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Minnesota United thrashed the Earthquakes on Saturday night 5-2. The Loons lined up the same as last week against Portland, with the same 4-2-3-1 formation as well. Minnesota’s attack was counter-attack focused, San Jose had the majority of possession but could not create enough chances.
Minnesota United opened up the scoring in the 12th minute off a corner kick. Ike Opara made a quick near post run and headed it into the back of the net.
who is your daddy?
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) March 8, 2020
and what does he do? pic.twitter.com/pLMCZrNuWs
Just a few minutes later Tommy Thompson cut inside on Chase Gasper and he stabbed and took him down. After VAR reviewed it, the penalty kick was given and converted. After a few minutes, it looked like the Quakes had gained some momentum, but it was quickly thwarted by Jan Gregus after a nice pass from Amarilla.
'cause you make my earth quake
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) March 8, 2020
oh, you make my earth quake pic.twitter.com/aEW0f20Tcl
The Loons continued to surge forward and Amarilla cashed in number 2 of his 25 goals with a quality header. Kevin Molino did a nice job to cut the ball back and find the Paraguayan forward near the penalty mark.
2 of 25 pic.twitter.com/c4jCiFKr7m
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) March 8, 2020
At the half Minnesota lead 4-1 with a goal from Finnish winger Robin Lod who cleaned up after Amarilla’s penalty kick was saved. A concern for Minnesota after a dominant half was that Kevin Molino was subbed out with an apparent injury a few minutes before the half ended.
The second half started slow for both sides. Minnesota sat in defending and looked a bit slow. The Quakes scored in the 52nd minute after a poor clearance and a mess in the box. United continued to sit back but found some counter-attacking offense. In the 72nd minute, the Loons earned a corner kick and Ike Opara scored off his head for his second of the game.
Sweeter than Splenda pic.twitter.com/u1xo9NTAUL
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) March 8, 2020
The Loons watched the game out and earned a very impressive 5-2 victory in California. Another 3 points for Minnesota means that they will open Allianz Field with a perfect record. United comes home for the first time this season next Sunday to play New York Red Bulls at 6 PM local time.