Midfielder James Rodriguez is set to lead Minnesota United against the Western Conference-leading San Jose Earthquakes in a U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 clash at PayPal Park on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 9 p.m. local time.
The Colombian veteran recently made his first league start for Minnesota, creating five scoring chances and 0.8 expected assists despite a 1-0 loss to LAFC, as reported by twincities.com. Minnesota currently holds a 5-3-2 record and aims to upset a San Jose team that has won nine of its first 10 league matches.
“Now there are about six matches left before the World Cup and I’m very focused on everything that’s coming,” said James Rodriguez, Midfielder. Rodriguez indicated he is ready to support the squad in any capacity through his current contract ending in May.
Head coach Cameron Knowles must manage a depleted roster with Carlos Harvey, Julian Gressel, Michael Boxall, and Peter Stroud unavailable due to injuries. The coaching staff is balancing playing time for creative midfielders Rodriguez, Tomas Chancalay, and Joaquin Pereyra as the team seeks to improve offensive efficiency.
According to official statistics, Minnesota’s set-piece scoring has dropped significantly from 41% of goals in 2025 to 27% this season. Coach Knowles noted that while regression to the mean occurs, he believes the squad remains dangerous during dead-ball situations.
San Jose enters the contest with a potent offense that has netted 25 goals this season, led by winger Timo Werner who has seven goal contributions in seven matches. The Earthquakes have secured six consecutive victories while scoring at least two goals per game, according to mnufc.com.
The winner of the Tuesday night matchup will advance to the tournament quarterfinals, moving one step closer to securing a spot in next season’s continental competition. Captain Wil Trapp noted that regardless of the high-stakes result, the team remains focused on maintaining perspective following recent club family events at Allianz Field.