Major League Soccer
Minnesota United FC 5-1 San Jose Earthquakes
Five unanswered goals from Minnesota United FC overwhelm San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park.
Minnesota United FC rolled to a commanding 5-1 victory over San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park, with five unanswered goals sealing a dominant away performance. The visitors got off to a dream start when T. Werner converted a fourth-minute penalty for San Jose Earthquakes, but the lead was short-lived.
Just six minutes later, J. Pereyra pulled one back for Minnesota United FC with a well-taken strike, assisted by A. Markanich. The momentum had clearly shifted, and K. Yeboah doubled the visitors' advantage in the 40th minute, this time with K. Duncan providing the assist.
Before halftime, Yeboah completed his brace with another clinical finish in the 44th minute, this time set up by O. Gene. The scoreline read 3-1 to Minnesota United FC at the break, leaving San Jose Earthquakes with a mountain to climb.
The second half saw Minnesota United FC maintain their intensity. M. Caldeira extended the lead in the 65th minute, with J. Pereyra earning the assist. Despite throwing everything forward, San Jose Earthquakes could not find a way past the resolute Minnesota defense.
In the 86th minute, M. Gonzalez capped off a well-worked team move to make it 5-1, with Pereyra once again providing the assist. The goal sparked celebrations among the traveling supporters, who had witnessed a masterclass from their side.
With the result, Minnesota United FC climbed to 12th in the Western Conference with 25 points from 20 games. San Jose Earthquakes, meanwhile, remain in fourth place with 33 points, but will be left to rue a night where their early lead slipped away.
The match was officiated by referee Jair Antonio Maruffo, with only one booking handed out during the entire contest: a late yellow card for B. Kikanovic of San Jose Earthquakes in the 85th minute.