By Jarra Gojolo — Content Editor
Magnus Eriksson scored San Jose’s lone goal, as the Earthquakes were knocked out of the MLS is Back Tournament by Minnesota United on Saturday, 4-1.
Robin Lod opened Minnesota’s scoring in the 20th minute, tapping in a José Aja header at point-blank range for the 1-0 advantage.
The very next minute, Quakes keeper Daniel Vega failed to collect the ball after stopping Minnesota fullback Hassani Dotson’s strike. Midfielder Jacori Hayes pounced on the rebound to double the Loons’ lead.
San Jose’s only goal came as a result of Hayes’ handball in the 47th minute. Magnus Eriksson slotted in the penalty to open his squad’s scoring.
Any momentum the Quakes had disappeared just a few minutes later as Loons striker Luis Amarila scored on the counter to restore the two-goal lead. Substitute Marlon Hairston would finish off Minnesota’s scoring in the 86th minute.
The Quakes had a dominating 64 percent of possession. Despite San Jose’s advantage on the ball, Minnesota had the advantage where it counted, having more total shots (20 to 16) and significantly more shots on target (13 to 4) than the Quakes.
In contrast San Jose rarely looked dangerous. Besides the penalty, the Quakes’ only shots on target came outside of the box.
Despite Saturday’s loss, the MLS restart was a success for the Quakes. Not only did the team have their season postponed in March, but they were the last team to open their practice facilities due to the Bay Area’s shelter-in-place order.
Overcoming all that to win their qualifying group is an accomplishment by itself.
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