SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The San Jose Earthquakes and Minnesota United FC played to a 1-1 draw on the road on Saturday evening at Allianz Field. A late equalizer from defender Paul Marie earned the Quakes a crucial point on the road.
The Quakes almost found the opening goal in the 35th minute when a close range shot from forward Matthew Hoppe barely missed the right side of the net. Both sides would play scoreless through the first half.
After conceding a goal in the 56th minute, goalkeeper Daniel would make a crucial save in the 75th minute to keep the score within one. The Earthquakes continued their attack and found the equalizer through defender Paul Marie in the 82nd minute. An arial volley from Marie connected with a cross from Espinoza to find the back of the net and help San Jose earn a crucial road point.
The Earthquakes will now return home and prepare to face FC Dallas on Saturday, Oct. 7. Kickoff from Toyota Stadium is slated for 5:30 p.m. PT and will be streamed globally on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app, as well as on local radio via 1050 AM The Spread (English) and 1370 KZSF (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Earthquakes now hold an 10-10-12 record (42 pts.) during the 2023 MLS regular season and currently sit at eighth place in the 14-team Western Conference.
The Quakes now hold a 5-4-4 record against Minnesota United FC, including a 2-2-2 record on the road.
Defender Paul Marie scored his first goal of the season and fourth of his MLS career.
Forward Cristian Espinoza tallied his 11th assist of the season and 56th of his MLS career.
Defender Carlos Akapo tallied his fourth assist of the season and of his MLS career.
MATCH INFORMATION
Minnesota United FC 1 – 1 San Jose Earthquakes
Saturday, September 30, 2023 – Allianz Field, St. Paul, Minn.
Attendance: 19,645
Man of the Match: Paul Marie
Scoring Summary:
MIN (1-0) – Teemu Pukki (unassisted) 56’
SJ (1-1) – Paul Marie (Cristian Espinoza, Carlos Akapo) 82’
Misconduct Summary:
MIN – Kervin Arriaga (caution) 90+1’
MINNESOTA UNITED FC: Dayne St. Clair; Miguel Tapias, Ethan Bristow (Devin Padelford 85’), Michael Boxall; Emanuel Reynoso (Zarek Valentin 76’), Wil Trapp (C) (Sang Bin Jeong 85’), Jan Gregus (Kervin Arriaga 70’), DJ Taylor (Franco Fragapane 46’), Hassani Dotson; Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Teemu Pukki
Substitutes not used: Clint Irwin (GK), Bakaye Dibassy, Mender Carcia, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi,
SHOTS: 14; SHOTS ON GOAL: 2; FOULS: 6; CORNER KICKS: 4; SAVES: 1
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Daniel; Miguel Trauco (Paul Marie 61’), Tanner Beason, Rodrigues, Carlos Akapo; Jackson Yueill (C), Niko Tsakiris (Carlos Gruezo 60’), Jamiro Monteiro (Cade Cowell 60’); Matthew Hoppe (Jonathan Mensah 85’), Cristian Espinoza, Jeremy Ebobisse (Jack Skahan 75’)
Substitutes not used: JT Marcinkowski (GK), Judson, Benji Kikanović, Tommy Thompson
SHOTS: 14; SHOTS ON GOAL: 2; FOULS: 6; CORNER KICKS: 7; SAVES: 1
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH LUCHI GONZALEZ
On tonight’s draw against Minnesota United FC:
“In the first half, I thought we did have some moments of possession, but not enough. I thought we could have connected more and been a little more patient in our build up. I thought it was a pretty fair and even game. We started the second half quite well, but they hurt us in transition. We were down 1-0, and we responded with some aggressive subs with guys who could give us some verticality and speed and take the game to another gear. And they did that. It paid off with a great goal, with a Cristian [Espinoza] pass to Paul [Marie]. At the end, it was important we closed [the game]. The point was going to be very valuable. It opened up in a way where it could have gone three points either way. We were fortunate to close it and take home an important point. Now we need to rest well and prepare against a very good FC Dallas, and then we will go from there.”
On defender Paul Marie’s performance tonight:
“Starting or not, [Paul Marie] has been in rotation and involved. He’s important. I think he’s a starting caliber fullback/wingback, not just for us but for the league. I am proud of his mentality, being ready no matter what, starting or not. Knowing the game will have a role for him, and he came in showed that. I am very proud of him, and that shows what kind of a teammate he is to this group.”
