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This evening Minnesota United played their first match in just over two weeks and their first “official” match of the 2020 MLS season since July 22nd. Compared to the starting lineup against Orlando Miller, Hayes, and Lod were out of the Starting XI. Ranjitsingh took the GK spot and Metanire took a spot in the back line with Dotson moving into the midfield.
THE boys this evening*
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) August 21, 2020
*Yes, we will post a formation graphic closer to kick
Minnesota United would have their goalkeeper situation tested fairly early by Sporting Kansas City. Jaylin Lindsey sent a through ball into the box for Gadi Kinda to snag and finish off to put SKC up 1-0.
12' Goal credited to Gadi Kinda, who swung in a dangerous ball ahead of Espinoza's darting run through the box that winds up in the net. #SportingKC has an early lead on the road! #MINvSKC 0-1 pic.twitter.com/bcNnP3cJqF
— Sporting KC (@SportingKC) August 21, 2020
Minnesota would come back and get on the board about 20 minutes later. Ethan Finlay took a low shot towards the goal. Jaylin Lindsey would end up redirecting the ball on perfect trajectory into his own net to even the match at 1-1.
we'll call it a happy little accident... pic.twitter.com/idZUVdWxPq
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) August 22, 2020
The score would stay at a level 1-1 heading into the 2nd half of play between the two teams on top of the Western Conference standings.
Less than 10 minutes into the second half MNUFC would commit the same error that SKC did. Johnny Russell would get deep into the box and attempt a low cross towards Alan Pulido. Michael Boxall would slide in with what would’ve been a beautiful tackle, except he sent the ball into his own net giving Sporting a 2-1 lead.
Ope! That's your own net, don'tcha know. #MINvSKC 1-2 // #NicestRivalryInSports pic.twitter.com/XkaiMqlQG5
— Sporting KC (@SportingKC) August 22, 2020
Adrian Heath would sub Robin Lod and Raheem Edwards on to replace Kevin Molino and Ethan Finlay in the 65th minute. Late in the game Heath went to a two striker formation bringing Aaron Schoenfeld on for Hassani Dotson and Mason Toye to replace Luis Amarilla in the 82nd minute.
Unfortunately the changes would be too late for the Loons and SKC would take the win 2-1 handing Minnesota their first regular season loss of 2020.