San Jose Earthquakes v New York Red Bulls: Leroux impact a 'pleasant surprise', says Arena

San Jose Earthquakes head coach Bruce Arena is "pleasantly surprised" by the impact of Beau Leroux this season.

Leroux has played 20 games so far in his rookie season, starting 17 of those, and has scored four goals and registered three assists.

The 21-year-old scored the Earthquakes' only goal in their 1-1 draw against the LA Galaxy last time out and also struck the third goal in their 4-2 victory over FC Dallas.

Arena praised the impact the midfielder has made on his side this season and hopes it will continue.

"He's been, obviously, a pleasant surprise," said Arena. "He played another good game [against the Galaxy].

"I think on the year that's his [fourth] goal, so that's a pretty good goal total for a guy playing in his position, so he's done very well. It's great to see he continues to improve."

Leroux added: "It's an unreal and surreal moment for myself playing in these games.

"Before that game, I was actually looking at the spot where I would usually sit in the past [on] the halfway line at the very top, nosebleed kind of. But it's awesome to be on the field this time.

"Mark-Anthony Kaye opens up and finds me in the pocket. I already had it in my mind that I was going to touch it and hit it. And when I hit it, I thought it was actually hitting the crossbar and going out, because that happens a lot for me. But, I then I saw it hit the back of the net, and that was a surreal moment."

The Earthquakes are sixth in the Western Conference after losing just one of their last 10 MLS matches.

Up next for Arena's side are the New York Red Bulls, who are eighth in the Eastern Conference, having failed to win their last three games (D2 L1).

PLAYERS TO WATCH

San Jose Earthquakes – Cristian Arango

Cristian Arango has been a key performer for the Earthquakes this season. The striker is the side's leading scorer with 10 goals.

He has scored in four of his last six games, either side of a hamstring injury.

New York Red Bulls – Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting

The Red Bulls' talisman in front of goal has been Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who has scored on 11 occasions. He is tied for third in the league's scoring charts in 2025.

Choupo-Moting provided a goal and an assist against Minnesota United last time out, tying him with Kevin Denkey for the most in the league among MLS newcomers this season.

MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW

San Jose are unbeaten over their last six home games in all competitions (W3 D3), their longest unbeaten run since 10 straight over the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

The Red Bulls are unbeaten over their last five matches against San Jose (W4 D1), going back to July 2017, their longest unbeaten run against the Earthquakes in series history. 

When the two sides last met in MLS action, they played out a 1-1 draw at Sports Illustrated Stadium in April 2023.

In their last six league matches, Earthquakes have won two, drawn three and lost one. New York RB, meanwhile, have won three, drawn two and lost one in their last six.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

San Jose Earthquakes – 35.5%

Draw – 26.1%

New York Red Bulls – 38.4%