The San Jose Earthquakes were given a tough Week One matchup against Toronto FC, who have reached the MLS Cup Final in three of the last four years. While there were things that head coach Matias Almeyda and his staff will aim to clean up from the Home Opener, the Quakes’ valiant comeback from a two-goal second-half deficit to earn an important point at Earthquakes Stadium will certainly help the team’s momentum moving forward.
While the significance of playing in front of a home crowd can’t be understated, teams in MLS are beginning to overcome the seemingly herculean task of being successful on the road. Seven road teams earned at least one point in Week One, while four emerged victorious.
One of those victorious sides was San Jose’s upcoming opponent: Minnesota United FC. Despite conceding nearly 60% of possession, completing ~150 fewer passes and being outshot 14-10, United FC defeated the Portland Timbers 3-1.
Minnesota has been one of the most interesting clubs to follow in recent years. Entering the league as an expansion team in 2017, Minnesota finished with one of the worst records in MLS each of their first two seasons. Last year was a revelation for the club, as they earned their first-ever postseason berth and the No. 4 seed.
United FC remain one of the teams San Jose will be competing with for a playoff position. Despite trading star midfielder Darwin Quintero to Houston, the Week One victory over Portland likely has the side beaming with confidence.
Newly acquired 24-year-old forward Luis Amarilla made waves upon his signing by promising head coach Adrian Heath 25 goals this season; a task completed by only a handful of players in MLS history. Amarilla went on to score in his debut, a 76th-minute game-winner no less.
Minnesota’s other two goals scored on Monday came from Kevin Molino. Molino, 29, is a Trinidad and Tobago international with 5+ seasons of experience in Major League Soccer. Molino’s best season came in 2016 as a member of Orlando City SC, when he tallied 11 goals and eight assists in 30 appearances. His breakout year led to a big-money trade to Minnesota and he had another successful season in 2017. A torn ACL in 2018 has hampered his statistics since, but Molina remains a dangerous offensive threat.
Saturday’s match, presented by Honda, kicks off at 4:45 p.m. and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Bay Area, KNBR 1050 (English) and 1370 KZSF (Spanish).
