Recap: Loons Win 2-1 Over Portland, Will Face Atlanta in Final.

Minnesota United faced Portland in the US Open Cup semi-final on Saturday night, and after a long, close game the Loons won 2-1.

The game started fast, with Minnesota getting the better of the chances early. Darwin Quintero and Mason Toye had several moments where they looked like the best players on the field; creating give and goes that sparked the Loons’ offense.

The Loons broke the hold in the 22 minute when a handball was called on Portland in the penalty box. The Penalty kick was then taken by Darwin Quintero, who buried it to the right side. Play started to get chippy but was halted by two weak yellows on Gregus and Boxall.

Minnesota United nearly made it through the half in the lead, but Portland scored in the 45 minute. A cross was poorly cleared in the Minnesota Box, and Brian Fernandez receives a pass (in a potentially offside position) and shoots past Mannone. The half ended 1-1, and Allianz Field was extremely unhappy.

The second half began with Portland pressuring hard. Vito came up big several times with quality reaction saves, Minnesota found success out wide, Metanire and Gasper sent crosses into the box that created chances.

In the 54 minute Kevin Molino should have made it 2-1 for the Loons, receiving a header in the six-yard box, but it was headed wide. The play was a turning point for the Loons who began to get forward after the botched chance.

And indeed the tide did turn. In the 64 Minute Mason Toye pushed the Loons ahead, receiving a through ball around the half-line, and running behind the defense. Toye buried the opportunity to a roar roar from the Minnesota faithful,

Mason Toye appeared to cramp up in the 71 minute, which sparked a double substitution. Abu Danladi and Dotson entered for Toye and Darwin. Just a few minutes later Heath used his last sub, replacing Molino with Finlay.

The Loons looked fairly solid finishing out the game. Ike Opara anchored the defense, and Ozzie yet again played outstanding. Minnesota United will face Atlanta on August 27 at Mercedes Benz Stadium for the Open Cup Final.