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MLS Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes Preview

September 29, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release


GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - In Minnesota's second-to-last home game of the regular-season, Saturday's match turns into a must-win against the San Jose Earthquakes. After its loss against St. Louis CITY SC, Minnesota United fell to 11th in the Western Conference table, as San Jose currently stands in eighth. Now, with four regular-season contests remaining, the Loons cannot afford to drop any points in order to qualify for the playoffs: Potentially Minnesota's fifth-consecutive camping reaching postseason action. Notably, Minnesota United is the only club in the West to have reached the playoffs the last four seasons in a row. At the start of September, MNUFC traveled to PayPal Park and played to a 1-1 draw against San Jose. With a win at Allianz Field on Saturday, Minnesota would split the all-time, regular-season series evenly (five wins, five losses).

HEAD COACH ADRIAN HEATH ON RESETTING AFTER CREATING CHANCES AT HOME AND NOT GETTING RESULTS...

"At home, we've got to just keep doing what we've been doing: Playing on the front foot, getting the ball forward, running forward with the ball and without the ball and getting people in the box. We've done it really well the last few weeks. I know our supporters never let us down, but I think this is one of those [games] where we need everybody this weekend more than ever. I think it may be the biggest game of the season for us and we have to approach it that way. I'm sure our supporters will get us through."

DEFENDER ZAREK VALENTIN ON THE TAKEAWAYS FROM THE LAST MATCH AGAINST SAN JOSE...

"Both teams are aware of their opponent. They [San Jose Earthquakes] have some very dynamic wingers. They have a very, very good front-four that likes to play. They're well coached. Luchi [Gonzalez] was in [FC] Dallas, and he was with the [United States Men's] National Team for a bit, so they're very well coached and they've got some talented players. We have to be aware of those people and be aware of their movements and try to limit their chances as much as possible. But at the same time, they need to be aware of us. We need to be cognizant of our opponent but ultimately focus on our game plan because when we're playing our best, we've shown that we can compete with anyone in this league."

STORYLINES PRESENTED BY BMW

Storylines is preparing for the end of the regular season and anxiously awaiting the crucial run of games ahead of Minnesota United. It's not quite do-or-die time just yet, but we're drawing ever closer to that territory with every passing game.

Every Major League Soccer season plays out a little differently. Contenders rise and fall, making way for new powerhouses and fresh surprises, and giving everyone their time in the sun if they're savvy enough to seize it. But while the names filling each spot in the standings change frequently, the numbers separating everyone rarely stray too far from the average.

With the exception of the shortened 2020 season, the last few seasons have shown clear trends in the number of points it takes to finish in each position. The Supporters' Shield winner always seems to end the year within the high 60s or low 70s, while the Wooden Spoon typically goes to a team that finishes in the low to mid 20s.

PLAYER AVAILABILITY REPORT:

Minnesota United

OUT:

J. Rosales - Thigh

B. Kallman - Knee

QUESTIONABLE:

None

SEASON-ENDING INJURY LIST:

R. Jiba - Knee

R. Lod - Knee

MINNESOTA UNITED FC vs. SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES

ALLIANZ FIELD | SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA

09.30.23 | MLS Regular Season | Matchday 35

7:30 p.m. CT (MLS Season Pass; MNUFC Radio on 1500 ESPN)

2023 MLS Record

MIN: 9-11-10 (3-4-8 at home)

SJE: 10-10-11 (2-8-5 on the road)

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from September 29, 2023


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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