Player Ratings: San Jose Earthquakes 3, Minnesota United 2

PHOTO: ISI Photos/SJ Earthquakes

Team — 6.0

Clearly, new manager Mikael Stahre’s tactics worked very well in the attack. The team flowed together incredibly well for a season opener, particularly with a new coach and four players making their debuts for the club.

What will need to be worked out is the vulnerability to the number 10 role, as Minnesota attacker Kevin Molino was able to take advantage of the space between the lines late in the game. As with any 4-4-2, the two central midfielders are asked to cover a lot of space, and attackers that find cracks in this can take advantage. On both goals, Flo Jungwirth needed to cover in the wider areas, and Anibal Godoy was not able to track back quick enough. This will certainly need to be addressed going forward, particularly for when the Quakes attack cannot be as explosive as it was tonight.

Tarbell — 6.3

Two huge saves, including a one-on-one when Salinas was caught napping. However, his distribution was subpar, and had one punch right to an attacker that should have been put away.

Lima — 5.5

Good defensively and efficient in the attack, but relatively fewer chances to make his mark on the game.

Cummings — 5.9

A good debut, working exactly as advertised: a strong, experienced center back.

Quintana — 4.7

Left in the 53rd minute because of an injury with the score 2-0. This hides what as a fairly poor debut from the Uruguayan. He made a number of bad steps, played a lot of kick ball when he had possession, and missed an absolute sitter to top it off.

Salinas — 5.6

Inconsistent with some decisions, including one play that he was caught asleep that led to a one on one. But very good in the attack.

Eriksson — 6.0

Decent debut from the Swede. In open play he seemed in sync with the team, and found the right spaces for himself and his teammates. He does not to improve his delivery, both from set pieces and from crosses.

Godoy — 5.5

A bit of a mixed bag, as he kept possession amazingly well and got off a decent pass or earned a foul every time he touched the ball. However, he shoulders heavy blame for both goals that say Kevin Molino in acres of space.

Jungwirth — 5.9

Did a very good job covering as a defensive midfielder, and won back possession at key moments. However, still has a bit of gelling to do with Godoy.

Vako — 7.1

With a goal and two assists, he was certainly a huge influence in the attack, but he also did very well to track back from his position on the wing. It should be noted, however, that the vast majority of the work in his two assists was done by the goalscorer, Danny Hoesen.

Wondolowski — 5.7

His touch was a bit off at times, but he did very well to apply the pressure, win possession, and put in the cross that Vako finished for the second goal.

Hoesen — 7.9, MOTM

A great performance, and showed that he will be hard to take out of his preferred striker role. Both of his goals had him playing give-and-gos with Vako, once with his feet and once with his head, showing he can be productive as a target man, a linkup player, and a finisher.