Minnesota United made it two wins in two to start the 2020 MLS season with a 5-2 victory at the San Jose Earthquakes in what might be the most entertaining match of the weekend.
Ike Opara began a busy day for goalscorers with a header in the 13th minute, but San Jose quickly equalized with a Magnus Eriksson penalty six minutes later. It was to prove a temporary reprieve for the Quakes, however, as the visitors went on to not just give themselves a lead, but a cushioned one.
Jan Gregus put Minnesota back in the lead in the 26th minute, and then Luis Amarilla added to it six minutes later. The Loons were briefly halted when San Jose's Daniel Vega saved Amarilla's stoppage-time penalty, but it did not last long as Robin Lod capitalized on the deflection to put Minnesota up 4-1 to end the half.
The second half picked up from where the first half left off, with the Earthquakes scoring another through Vako in the 53rd minute. To round out a display from Minnesota that was dominant in more ways than one, Opara completed a brace with another header.
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Goals
- 13' -- MIN -- Ike Opara | WATCH
- 19' -- SJ -- Magnus Eriksson (PK) | WATCH
- 26' -- MIN -- Jan Gregus | WATCH
- 32' -- MIN -- Luis Amarilla | WATCH
- 45'+3 -- MIN -- Robin Lod | WATCH
- 53' -- SJ -- Vako | WATCH
- 71' -- MIN -- Ike Opara | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: Defending was not a strong suit for either side, but Minnesota continue to build on a successful 2019 season with a five-goal performance. San Jose, though, had an especially tough night with a defensive performance that left quite a bit to be desired.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Kevin Molino and Luis Amarilla combined nicely for Minnesota's third goal, first with an inch-perfect cross from Molino and then a quick header from Amarilla that took the game away from the Earthquakes.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: It was a strong night for a number of attacking players, but Jan Gregus stood out with the goal that started Minnesota's true dominance as well as providing assists for both of Ike Opara's goals.
Next Up
- SJ: Saturday, March 14 at Philadelphia Union (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
- MIN: Sunday, March 15 vs. New York Red Bulls (7 pm ET | FS1; FOX Sports App, FOX Sports Deportes; TSN1, MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
