Last place SJ Earthquakes head into monthling MLS hiatus with three-game losing streak after shutout loss at Minnesota United
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota United used a first-half own goal and a second-half score by Bongokuhle Hlongwane to snap a nine-match winless streak with a 2-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night.
San Jose (4-19-2) has lost three in a row and is the only team in the league with less than 20 points.
The Quakes will now prepare for the 2024 Leagues Cup group stage where they will first take on Club Deportivo Guadalajara, also known as Chivas, on Saturday, July 27.
The league goes on a monthlong hiatus to play the Leagues Cup. San Jose travels to play Real Salt Lake when MLS play resumes on Aug. 24.
Minnesota United (9-10-6) took a 1-0 lead into halftime thanks to an own goal by San Jose defender Tanner Beason in the 38th minute.
That was it until Hlongwane used assists from Joseph Rosales — his 10th — and Sang Bin Jeong — his first — in the 75th minute to score his seventh goal of the season
Dayne St. Claire needed to make just one save to earn his third clean sheet of the season for Minnesota United.
William Yarbrough saved five shots for the Earthquakes.
Minnesota United earned its first victory since beating Sporting Kansas City 3-1 on June 1. The club had gone 0-7-2 in its previous nine matches.