Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

By: London Marq

SAN JOSE–Just win. That was the situation for the San Jose Earthquakes when Minnesota United came in to Avaya Stadium on a beautiful clear day in San Jose California. The season has been turbulent. A rough start, a manager change, a competitive stretch of play in the latter half of the season, all lead to San Jose being in position to make the playoffs. Two wins against two of the best teams in Major League Soccer gave the Quakes to control their own destiny. Just win. Win and you’re in and the Quakes did it with a one goal victory over Minnesota 3-2.

San Jose came out like they wanted it. Putting pressure on the opposing goalkeeper early, with a lot of urgency. In the 15^th minute Danny Hoesen would break free of the back line and put a low ball between the legs of the keeper, igniting the already electric atmosphere. It was far from over though, Minnesota United committed to spoiling the day for San Jose. 20 minutes later, after almost conceding a penalty, the Earthquakes were scored on by a beauty of a goal by Jerome Theisson. With the score tied, San Jose couldn’t afford to let up. A tie game would leave their playoff hopes to chance.

Star man, Chris Wondolowski scored quickly after play resumed. The scales would be equalized again in the 81^st minute by United’s Francisco Calvo. With nine minutes to go in regulation, a score was of paramount importance. Then the clock struck 90:00 and it seemed that the game would end up a draw. With their playoff hopes in the air.  Then the magic happened, in the third minute of added time. The ball bounced around the box, as it had so many times unsuccessfully early this season. But this time it paid off and the ball fell to Marco Urena right in front of the goal. And he put it in for the win.

With that goal, the San Jose Earthquakes are in. They are going to the 2017 MLS Playoffs.