MLS Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes Preview

March 6, 2020 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release


MINNESOTA UNITED FC vs. SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES

AVAYA STADIUM | SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA

03.07.20 | MLS Week 2 | MLS Game No. 2

7:00 p.m. CT (FSN / FOX Sports Go /MNUFC Radio on SKOR North)

2020 Record

MIN: 1-0-0; 1-0-0 on the road

SJE: 0-0-1; 0-0-1 at home

Game Guide

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - On the heels of a season opening 3-1 win over the Portland Timbers, Minnesota United heads to San Jose to face the Earthquakes. It took the Loons some time to grow into the game against the Timbers, but the defense stood tall while the attack found its footing and once it did, it erupted. Kevin Molino scored a brace and Ethan Finlay notched two assists, earning them spots in the MLS Team of the Week, while newcomer Luis Amarilla opened his account in MLS with the game-winning header in the 76th minute. With road results rarely easy to come by in MLS, the focus for MNUFC this week will be starting the game on the front foot and working to break down a San Jose defense known for aggressive pressing in a man-marking scheme.

THE OPPOSITION

Head Coach Matias Almeyda's Quakes bought into their leader's defensive philosophy last year, eventually riding the approach to a hot streak mid-season that sputtered down the stretch, leaving San Jose on the outside looking in come playoff time.

After falling behind 2-0 at home in their opening game against Toronto FC last week, the Quakes rallied to earn a draw on a stoppage time wonder goal from new addition Oswaldo Alanis.

San Jose's style aims to keep possession and win it back as quickly as possible when the ball turns over, so look for the Loons to work quickly when they have the chance.

It's a gameplan Head Coach Adrian Heath rode to success against the Quakes last season, when MNUFC beat them both at home and on the road by a total of 6-1.

HEATH ON SAN JOSE AND HIS EXPECTATIONS

"I think so. I watched the game this morning from the weekend when they played Toronto. They scored later on to get a draw. A lot of similarities from what they did last year. The one thing I know about it is they're going to be full of running. The coach believes in that and they're going to try and get you off your shape because of the way they play. Now if we can have a good shape and do well on the counter attack I think we can cause some problems like we did last year" [FULL INTERVIEW HERE]

FINLAY ON HIS PARTNERSHIP WITH LUIS AMARILLA AND CONNECTING THE FRONT FOUR

"Soccer is a universal language and you start to figure out guys' movements and where they like the ball and I've been able to pick up on a couple things during the preseason, I think same thing with him. His timing of knowing when I'm going to be able to pick my head up, look and be able to deliver a cross. He's a very smart player, he knows where the space is. If you look at the goal, he makes very, very slight, discreet movements that just pull him [Larrys] Mabiala a little bit to the inside inside, towards the ball, gives himself a little bit of that extra space and allows him to really come on to the ball and really put a powerful header under and squeak it under Steve [Clark's] body there. It's those little things that you really can't teach that he has but I thought we all clicked, to be honest with you. All the front guys, [Kevin Molino], Robin [Lod], there was a lot of moments that I thought, we created that maybe didn't come off for a goal or for a highlight but we were creating some half chances, some good looks and some good opportunities. Lot of encouraging stuff going forward and we hope to build off it." [FULL INTERVIEW HERE]

STORYLINES

One vulnerability of man-marking is a simple numbers game. San Jose's favored formation is a 4-3-3, which means that defensively, their wingers are matched up with the opposing fullbacks while the center forward is left to deal with both opposing centerbacks.

Overall, this isn't a bad trade since on the other end of the field, it allows the Quakes' centerbacks the ability to step out and double down on threats.

But if centerbacks Michael Boxall and Ike Opara are willing to step up and push forward, it can unbalance the man-marking scheme.

If no defender steps to them, they can often get an open lane all the way into the opposing box. [READ MORE]

FIRST TOUCHES: MNUFC won both of the 2019 meetings with San Jose. The Loons defeated the Quakes by a combined score of 6-1. [READ MORE]

MATCH NOTES:

Minnesota United's match notes can be downloaded here.

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