MINNESOTA UNITED FC AT REAL SALT LAKE SAT 8/23 FINAL

When this match was announced on the schedule, it was circled as a must see. It would be the first trip for Inter Miami to Minnesota and only their second meeting in both clubs' history. Tickets were a hot commodity leading up to Saturday and MNUFC knew it. Allianz Field added a Free concert (Soul Asylum) and a watch party. Everyone wanted to catch a glimpse of the international superstar Lionel Messi. To the United it was much more than that. It was a chance for the world to see how good this Football Club was. It is Head Coach Eric Ramsey's 2nd season. Making quite a debut by leading the Loons to the MLS Cup semifinals in his first season. It was a chance for Minnesota to make a statement that they are cup contenders and that is exactly what they did.

It was clear right from the start that the United were going to be physical and smother Inter Miami on defense. The odd thing was, Inter Miami had possession 73% of the time, but could not get a rhythm going. Credit to defenders Michael Boxall & Nicolas Romero. Even Midfielder Wil Trapp got in on the action with a takeaway from Messi (2nd half). The Loons made it real difficult with only allowing 3 shots on goal all game. Dayne St Clair also had a fantastic match only allowing one goal (Messi). After the dust settled the Minnesota United struck first in the 32' on a Bongokuhle Hlongwane goal. Defender Anthony Markanich added to the Loons lead on a goal in the 45' +2' to give the United a 2-0 lead at the half.

Inter Miami came out aggressive being down 2-0. It didn't take long for the Inter Miami squad to push back and score a goal. Who else, but Lionel Messi in the 48' cut the United lead in half 2-1. Minnesota once again tightened up the defense with physical play and smothered Miami. Not allowing their opponent opportunities to tie the game. With Jefferson Diaz getting hurt, he was replaced by Kelvin Yeboah. Inter Miami put themselves deeper into deficit when Miami scored on their own goal by defender Marcelo Weigandt The lead now 3-1. All the pressure is on Inter Miami.  Minnesota United extended their lead in the 70' minute on a left-footed shot outside the box to the bottom left corner. It is now 4-1 and that would be the final score. The Minnesota United dominated this match and made a statement to the world that they are serious contenders to win the 2025 MLS Cup.

The Minnesota United FC came into the final regular season home game already securing a spot in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, but had the opportunity to improve  their seeding.

The Loons put on a defensive clinic in this match. They smothered St. Louis even with their fast Forwards. The improvement has been steady on defense for Minnesota in the last third of the season. Even with a slower start in the first half, Minnesota got on the board in the twenty first minute on a Robin Lod goal from the center of the box to the bottom left corner with the assist from Kelvin Yeboah and that is how the first half ended. 1-0 MNUFC.

The Loons didn't waste any time attacking in the second half, but the aggressiveness also led to three Minnesota fouls in a three-minute span. One on Wil Trapp and two on Kelvin Yeboah. Joaquin Pereyra eventually earns the Loons first yellow card in the 58' and Kelvin Yeboah picks one up in the 65'. It stayed a 1-0 lead for most of the second half. Minnesota with a triple substitution (Franco Fragapane -> Joaquin Pereyra & Tani Oluwaseyi -> Kelvin Yeboah in the 68') and Jeong Sang-Bin for Robin Lod in the 69'. MNUFC scores three minutes later on a Sang-Bin goal from the center of the box to the center of the goal assisted by Franco Fragapane. 2-0 Minnesota. St. Louis City answers back for their only goal of the match in the 75' by Marcel Hartel. St. Louis did not help their winning chances, as they score on themselves in the 78' by STL defender Henry Kessler. It was all Loons after that with a goal in the 83' by Jeong Sang-Bin. His second goal of the night assisted by Tani Oluwaseyi that made it 4-1 and the final score as the Loons win their final home match of the regular season.

With the win, MNUFC improved their seeding to the #6 seed and will face #3 seed Real Salt Lake for a best of three series. Saturday 10/26 at Real Salt Lake, 10/27 Sunday vs Real Salt Lake, and 10/28 Monday at Real Salt Lake (If Necessary). Minnesota went to a 0-0 draw in Utah on 10/2 and a 1-1 draw at Allianz Field on 4/6.

The Minnesota United were looking to keep their playoff hopes alive with a big win and they got it. What was probably their best game of the season, they shut out Colorado 3-0. Loons goalie kept the Rapids scoreless and the defense was as good as it has been throughout the season.

In the 16th minute the United struck first on a header from the center of the box to the center of the goal. Kelvin Yaboah credited with the goal and assisted by Robin Lod. 1-0 Minnesota United. That was all the scoring in the first half. With the second half just as important, the United's defense stood strong again and Minnesota's opportunities kept coming available. Two minutes into the second half, the Loons struck again. Kelvin Yaboah again scores, but this time with a right-footed shot from the center of the box. Assisted by Joaquin Pereyra.

The United sealed the win with their third goal of the match in the 82nd minute by Hassani Dotson with a shot from outside the box to the bottom right corner. It was assisted by Jeong Sang-Bin. The United go on to victory and get the important 3 points to keep the 9th spot secured for now. 

 The Minnesota United will head on the road next to face Real Salt Lake on Wednesday 10/2 8:30pm.

It has been almost two months since the last Minnesota United FC victory. It was an unofficial must win at this point in the season. The Loons did not get off to a great start. They could not put the offense together for most of the first half. Minnesota was aggressive trying to get things going and drew a yellow card in the 25th minute (Bran). It would not be the last time a yellow card would be issued.

 Minnesota finally broke through in the 33rd minute, but it was a San Jose own goal that puts the Loons on the board. Earthquakes defender Tanner Beason was credited with the Minnesota goal. That is how the half ended. A 1-0 lead for the Loons at the break.

The Loons got back to work in the second half. The defense looked better, not allowing San Jose to put together much of an offensive threat. The Minnesota United sealed the game with a Bongokuhle Hlongwane goal in the seventy-fifth minute. A header at the top of the box into the top right corner. Joseph Rosales credited with the assist. His ninth of the season. The Minnesota United went on to win the match 2-0.

The Minnesota United FC hope to carry the momentum into Leagues Cup play as they go on the road to Seattle on Friday 7/26. Followed by a match at home vs Necaxa on Tuesday 7/30.