Minnesota United vs San Jose Earthquakes Picks and Predictions July 12th 2025

Minnesota United Host San Jose in Crucial Western Conference Clash

The Western Conference playoff picture continues to heat up as Minnesota United host the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night in a battle of postseason hopefuls. Both clubs are coming off exhausting 120-minute matches in the U.S. Open Cup, and how they bounce back could have significant implications for the conference standings.

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Minnesota Riding Momentum, Eyeing the Top Spot

Minnesota (10-4-7, 37 points) currently sits third in the Western Conference, just two points behind first-place San Diego FC. Their midweek Open Cup performance—a 3-1 extra-time win over the Chicago Fire—featured a breakout showing by Kelvin Yeboah, who netted twice in the extra session.

The Loons have shown resilience all season, and head coach Eric Ramsay believes Tuesday’s effort, while taxing, has boosted morale more than drained it.

“Momentum helps. Energy helps. Winning games helps,” Ramsay said. “It’s a far easier game on Saturday having won the game than it would have been having played a sloppy 120 minutes and then lost.”

Minnesota has owned the Earthquakes recently, going 8-1-4 in their last 13 matchups. Their earlier meeting this season ended in a 1-0 road victory on March 8, also thanks to a goal by Yeboah.

Explore the latest MLS Betting Predictions to see if Minnesota can repeat history at home.

Earthquakes Face Setback, But Confidence Remains High

San Jose (7-7-7, 28 points) finds itself in seventh place in the West after a heart-wrenching Open Cup exit against Austin FC. Despite taking the lead in extra time through Benji Kikanovic, the Quakes conceded a late equalizer on a penalty before falling 4-2 in a shootout.

Still, confidence remains high in the Quakes’ camp.

“We definitely have high aspirations,” said defender Jamar Ricketts. “In our heads, we’re playing playoffs no matter what.”

San Jose will likely be without star midfielder Cristian Espinoza, who took a brutal foul in stoppage time and required 10 stitches. Coach Bruce Arena was vocal in his postgame frustrations.

“That foul on (Espinoza) is a straight red card,” Arena said. “The officiating was comical.”

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Espinoza’s absence would be a huge blow—he’s second in MLS with 11 assists and has added four goals this season. Despite the setback, San Jose remains one of the most potent offenses in MLS with 41 goals.

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With both teams showing grit and playoff ambitions, this Western Conference battle is one to watch. Whether you’re banking on Minnesota’s home form or San Jose’s scoring prowess, our updated MLS Picks and Predictions deliver everything you need for confident wagering.