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Coming off a huge win in Austin, TX against Austin FC this past weekend the Loons we’re looking to continue that momentum facing off with Philadelphia Union at home Wednesday night. Heath would make just two changes to Minnesota United’s Starting XI with Finlay replacing Lod on the right side then Dotson shifting over to the left replacing Alonso with Trapp coming into play on the right side.
How Adrian lines the boys up... pic.twitter.com/RMNxfYnMTL
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) October 20, 2021
Just five minutes in the match seemed to get off to a chippy start after Emanuel Reynoso fouled Philly defender Olivier Mbaizo, Mbaizo went after the Loons CAM and was issued a yellow card for his actions.
After 40 minutes of missed chances due to the pitch playing like a Slip N’ Slide at times, MNUFC finally got on the board. Adrien Hunou drove into the 18, all the way to the top of the six yard box before beating Union keeper Andre Blake on the short side.
YO ADRIEN @AHunou puts us up 1-0 pic.twitter.com/LOi8j1tdQP
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) October 21, 2021
Just four minutes after the Loons opening goal, Union came right back with the equalizer just before half-time on a goal from Daniel Gazdag.
Oh. My. Gaz.
— PhilaUnion (@PhilaUnion) October 21, 2021
Love the link up between Miro ✖️ Gazdag!#MINvPHI 1 - 1 | #DOOP pic.twitter.com/jSse7jDfyJ
Nine minutes into the second half, Daniel Gazdag got himself a brace the put Union up 2-1 making it appear that Minnesota might be down for the count.
GET IT, GAZDAG
— PhilaUnion (@PhilaUnion) October 21, 2021
Different than his first goal, but counts just the same!#MINvPHI 1 - 2 | #DOOP pic.twitter.com/sHzcQloNqV
After subbing Robin Lod on for Ethan Finlay in the 61st minute he made his presence known almost immediately. Reynoso managed to intercept a pass between Union players and charged into the box. While being forced off the ball he no-look backheeled a pass to Robin Lod who subsequently finished off the play with a first touch rocket into the top corner.
The AWARENESS from Reynoso.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 21, 2021
What a touch to tee up Lod for the equalizer. pic.twitter.com/Ip1Ss1OFp1
Four minutes later it was Franco Fragapane’s turn as he sent in a rebound header. Hunou made the initial shot which was then blocked and sent wide to a waiting Fragapane to finish it.
¡@FrancoFragapane desata la locura en el Allianz Field! #LosLoons #MINvPHI | 3-2 pic.twitter.com/bp0C3MeMyG
— MLS Español (@MLSes) October 21, 2021
10 minutes after the goal, Minnesota would find themselves down a man after Romain Métanire was issued a red card after throwing the ball into the face of Philadelphia’s Kai Wagner. Something that was totally uncalled for and will result in him missing this Saturday’s clash with LAFC.
Following an exciting night LA Galaxy jumped Real Salt Lake to take fifth place in the Western Conference on the back of their 3-0 win over Houston Dynamo. Minnesota’s come back win sent them up into sixth place. Then Vancouver did the unlikely later in the night, the Whitecaps came back from down 2-0 at half-time to beat Portland 3-2, in Providence Park no less. All those results combined sent RSL tumbling down the table into 8th place and out of a playoff spot.
Some big results in the Western Conference, here’s how things stand. pic.twitter.com/CKKj3gmPMI
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 21, 2021