San Jose Earthquakes 1, Minnesota United 4 | MLS is Back Tournament Match Recap

Minnesota United FC are into the semifinals at the MLS is Back Tournament, cruising to a 4-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night.

Head coach Adrian Heath will now face upstart Orlando City, the club he led from 2011-16, with a championship spot on the line this coming Thursday (8 pm ET | ESPN2, ESPN Deportes in US; TSN, TVA Sports 2 in Canada).

The Loons set the tone midway through the first half, scoring twice in quick succession to take a 2-0 lead by the 21st minute. Robin Lod finished for the 1-0 advantage at the back post after a recycled corner kick, and then Jacori Hayes cleaned up a Daniel Vega rebound for a one-two punch.

Minnesota’s lead was cut in half in the 50th minute when Magnus Eriksson deposited from the penalty-kick spot. The Swede’s attempt was granted after Video Review judged that Hayes used his hand to thwart Tommy Thompson’s advance. 

But San Jose’s hopes of another MLS is Back comeback were short-lived, as Minnesota striker Luis Amarilla made it 3-1 on a 56th-minute fast break. The Paraguayan beat Vega at his near post for his first of the tournament.

The game was put to rest in the 86th minute through Marlon Hairston, as Minnesota’s midfield sub sealed the 4-1 result. He made a probing run into the six-yard box and capped off a low, driven cross from Hassani Dotson. 

Goals

• 20' – MIN – Robin Lod | WATCH
• 21' – MIN – Jacori Hayes | WATCH
• 50' – SJ – Magnus Eriksson (PK) | WATCH
• 56' – MIN – Luis Amarilla | WATCH
• 86' – MIN – Marlon Hairston | WATCH

Man of the Match presented by Heineken

The Loons’ starting XI posed some concern with right back Romain Metanire not in the matchday squad. Step in Hassani Dotson, who directly factored into Minnesota’s first two goals, recorded a primary assist on the 4-1 strike and largely thwarted Vako all evening.

Three Things

• THE BIG PICTURE. Looking at the all-time series since Matias Almeyda took over San Jose in 2019, Minnesota has a 4-0 record and plus-11 goal differential. The man-marking system causes problems for most, but the Loons have clearly picked the lock.
• MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Luis Amarilla’s goal in the 56th minute halted a simmering San Jose comeback. He missed early portions of the tournament with an abductor injury, and is still searching for top form.
• YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED: Minnesota only had around 35% of possession, but made the most of their chances. It was an efficient showing.

Next Up

• SJ: End of Tournament
• MIN: Thursday, Aug. 6 vs. Orlando City, MLS is Back Tournament Semifinals (8 pm ET | ESPN2, ESPN Deportes in US; TSN, TVA Sports 2 in Canada)