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Minnesota United faces off with an in-form Earthquakes team who has won their last two games. Both those wins for San Jose looked impressive, with a 2-0 win over Houston and a 3-0 win over the Galaxy. However, Minnesota has been in-form as well, winning two Open Cup matches, earning a spot in the semi-finals, and thrashing FC Cincinnati 7-1.
What does all this add up to? An epic home match for the Loons at Allianz Field. The Quakes sit at fifth in the table with 25 points, and Minnesota is only one point back from them with 24 points. The Western Conference is densely populated currently, Portland seems to just now be finding their form, and San Jose has also found their game after a rough start.
The Loons’ lineup will likely be the same as the Cincinnati game. Metanire is still away with the Madagascar national team, who won their group and is on to the knock-out stage. San Jose’s lineup will also likely be the same as their last match. The only injury for Minnesota is Abu Danladi, who is out of the match listed with a hip problem.
Head coach Adrian Heath has lauded the Quakes’ confidence, telling reporters: “It’s another Western Conference team that’s in and around us. Were we to go and get another three points, go up to 27 points.”
The Loons look to do just that tonight at 7:00. Coverage kicks off at 6:30 on both SKOR North and Fox Sports North +.
Staff picks:
John Stephenson: 2-1 Minnesota
Jacob Schneider: 0-0 draw
Colin O’Donnell: 3-0 loss, Yueill with a brace
Zak Lippert: 2-0 Loons, Opara with another goal
Eli Hoff: 2-2 draw, Quakes go up early
Ashle Norling: 2-1 Minnesota
Judson Lohman: 1-1 draw, scrappy game
Seth Steffenhagen: 2-0 Minnesota, Quakes shake under pressure