledged the boost it provided to his confidence.

"I am proud of my goal. I had two other chances as well, but I am happy. I needed this goal. I feel like I am playing well and that the team is playing well too. I hope to keep scoring to help the team."

Players to watch

San Jose Earthquakes – Niko Tsakiris: Tsakiris had a goal and two assists in San Jose's win on Wednesday, with those two assists taking him to 10 on the season. He is one of only two players to record double-digit assists for San Jose since 2020, joining Cristian Espinoza, who had at least 10 in four straight seasons from 2022 to 2025.

Houston Dynamo – Guilherme: In the 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake, Guilherme recorded a goal, an assist and five chances created. The only other Dynamo players over the last 15 seasons to have at least one goal, one assist and five chances created in an MLS match are Darwin Quintero (2021 v Seattle Sounders) and Alberth Elis (2019 v LA Galaxy).

Match preview and prediction

San Jose are unbeaten in three straight meetings with Houston, including a scoreless draw on August 29, and this is the first time the Earthquakes have played three straight matches against Houston without a loss in 36 all-time meetings.

The 'Quakes earned just their second win since the beginning of May with the 3-2 victory at San Diego FC, but are still yet to win at home since late April, having gone six in a row without a victory in the Bay Area (D2 L4).

Houston, meanwhile, lost four of their first six competitive matches in 2026 (W2) but have lost just three of 21 matches since then (W13 D5). Their three losses across all competitions since April 15 are tied for the fewest by any MLS club (also St. Louis City SC and D.C. United).

Match prediction: Draw

Opta win probability

• San Jose Earthquakes – 39.7%
• Draw – 26.6%
• Houston Dynamo – 33.7%