Orlando, Florida — The Cinderella story for the San Jose Earthquakes and head coach Matías Almeyda is over in Florida. The Earthquakes crashed out of the MLS is Back Tournament against Minnesota United on Friday night.
It was dubbed the “No Hope” match. A band of misfits, if you will. There have been major surprises at the MLS is Back Tournament. These two clubs were at the peak of those surprise moments during the competition.
Now, two those two with a “Cinderella story” came to clash. Only one came out the victor, with Minnesota United FC heading to the MLS is Back semifinals.
Minnesota kicked off quick against the Earthquakes. In the span of two minutes, Robin Lod and Jacori Hayes scored in the first half, notching goals in the 20th and 21st minutes. However, it seemed that San Jose had a response plan in the second half.
In the 49th minute, Hayes was called for a handball inside the box. A penalty kick was awarded to the Earthquakes, with Magnus Eriksson stepping up to take the kick. Loons goalkeeper Tyler Miller dove the wrong way and Eriksson took one back for San Jose in the 50th minute.
However, the Loons responded and widened their lead. Luis Amarilla dealt a blow to the Earthquakes with a goal in the 56th minute. Finally, it was Marlon Hairston that put the final nail in the coffin. Hairston scored the final goal of the match in the 86th minute.
The Loons took flight & the fans LOVED it! #MNUFC pic.twitter.com/LXRX3y4lR9
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 2, 2020
What’s next at the MLS is Back Tournament?
Minnesota has advanced in the tournament. Now, they will face Orlando City SC, who stunned LAFC with a penalty-kick victory, on Thursday. The match will air at 8 p.m. EST and be shown on ESPN2.
Now, one more match remains in the MLS is Back quarterfinals. Saturday night will also determine who the Philadelphia Union take on, with Portland and NYCFC kicking off.
another vibe check… pic.twitter.com/0KUeB6XfSi
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) August 2, 2020
