The San Jose Earthquakes earned a 2-2 draw against Minnesota United FC on Saturday evening at Allianz Field. Defender Nathan made his MLS debut, starting and playing all 90 minutes, while 21-year-old forward Benji Kikanovic scored the late equalizer, marking his first career MLS goal.
The Earthquakes will use the bye week to prepare for a road match against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, July 17. The match kicks off from Dick’s Sporting Goods Park at 6:00 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Bay Area, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
EARTHQUAKES NOTES
LAST GAME VS. MINNESOTA UNITED FC (6/22)
Against Minnesota
The Quakes are now 4-3-1 all-time vs. Minnesota, including a 2-1-1 away record.
Breaching the Defense
San Jose became the first team to score 2+ goals vs. Minnesota since May 8, snapping a streak of six matches with one or fewer conceded.
Goal Leader
Seventeen-year-old Cade Cowell scored his team-leading fourth goal of the season and fifth of his MLS career. He has now scored in each of the last two matches.
First MLS Goal
Forward Benji Kikanovic scored his first career MLS goal in his fourth career appearance.
Young and Fearless
Cade Cowell (17 years and 263 days) and Benji Kikanovic (21 years and 179 days), the Earthquakes’ two goal-scorers from Saturday tonight, have a combined age of 19 years and 226 days.
Veteran Playmaker
Midfielder Shea Salinas tallied an assist on Benji Kikanovic’s goal, marking his second assist of the season and 53rd of his MLS career. It also marked his 50th assist with the Earthquakes, extending his club assists record.
For Club
Cristian Espinoza tallied an assist on Cade Cowell’s goal, marking his third assist of the season and 25th of his MLS career. Espinoza is now in sole possession of 10th place on the team’s all-time assists leaderboard.
MLS Debut
Defender Nathan made his MLS debut, starting and playing 90 minutes.
Between the Posts
Goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski made his 12th start of the season, the most starts he’s made in a single season in his MLS career.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
Earthquakes Midfielder Jackson Yueill Named to USMNT Roster for 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup
San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Jackson Yueill is among 23 players called to the U.S. National Team by head coach Gregg Berhalter for the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup. Yueill has made 11 prior appearances for the U.S. National Team, most recently helping the Americans win the Concacaf Nations League last month. To read more, click here.
ACADEMY UPDATE
The Quakes Academy Boys U-15s and U-17s concluded their participation in the MLS NEXT playoffs and showcase tournaments in Texas.
The U-15s fell to Real Salt Lake 3-0 in the MLS NEXT playoff semifinals on Wednesday, while the U-17s fell to the Philadelphia Union 1-0 in the MLS NEXT showcase on Tuesday.
Both squads have returned to San Jose and will be on break before returning for the 2021/2022 MLS NEXT season.
