The Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota will host a crucial Western Conference clash on Saturday night as Minnesota United FC welcome the San Jose Earthquakes. Both sides find themselves in dire need of a victory to revive their faltering seasons.
The Loons are winless in their last nine matches, with their most recent triumph coming way back on June 1st against Sporting Kansas City. Despite this poor run of form, Minnesota still cling to the final playoff spot in the West, sitting 9th with 30 points from 24 games.
San Jose’s situation is even more precarious. The Earthquakes prop up the Western Conference table with just 14 points from 24 matches. They’ve tasted victory only once in their last 12 outings, leaving them 15 points adrift of the playoff places.
Projected Lineups
Minnesota United (5-4-1): Rosales, Pukki, Harvey, Jeong, Hlongwane, Dotson, Clark, Tapias, St. Clair, Lod, Padelford
San Jose Earthquakes (4-2-3-1): Pellegrino, Gruezo, Yueill, López, Marie, Kikanovic, Beason, Espinoza, Rodrigues, Jackson, Ebobisse.
Injury Concerns
The Loons will be without several key players. Defender DJ Taylor and midfielder Wil Trapp are sidelined with leg injuries, while goalkeeper Clint Irwin is also unavailable. Hugo Bacharach remains out following knee surgery, and Michael Boxall is suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
San Jose’s injury list is equally concerning. Goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski continues his recovery from ACL surgery, while Daniel, Jamar Ricketts, and Bruno Wilson are all ruled out. Carlos Akapo and Vitor Costa face late fitness tests, while youngsters Niko Tsakiris, Cruz Medina, and Emmanuel Ochoa are away on international duty.
Where to Watch Minnesota United vs SJ Earthquakes?
Fans can catch all the action live on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM PT.
Who Will Win?
Despite their recent struggles, Minnesota United should be considered favorites on home soil. The Loons have historically performed well against San Jose, going unbeaten in their last four meetings. Teemu Pukki’s recent form, with two goals in his last three appearances, could prove crucial.
However, the Earthquakes will be desperate to snap their own poor run. Cristian Espinoza remains their creative spark, leading the team with 12 assists this season.
Ultimately, Minnesota’s home advantage and slightly superior form should see them edge a tight contest. Prediction: Minnesota United 2-1 San Jose Earthquakes
Latest News
Minnesota’s head coach Eric Ramsay emphasized the need for his team to defend with greater intensity, particularly when protecting their own penalty area. “It really reflects the situation we’ve found ourselves in over the course of the last eight or nine games,” Ramsay stated. “Defending the box with real intensity and real aggression, that hasn’t been the case.”
For San Jose, interim coach Ian Russell bemoaned his team’s lack of clinical finishing in their midweek loss to Houston. “I felt like we missed some passes that would have created some really big chances on goal,” Russell said. “I think it was more of that than the actual chances on goal.”
This match represents a critical juncture for both sides as they look to salvage their seasons. A win for Minnesota could reignite their playoff push, while San Jose desperately need three points to maintain any hope of climbing off the foot of the table.
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