The San Jose Earthquakes snapped a seven-game winless streak Saturday with a scrappy 3-1 win over Minnesota United FC. Forward Chris Wondolowski scored the final goal on a penalty kick, inching closer to the all-time scoring record.
The Quakes struck first through Magnus Eriksson, in the 2nd minute of play, after Minnesota gave away a penalty inside the box. Minnesota forward Christian Ramirez retaliated with a cleanly executed one-touch chip on goal before the half-hour mark. The equalizer ignited several more chances on target for Minnesota, but the Loons could not capitalize and their inability to put shots away proved costly.
Wondolowski came off the bench in the 55th minute for San Jose and immediately made an impact, assisting Danny Hoesen to give the Earthquakes the lead. Fewer than 10 minutes later, Minnesota committed a costly handball inside the box, which set up Wondolowski for a penalty kick and his 136th goal; Wondo trails Landon Donovan by nine all-time.
Goals
- 2' – SJ – Magnus Eriksson | WATCH
- 26' – MIN – Christian Ramirez | WATCH
- 69' – SJ – Danny Hoesen | WATCH
- 76' – SJ – Chris Wondolowski | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: With the loss, Minnesota are now in a dangerous spot. Missed chances and poor possession plagued the second half, and the Loons have dropped two matches in a row as top-ranked Sporting Kansas City looms.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: In the 76th minute, Mr. Milestone Chris Wondolowski pulled one goal closer to Landon Donovan's all-time record. After video review of a Loons handball, Wondolowski confidently took his place in front of goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth and the rest is for the record books. At this pace, Wondo could earn the record for most records.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Wondolowski entered the game in the 55th minute, capitalized on defensive lapse and recorded both an assist and a goal. Not bad for 35 minutes of play.
Mr. Milestone's at it again. 😏 #WondoWatch | #WeAreSanJosepic.twitter.com/wjN6wBIFag
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) May 12, 2018
Next Up
- MNUFC: Sunday, May 20 vs. Sporting KC (2 pm ET | TV & streaming info)
- Quakes: Wednesday, May 16 at Vancouver Whitecaps (10:30 pm ET | TSN - Full TV & streaming info)
