MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Minnesota United FC 3-1 Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, earning their first road win of the season and extending their unbeaten record against The Loons to 4-0-0.
Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski scored his 136th career MLS goal in the 76th minute, and is now just nine goals away from tying Landon Donovan as Major League Soccer's all-time leading goal scorer (145). Of those goals, 132 have been with the Quakes.
The Quakes took the lead in the second minute of the match through Magnus Eriksson's penalty kick. The goal marked the first time since May 2014 that someone other than Wondolowski has scored from the penalty spot for the Quakes (Khari Stephenson vs. Houston Dynamo, May 25, 2014).
Minnesota equalized through Christian Ramirez in the 26th minute, but the Quakes sealed the three points with Danny Hoesen's fourth goal of the season in the 69th minute, and Wondolowski's penalty.
The Quakes will now travel north of the border to take on Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place on Wednesday, May 16. The match will kick off at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Bay Area, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
MLS Regular Season
Minnesota United 1-3 San Jose Earthquakes
May 12, 2018 – TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn.
Attendance: 19,721
Scoring Summary: SJ – Magnus Eriksson (penalty) 2; MIN – Christian Ramirez (unassisted) 26; SJ – Danny Hoesen (Chris Wondolowski) 69; SJ – Chris Wondolowski (penalty) 76;
Misconduct Summary: MIN – Rasmus Schuller (caution) 21; SJ – Harold Cummings (caution) 40; SJ – Shea Salinas (caution) 63; MIN – Francisco Calvo (caution) 75; SJ – Andrew Tarbell (caution) 90+2.
MINNESOTA UNITED: Bobby Shuttleworth; Francisco Calvo, Jerome Thiesson, Eric Miller, Michael Boxall; Ibson, Rasmus Schuller; Alexi Gomez (Franck Pangop 77), Darwin Quintero, Miguel Ibarra; Christian Ramirez (Mason Toye 77).
SHOTS: 17; SHOTS ON GOAL: 6; SAVES: 3; FOULS: 13; CORNER KICKS: 11, OFFSIDES: 2.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Andrew Tarbell; Shea Salinas, Florian Jungwirth, Harold Cummings, Nick Lima; Anibal Godoy, Jackson Yueill (Fatai Alashe 63); Jahmir Hyka (Chris Wondolowski 55), Vako (Jimmy Ockford 90), Magnus Eriksson; Danny Hoesen.
SHOTS: 11; SHOTS ON GOAL: 6; SAVES: 5; FOULS: 14; CORNER KICKS: 4, OFFSIDES: 0.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH MIKAEL STAHRE
On first road win:
“I think we came out good, we obviously scored a goal after just two minutes. I think we controlled the first 25 minutes in a good way, without creating good chances. We possessed the ball in a good way. When we started losing balls on our half and making mistakes, they scored a goal. I think we were really lucky it was just 1-1 going into halftime. After some adjustments, and a slap on the hand, we started the second half much better. I liked that VAR was on our side today. It was a really important victory for us for sure, but our performance was so-so. I think our performance against Portland was better, but to steal a victory at this point is the most important thing.”
On Danny Hoesen’s goal:
“To score a goal at that point was really important. In the first 15-20 minutes into the second-half was good. The goal gave us a little bit more confidence actually. We were in really big trouble at the end of the first half.”
On how the team builds on the win looking forward to Vancouver:
“I think we can look at this game and be really critical. When you win you can be confident for sure, but also be really critical. We’ll adjust things with a positive mindset. That’s the most important thing. “
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES FORWARD CHRIS WONDOLOWSKI
On goal and team win:
“I think it was a good win. It definitely wasn’t our prettiest at times, but I thought it was a good battle and a good 90-minute performance. I think this goes down as more of a team performance than anything.”
On entering as a substitute:
“It was nice to come in. I was full of energy and wanted to try to prove myself and help the team in any way I can. I want to thank Magnus for letting me take the second penalty.”
On both wins being against Minnesota:
“Sometimes you just match up well against teams. Minnesota is a very good team; their record speaks for itself right now. They are going to continue to do well. To be honest though, I think we just match up formation wise and everything else fairly well right now. We just happened to get a call or two our way.”
SAN JOSE FORWARD DANNY HOESEN
On overall thoughts from the match:
“It was a lot of hard work. We started very well; in the first 20 minutes we were much better. We conceded a goal by mistake, but I also have to say he had an incredible finish. Give him 10 more of these shots and he doesn’t make one again. You see that we’re a team in trouble and that our confidence goes down a little bit, but I thought the fighting and team spirit today was excellent. I think that’s why we won the game.”
On the goal from Wondolowski’s cross:
“I first wanted to make a run because Lima had the ball, but that got blocked. Wondo was there to take the second ball, so I just tried to be on my toes while in the box and quicker than the defender. I don’t know how he crossed it, but he turned his body and delivered a perfect cross. A lot of credit to him.”
On dealing with Minnesota’s offensive pressure:
“I had a very strong feeling that our defense could handle it. I think they all played a fantastic game. We stood together and fought for the win.”
