An own goal and Bongokuhle Hlongwane’s tally were enough for Minnesota United to defeat the visiting San Jose Earthquakes 2-0 in a clash pitting teams trying to shed troublesome stretches Saturday night at Saint Paul, Minn.
San Jose defender Tanner Beason was charged with the own goal in the first half. Hlongwane produced in the 75th minute.
The United (9-10-6, 33 points) hadn’t won since June 1, with only a pair of draws generating points over 1 1/2 months.
Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair was credited with one save, giving the United their first shutout in nearly three months.
MLS-worst San Jose (4-19-2, 14 points) has only one victory in its last 13 matches. The Earthquakes, despite generating eight corner kicks Saturday night, have failed to score in four of their last six matches.
It was a much better feeling for Minnesota than three nights earlier when it surrendered two late goals in a 3-2 home loss to D.C. United.
The first Minnesota goal was set up by a blast on the right side by Minnesota forward Jeong Sang-Bin in the 38th minute. Beason’s attempt to make a play on the ball ended up costing the Earthquakes because the ball flew past goalkeeper William Yarbrough, who didn’t have a chance to stop the ball. Beason was a few feet in front of Yarbrough.
The Earthquakes didn’t have a shot on goal in the first half. Yarbrough finished the match with five saves.
Hlongwane’s seventh goal of the season — and his first in four matches — came on a header off an assist from Jose Rosales.
Hlongwane had scored three times in a four-match stretch before a three-match scoring drought.
–Field Level Media