However, one team that held on was the San Jose Earthquakes, who won 7–6 on penalties in the third round against the Milwaukee Rampage, then in the quarterfinals lost to their California rival Los Angeles, but not before an exciting game that in the end saw penalties from all ten position players.
Despite facing elimination, the San Jose Earthquakes persevered, defeating the Milwaukee Rampage 7-6 on penalties in the third round. However, they were ultimately defeated by their Californian rivals, Los Angeles, in the quarterfinals after a closely contested match that required penalty kicks from all ten players.