When the match went to half-time, San Jose was leading 1–0 and things looked dicey for Minnesota United. But three second half goals lit the way for Minnesota. Tomás Chancalay's 57th minute goal leveled the match and a pair from Nectarios Triantis put the Loons up 2–1 and then 3–1 to take a massive win against the Quakes. But even with seven unbeaten to end the campaign, the Loons will miss the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.
With one final match left in the 2026 season, Cameron Knowles held to "if it ain't broke don't fix it" mentality with the lineup. Not a single change to the eleven was made for the Loons. San Jose mde a total of four changes with Ronaldo Viera, Eduard Löwen, Timo Werner, and goalkeeper Angus Gunn getting the start for the Quakes.
Match 🧵 #MINvSJ #MNUFC hosts #Quakes74 on Decision Day. To make the playoffs the Loons need a win and a few other results to fall their way. No changes to the eleven for the Loons, four changes for San Jose 🕕️ 6:00pm ⚽️ 6:09pm 🖥️ Apple TV 📻️ 1500ESPN
— Northland Soccer Journal (@northlandsoccer.com) 2026-11-07T23:45:52.904Z
Early on Minnesota looked like the better of the two sides, threatening to score just three minutes into the match. The early chance was pulled down by Angus Gunn, which proved to be a theme in the first half. MNUFC would get a decent chance at goal and Gunn would make a relatively easy save to kill the chance and attack.
Much of the first half though was played in the midfield with some excursions into the attacking third. The Loons has more touches in the opposition box, while both clubs had equal shots on shots on target. Everything looked good for Minnesota United to make a good push in the second half, until San Jose scored just before stoppage time.
San Jose's Niko Tsakiris dribbled through multiple players before sending a through ball to Preston Judd, who was picked it up at the top of the eighteen. Judd took the ball right up to the six and beat Drake Callender to open the scoring.
Preston Judd's 45th minute goal for San Jose Earthquakes
Second half football started off very similar to how much of the first half was played. Slow start with a slight feeling out process and some fouls, but not much in terms of shots. Though the difference was the yellow cards that were handed out by the referee as the match started to get chippy. It was just before the clock hit the hour mark that Minnesota was able to pop in a goal of their own to level the match.
After a quick tap back towards him, Tomás Chancalay broke out on a run, without any support. Chancalay worked his way into the box and from near the six slipped a shot past goalkeeper Angus Gunn to draw the match level.
Tomás Chancalay's 57th minute goal for Minnesota United
Minnesota's defence played extremely well during the second half, allowing just a single second half shot for the 'Quakes through the 75th minute. MNUFC continued to bear down hard on the Earthquakes pushing for the second goal to take the lead. After a block and a save, the Loons got their look on a set piece.
After serving the ball to the far side of the box, San Jose tried to clear the ball out. But Nectarios Triantis got to the ball and sent a low roller through the crowded box, where it hit the post and bounced off Gunn's back into the net for the Loons to take the lead. Triantis wasn't done and slammed home a goal from close range to make it 3–1 Loons.
Outside of Allianz Field, things didn't go the way Minnesota needed to make the playoffs and the Loons just fell below the line. Though they did end the season with a three match winning streak and seven straight unbeaten.
