Pre-match: San Jose Earthquakes - Minnesota United FC "Quarterfinal" (Saturday, 8/1) pregame thread

I guess Nick will match up against Ethan Finlay? I think marking Finlay will be pretty key...

 

Vako better hustle his ass off out there and not leave Nick hanging out to dry!

 

I fully expect the Loons to park the bus for 90' and try for another shootout win...

 

After reading the following pieces, there are several common themes.

1. Minnesota plays with the chip on the shoulder attitude as their coach keep telling everyone no one believes in them. However, they are actually not a bad team and their records support that. People (commentators and fans) are getting tired of this artificially instilled underdog mentality. Be prepared for their coach coming out in the next few days to repeat the same rhyme and say SJ is the team to beat.

2. Minnesota likes to sit deep and make it hard to break through. They are happy to yield possession and hit you on counter attack or set pieces. That's exactly how we always struggled against them (or any team in that style) in the past. Our players, especially the wingers like Espinoza and Vako, need to finish their chances. We also need to watch out for their CB running up field into our half unchallenged.

3. Because of previous records and how their style seems to be the exact kryptonite of ours, they are deemed as more likely to advance and go deep. Which contradicts what is mentioned in #1.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/07/29/armchair-analyst-tactical-preview-mls-back-quarterfinals

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020...ota-disrespected-key-takeaways-round-16-wraps

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/07/29/mls-back-tournament-quarterfinal-predictions-greg-seltzer

 

Yup - they basically parked the bus for 90+' in last night's snooze-fest. They play a rather craven, pusillanimous brand of soccer, and need to be punished for it!!!

 

No fake crowd noise on ESPN!

 

At least they don't have Ike - I feel much better about that.

We usually take a lot of shots against MN and maybe without Ike there we'll find the back of the net. It could be a blow out.

 

I vastly prefer the unfiltered sound of the players, refs, and bench personnel. It provides an immediacy that is glaringly missing in the Fox broadcasts. The cheers or boos that erupt well after the precipitating incident fill my head with cognitive dissonance...

 

Does anyone remember losing 5-2 at home in March to the Loons? I think the Quakes will come out pissed. I haven't seen Minny play in the tournament. They did match well in the past and usually put 2-3 players on Vako. Need Espinoza and Rios to take some of offensive pressure.

 

Yeah, that match actually put me to sleep even though I had a strong espresso not long before. The EQ are heartstopping at times for us fans, but under Almeyda they won't encourage any naps. I'm praying for a skilled CB with pace to materialize out on nowhere. Maybe Raphaël Varane wants to leave Real Madrid for SJ!

 

Exactly, i expect them to park the bus for 90 minutes, absorb pressure and then play for the quick counter attack.

 

Hot off the presses:



All time, the Quakes are 11-7-12 in games Jair reffed.

As far as ARs go - it really doesn't get any better than Corey and Felisha!

 

I'd rather audit them than eat there! (don't tell Corey I said that!)

 

I hate Jair Marrufo. He will always be the guy who red carded Shea for nothing and then accepted a signed shirt from Blanco. He tries to make every game about himself.

 

I thought it was Toledo that took the shirt from Blanco. (not sure)

Just searched. Yes, it was Jair.

 

We seem to get all the VAR decisions this year. Did PRO review some of last year’s errors and decide they owe us?

 

OMG why does Joe keep getting 4Os or VARs? Why isn’t he getting Centers? I guess I am too biased to see his deficiencies...

 

Marrufo and Fischer. We're screwed even before we play.

 

You all know I don't tend to comment about MLS referees, but....