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In front of 18,335 at Allianz Field the Loons fell short to Aston Villa 1-0.
The first half started quickly with chances from both sides. Aston Villa had the better of the chances and easily could have scored three or four goals. Shots from El Ghazi and Wesley were missed narrowly. It was not all Aston Villa, the Loons had several counter-attack opportunities. Abu Danladi found himself with lot’s of space out wide on the left and had one really promising opportunity, but the shot was too weak.
Abu's out here trying to get this party started...#MINvAVFC | 0-0 | pic.twitter.com/ASDqUXGoeM
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) July 18, 2019
Aston Villa held most of the possession in United’s half and strung together some pretty passing. The deadlock was broken in the 35’ when Jack Grealish was left with far too much space in the middle of the field and took a simple shot which slipped past Bobby Shuttleworth.
Here is Jack Grealish's goal #AVFC #UTV #VTID pic.twitter.com/aIP7BxPEii
— avfchistory (@avfchistory) July 18, 2019
The second half started with Minnesota having the bulk of the chances. Carter Manley was urged higher up the flank by Heath, and it seemed to work, allowing more width. By the 60’ the game seemed to have slowed down significantly, with both teams sitting back more and possessing.
In the 68’ Ethan Finlay was substituted in replacing Mason Toye, which pushed Abu Danladi to striker. Just a couple minutes later, Gregus, Molino, Ng’Anzi came in, while Olum, Martin, Ibarra exited.
In the 81’ Henri Lansbury made a quick run into Minnesota’s box and buried a cross from Guilbert and made it 2-0. Just minutes later in the 81’ another cross resulted in a goal, this time from Konsa with a spectacular diving header.
Minnesota could never get the attack going, and lacked critical defending, losing to the away team 3-0. The Loons look forward to saturday as they play Real Salt Lake.