SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes opened the 2018 Major League Soccer regular season Saturday night with a 3-2 win against Minnesota United FC at Avaya Stadium. Earthquakes forward Danny Hoesen notched a brace and Designated Player Vako also found the back of the net for the home side.
Defenders Harold Cummings, Jimmy Ockford and Yeferson Quintana along with midfielder Magnus Eriksson made their Earthquakes debuts in the match, with Cummings, Eriksson and Quintana making their MLS debuts.
The Quakes return to action on Saturday, March 17 against Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park. The match kicks off at 5:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Bay Area Plus, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
MLS Regular Season
San Jose Earthquakes 3 – 2 Minnesota United FC
March 3, 2018 – Avaya Stadium in San Jose, Calif.
Scoring Summary: SJ – Danny Hoesen (Vako) 27; SJ – Vako (Chris Wondolowski) 28; SJ – Danny Hoesen (Vako) 59; MIN – Kevin Molino (Christian Ramirez, Jerome Thiesson) 81; MIN – Kevin Molino (Rasmus Schuller) 85.
Misconduct Summary: MIN – Tyrone Mears (caution) 25; SJ – Jimmy Ockford (caution) 71.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Andrew Tarbell; Shea Salinas, Harold Cummings, Yeferson Quintana (Jimmy Ockford 54), Nick Lima; Anibal Godoy, Florian Jungwirth; Vako (Fatai Alashe 88), Chris Wondolowski, Magnus Eriksson (Tommy Thompson 82); Danny Hoesen.
SHOTS: 18, SHOTS ON GOAL: 9; SAVES: 3; FOULS: 14; CORNER KICKS: 9, OFFSIDES: 2.
MINNESOTA UNITED FC: Matthew Lampson; Tyrone Mears, Michael Boxall, Francisco Calvo, Jerome Thiesson; Rasmus Schuller, Ibson (Collen Warner 79), Ethan Finlay (Miguel Ibarra 76), Sam Nicholson; Kevin Molino, Abu Danladi (Christian Ramirez 29).
SHOTS: 15, SHOTS ON GOAL: 5; SAVES: 6; FOULS: 17; CORNER KICKS: 8, OFFSIDES: 1.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH MIKAEL STAHRE
On the team’s energy level in the season’s first game:
“I think the energy level was absolutely perfect. I think we followed the game plan in a good way. We controlled the game, especially the first half was really good I believe, and ultimately scored three-nil in the beginning of the second half. Then we, out of the blue, conceded two goals and the last five minutes.”
On the team’s offensive attack:
“Danny [Hoesen] and Wondo [Chris Wondolowski] and Magnus [Eriksson] and Vako are really dangerous. I think they performed like the preseason, actually. We followed the plan, but then we conceded two goals in a couple minutes in the second half. It’s hard but we can’t forget that we took three points in the opening game, and that’s number one.”
On creating an attacking and pressing style for the team:
“We did well in that. The transition from defense to offense and also, for example, Danny Hoesen tonight was absolutely excellent. I must say that the whole team worked really hard but the only thing I’m disappointed over is the last 10 minutes when we conceded two goals.”
On combining new players and a new style to prepare for this game:
“Actually, I selected the lineup quite early for this game, for many reasons: to create a clear-cut game plan, also to organize the set pieces for the first game and so on. Now we have to analyze this game and also take a look at the next opponent and then we will see. There’s always a mix of the general strategy, of the coming opponent and of our own performance. There can be some changes for the next game, for sure.”
EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER MAGNUS ERIKSSON
On his thoughts of how the team is progressing:
“This is only our fifth game together. We’re coming. We’re getting better and better.”
On the set-up for Danny Hoesen’s second goal:
“I haven’t seen it in replay but I think it was a nice attack, a lot of combinations. Beautiful goal.”
EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER VAKO
On his chemistry with Danny Hoesen:
“I know he is a goal scorer. I just got him the ball and he scored.”
On how he feels transitioning to the left side of the field from a more central position:
“I played some games at left winger with the national team and also for former clubs. It’s okay. I’m trying to come a little bit more inside, but it’s fine on the left side. With [head coach] Mikael [Stahre], I have freedom, a lot of space and I’m always trying to get free.”
On the last 15 minutes and how the team can improve going forward:
“We gave them a chance. The game was not finished yet. Most importantly, we won the game and got the three points.”
On being the main catalyst for the Quakes’ attack and having a hand in all three goals:
“I’m just trying to do my job and I am happy that I also had something in all three goals. I’ll try to continue like that.”
