Minnesota United came into their fourth round US Open Cup match as the underdogs to top of MLS San Jose Earthquakes. For a moment with under 30 minutes to play it looked like MNUFC would take the match. But three goals in eight minutes for the Quakes put the hosts ahead and from there they never looked back. Even with multiple chances towards the end of the match, the Loons were unable to score, ultimately falling 4–2 and ending their run in the 2026 Open Cup.
With just two days of rest Cameron Knowles brought out what has become the standard starting eleven for his side.
Northland Soccer Journal
Early on the match seemed to be giving deja vu vibes from Saturday. Minnesota dominated early and had the best of San Jose. But just like on Saturday it was the California team scoring first. Beau Leroux's 15th minute strike ended up being the only one of the first half of football.
San Jose Earthquakes
Fifteen minutes into the second half a deflection off San Jose's Ronaldo Vieira ended up with the ball in goal handing the Loons their first goal of the night.
Minnesota United FC
Four minutes after MNUFC's first goal the Loons struck again off the foot of Tomás Chancalay putting Minnesota up with less then 30 minutes to play.
Minnesota United FC
But from there San Jose turned on the afterburners and hit the Loons hard and fast as they've been known to do. First came from a deflection off Devin Padelford, who had just been subbed on, tying the match at two and giving the momentum to the 'Quakes. In the 73rd minute Beau Leroux secured himself a brace and took the lead back for the Earthquakes.
Just minutes after Leroux's goal, San Jose found themselves on a breakout that resulted in going towards goal two on none, with just Drake Callender standing in the way. Ousseni Bouda on the left slipped a quick pass to Niko Tsakiris on his right. Callender was unable to get back across the goal in time and Tsakiris scored the fourth goal for the Earthquakes, putting the nail in the coffin.
San Jose Earthquakes
Now the attention turns back to the MLS campaign as we head closer to the World Cup break. This weekend Minnesota United travels to Columbus, OH for a showdown with the Crew on Saturday night as the Loons continue MLS play.
