Recap: MNUFC collapses late against Colorado

Minnesota United yesterday afternoon had a golden opportunity to take home three points against Colorado Rapids. Up a man and a goal with 30 minutes left to play, the Loons collapsed late into the match. The Rapids would score three consecutive goals to keep MNUFC down in 7th place compared to a possible win just 30 minutes prior that would have had the home side jump to 5th in a tight playoff race.

With multiple players out due to international duty, the Loons had to make some massive formation adjustments. Of of the biggest was Adrien Hunou jumping up top to replace Robin Lod, who was out on international duty. Emanuel Reynoso would also start in his CAM role after the club got word that his red card from FC Dallas was rescinded following following the club’s appeal.

Things seemed to be going very well early on for Minnesota. Just 8 minutes into the match the Loons had a beautiful combination play. Reynoso played the ball into the box where Fragapane received the pass. Franco would then play it back to Hunou at the top of the box where he corralled the ball and took a shot that slipped through a defenders legs before going to the left of Rapids keeper William Yarbrough for the opening goal of the afternoon.

Tyler Miller had to do his share of work to keep the Rapids in check in the first 45 minutes. Making six saves off 11 Colorado shots while the Loons only had five shots with a goal and one Rapids save, things weren’t looking the best but looked positive for MNUFC.

Minnesota seemed to be handed a golden opportunity when Colorado’s Danny Wilson was given a red card for a foul on a clear scoring opportunity in the 57th minute. And Minnesota seemed to at least hold level for the next 16 minutes until Tyler Miller’s foul inside the box landed the Rapids a PK, which they knotted up the match on.

The tide completely shifted and 11 minutes later the Rapids broke MNUFC’s defence and allowed Michael Barrios to score the game winner.

The Rapids would tack on the death nail three minutes into stoppage time when Tyler Miller came up to nearly midfield, had the ball headed over him and allowed Lucas Esteves to score what is more or less an empty net goal.

The 3-1 loss at home has kept MNUFC down in 7th place with 38 points and without a miracle taking place or a collapse at the top, will prevent them from hosting an MLS Cup Playoff match. The Loons will need to find their footing to make the playoffs as they are just 1 point above 8th place Vancouver Whitecaps, 4 points above 9th place LAFC, and 5 points above 10th place San Jose Earthquakes.

The Loons will head to Q2 Stadium in Austin, TX for a meeting with 13th place Austin FC this Saturday at 8 PM CT.