Recap: Sporting KC’s lone goal keeps the Loons winless in Kansas City

A late goal by Sporting Kansas City secured them a 1-0 victory over Minnesota United to keep MNUFC winless and pointless in Kansas City.

After a 1-1 draw at home with Orlando on Saturday Minnesota made just three changes to the starting XI against Kansas City. Mason Toye returned to the lineup after serving a two match suspension, Robin Lod also returned to the starting lineup and Wilfried Moimbé-Tahrat made his debut in the starting XI. The newest Loon Thomás Chacón also made the trip to Kansas albeit did not start.

A fast paced first half didn’t see a ton of highlights on either end but quite a few low-lights for both sides. MNUFC’s back line was slowly broken down and eroded over the first 45’ that saw Sporting start with having to take some long shots but after consistent pressure SKC was able to break into the box for some nice chances. The Loons did get close to a goal when Hassani Dotson took a shot from 25 yards out which bounced off SKC keeper Tim Melia and to Mason Toye who took another shot but just couldn’t get it past Melia.

After a fast first half both teams slowed down the pace considerably in the second 45’. The Loons would make their first change early in the 66th minute when Young DP Thomás Chacón came off the bench to replace Wilfried Moimbé-Tahrat.

Just two minutes later Heath sent Darwin Quintero in for Robin Lod to try and bolster the attack as the Loons looked to gain three points on the night. Dotson would be the first player into the referees book in the 74th minute, in the 80th minute Heath made the Loons final sub bringing in Abu Danladi for Mason Toye.

It took until the 88th minute for either team to find the back of the net. SKC’s Johnny Russell sent a ball to Erik Hurtado. Hurtado split MNUFC center backs Michael Boxall and Ike Opara before getting past Vito Mannone and sending the ball into the back of the net.

That goal was all that was needed for Sporting Kansas City to secure the win and three points against MNUFC. The Loons have now gone 1-2-1 in their last four matches since Dallas ended their unbeaten streak. Minnesota United FC’s next game is on Tuesday August 27th in Atlanta, GA against Atlanta United FC in the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final. If you can’t make it to the game you can catch it on ESPN+.