Bongokuhle Hlongwane scores 2 as Minnesota beats Earthquakes 2-1

Bongokuhle Hlongwane scored twice, his first game this season in which he scored more than once, as Minnesota United beat San Jose Earthquakes 2-1 on Saturday night.

Hlongwane redirected a long throw-in from Joseph Rosales, which was parried by goalkeeper Daniel De Sousa Britto – known simply as ‘Daniel’ – and bounced off the crossbar. Hlongwane had his own rebound but his attempted cross was blocked by defender Vítor Costa de Brito, but this time Hlongwane managed to find the back of the net to make it 2-1 in the 64th minute.

Minnesota (10-11-6) has just two wins since a 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on June 1, over 12 games, with both victories coming against the Earthquakes.

San Jose (5-20-2), which last beat Real Salt Lake 2-0, has lost four of its last five games.

Robin Lod crossed from the penalty area and passed the ball to Hlongwane, who raced into the corner of the box. The 24-year-old striker fired a shot between Daniel’s legs and into the net, making it 1-0 in the ninth minute.

San Jose’s 24-year-old Ousseni Bouda, in his third season in the MLS, scored his second career goal and first of the season to make it 1-1 in the 33rd minute.