Loons Score Two Goals in Added Time to Steal Miracle Win vs Sporting KC

By jkewitsch |

Updated: Apr 16, 2024

Minnesota United games are a mixed bag of emotions for me (and most fans). Their match against Sporting Kansas City on Sunday wasn’t any different. In their first group-stage match of the “MLS is Back” Tournament, the Loons came back from a 1-0 hole, to win 2-1 in added time.

Slow Start

Without three of their key players, it was difficult to imagine the Loons pulling this one off. Key defenders, Ozzie Alonso (hamstring) and Ike Opara, (unknown) were out and striker, Luis Amarilla, pulled his groin in warmups.

This lead to a first half that was…sloppy, to say the least. You could definitely tell that these guys haven’t played a competitive match in four months. Yet, I became irate when United goalkeeper, Tyler Miller, parried off his line and allowed an egregious goal by Khiry Shelton, in the 43rd minute. I could put in so many expletives here, but the win has calmed me.

Oh no, baby what is you doing #MNUFC pic.twitter.com/JmynUIxeqz
— CJ Fogler #BlackLivesMatter (@cjzero) July 13, 2020

It was much of the same to begin the second half. The outlook was made worse by an Ethan Finlay goal that was disallowed, due to being offside by VAR (Video Assistant Referee). The goal was questionable, but the refs know they shouldn’t go to VAR unless it is a clear and obvious error. Which this was a far cry from.

Finlay cleanup denied on VAR for offside #MNUFC pic.twitter.com/Wx0vq0x4S4
— CJ Fogler #BlackLivesMatter (@cjzero) July 13, 2020

Feel the Momentum Shift

Then the tides began to change… The SKC goaltender played a ball at the feet of United attacker, Aaron Schoenfeld, and fouled him in the 74th minute. That penalty made for an automatic red card, meaning the United would play up a man (11v10) for the rest of the match.

Wow. Tim Melia gets a red here for DOGSO. Confirmed by VAR.

This is big for #MNUFC… if the Loons can’t capitalize here, not sure when they’ll be able to. pic.twitter.com/2BYZ3Ylpr7
— Eli Hoff (@byEliHoff) July 13, 2020

The Loons finally began to push up field and attack. Eventually finding an equalizing goal in the second minute of added time (92nd minute). Thanks to an own goal by SKC.

Then it was a miracle in Orlando when hot boy, Kevin Molino, slotted one home off an assist from Raheem Edwards. It was an absolute stunning way to win the game.

days since last accident: 0 pic.twitter.com/0TFbato088
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) July 13, 2020

blouses… pic.twitter.com/PiUhXREUCy
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) July 13, 2020

I’m so smart

2-1 was exactly the score I predicted when the group was drawn last month… but this wasn’t how I anticipated the team getting there. If this game showed us anything, it’s that a lot has to be done by the next game, on Friday, for optimism to remain high.

It is yet to be seen, how bad Amarilla’s injury is and whether Alonso will be fit enough to start. If both are good to go, it will provide a massive boost in both skill and leadership. But for now, let us revel in an improbable win and worry about that tomorrow.