Three second half goals lead Minnesota United FC past San Jose

Minnesota United FC went into Avaya Stadium and cruised right past the San Jose Earthquakes with three goals in the second half to win a second-straight match.

San Jose, California (March 9, 2019) — For the Minnesota United FC players, it almost seemed like a vacation. Leaving the cold north and heading to sunny California, Minnesota United took 45 minutes to acclimate to their surroundings.

However, once they settled down, they dominated.

Three second half goals lead Minnesota United FC past San Jose

Minnesota United FC traveled to Avaya Stadium to face the San Jose Earthquakes. In the last few years, San Jose has struggled. Last year, they were at the bottom of the Western Conference. This year, the season hasn’t looked much different. In the first week of MLS action, San Jose fell to the Montreal Impact.

Meanwhile, on Saturday night, it didn’t get better against Minnesota. For Minnesota, the win piled onto a win that occurred last week against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Minnesota failed to score in the first half, and so did San Jose. Both sides had plenty of chances. The most notable for Minnesota came from defender Francisco Calvo. Meanwhile, Chris Wondolowski — who is chasing the all-time leading goals record in MLS — smacked a shot off the post.

However, after halftime motivation — or yelling — from coaches Adrian Heath and Matías Almeyda, Minnesota came out strong. Heath’s club racked up a goal just four minutes after the start of the half. San Jose defender Marcos López conceded a penalty with a handball in the penalty box. After a VAR review, Darwin Quintero knocked his goal past Daniel Vega.

Meanwhile, three minutes later, Miguel Ibarra added to the lead. Ibarra slipped through a goal from his left food. Minnesota tacked on a third and final goal on a free kick in the 75th minute. However, no player from Minnesota United FC slotted the ball through.

Instead, Harold Cummings scored in his own net.

With the victory, Minnesota United FC sits with an undefeated 2-0-0 record. Meanwhile, San Jose is trapped with a 0-0-2 record. Next weekend, the Earthquakes will attempt to bounce back and earn the first victory over the new MLS season against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday. Later that night, the Loons will take on the L.A. Galaxy.

I'll take GOATS that start with the letter Q for 200, Alex pic.twitter.com/JNoJvJzKRf

— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) March 10, 2019

Three Takeaways

Ozzie Alonso’s addition is majorly helping: Francisco Calvo is a great leader for Minnesota United FC. However, he’s not really an organizer, except with his fellow defensemen. Enter Osvaldo “Ozzie” Alonso, who naturally led the Seattle Sounders FC for 10 seasons. Alonso is providing an organizer leadership in the midfield.
Is there hope for San Jose? It’s early in the season, but this is a legitimate question. San Jose has struggled for years now and there’s yet another new coach in the fold. Will Almeyda even make it for the full year? With how San Jose changes hands with the coach in charge, it’s unlikely. Next week’s opponent is going to be a challenge, but San Jose needs to find some improvements.
Wondo Watch is on hold: Chris Wondolowski would’ve scored his 144th MLS goal tonight if two of his shots didn’t smack off the post. “Wondo Watch” is being put on hold right now, as he’s just one goal shy away from tying Landon Donovan’s all-time goal scoring record. He’ll likely break the record this season, but right now Wondo Watch is on hold until San Jose can figure out how to work together as a unit. Wondolowski won’t be around forever. The unit needs to work together before individual feats are made.