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Minnesota United came lined up originally in the same 4-3-3 used against Colorado last weekend with the exact same Starting XI. The only changes came on the bench with the Loons adding Kevin Molino and Brent Kallman to the lineup.
the boys pic.twitter.com/KcQjTJ8hka
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) July 29, 2020
MNUFC would be the first on the board on the night with Robin Lod getting the goal. Gregus would take the corner and after bouncing around inside the box Lod would just pound it in to give the Loons the lead.
Lody Lody pic.twitter.com/uH2ZxqZCYi
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) July 29, 2020
Minnesota would deploy a block system when defending in the first half (as shown here) but that would eventually become less tight as the night wore on.
How to beat #Crew96:
— Eli Hoff (@byEliHoff) July 29, 2020
Compact, defined defensive block. Playing the system, not the ball. Get the ball, be decisive with it (yes this particular counter didn’t produce much but). #CLBvMIN pic.twitter.com/lJiSv8Pz7I
Amarilla would end the first half with a field goal style blast just missing the net barely.
this would have been BONKERS if this found the back of the net... pic.twitter.com/D5ZR1D4gpY
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) July 29, 2020
In the 64th minute MNUFC would make their first sub of the match bringing on Hayes for Dotson.
64' in and #Crew96 make their second sub. MF Jacori Hayes comes on to replace Hassani Dotson for #MNUFC #CLBvMIN
— E Pluribus Loonum (@EPluribusLoonum) July 29, 2020
When asked mid-match by ESPN if he was happy with the result so far Heath would say he was but that he also wanted to see more controlled possession from the Loons. Minnesota would make the best of when they had the ball though with some great ball movement which would result in some VERY dangerous chances.
Movement, movement, movement https://t.co/rvOwKt44eF
— Eli Hoff (@byEliHoff) July 29, 2020
After a possibly leg injury Romain Métanire was subbed off in favor of Marlon Hairston in the 72nd minute.
Romain Métanire limps off the pitch — probably the last player #MNUFC wants to pick up a leg injury.
— Jeff Rueter (@jeffrueter) July 29, 2020
Currently playing a man down. RB option could be Marlon Hairston. #CLBvMIN
MNUFC would make their next two subs as a double. Shortly after those Jose Aja fouled Derrick Etienne resulting in a corner for Columbus. Gyasi Zardes would take the PK and Tyler Miller would make the initial save but Zardes would end up putting in the rebound to even up the match.
Miller saves the kick but Zardes gets a tap in and they're tied #MNUFC pic.twitter.com/OdgLidEJsl
— CJ Fogler #BlackLivesMatter (@cjzero) July 29, 2020
After 90 minutes the match would stay tied and per knockout stage rules would advance directly to a penalty kick shootout. Minnesota United would hit all five penalties and Columbus would get just 3 of 4 and the Loons would advance off the back of their shootout win.