Penalties Decide MLS Next Pro Clash Between Minnesota and San Jose
Minnesota United II edged San Jose Earthquakes II 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in Group Stage action on August 9th. The match, played in extended time, saw a chaotic penalty shootout where nerves got the better of most takers. And here's the thing — only four of the nine penalties taken found the net. The hosts climb to third on goal difference, though both sides remain rooted in fifth place after 25 games.
The shootout itself was a study in fragility. E. Mendoza opened for Minnesota with a calm finish in the 120th minute, and S. Vigilante responded immediately for the visitors. G. Bracken Serra buried the third for the home side, but then came the collapse. T. Putt, J. Spivey, G. Porter and A. Cano all missed, while N. Dang couldn't beat the keeper either. S. de Flores stepped up and scored the winner, sending Minnesota through.
Before the penalties, the game had been evenly balanced. S. Vigilante gave San Jose the lead in the 48th minute after L. Hille had missed a penalty for the hosts. Z. Bohane equalised for Minnesota six minutes later. There were substitutions throughout — M. Harwood and D. Baptista came on just after half-time, and the game opened up as both sides pushed forward. By then, the tension was palpable.
To be fair, this wasn't the kind of match that rewards possession or patient build-up. Yellow cards for J. Clarkson, M. Kwende and H. Cruz suggest a physical contest, but the real drama came when the game went to spot-kicks. Neither side could find a decisive moment in open play, and the shootout exposed nerves on both benches. Minnesota's goalkeeper had a quiet evening in regular time but didn't need to make a save when the penalties started.
The standings tell an unusual story. Both teams sit fifth with identical records of twelve wins and thirteen losses — not a single draw between them in 25 games. Minnesota hold 37 points to San Jose's 36, a distinction that means little in a group stage but provides a psychological edge. The visitors arrive here after a 1-1 draw with Austin II, while Minnesota came off a 1-2 loss to Portland. Neither side is running away with anything.
