Recap: Loons take first win of the season in New Jersey

Minnesota United took their first win of the 2022 MLS campaign with a win over New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ on Sunday night. The only goal of the match was scored 51 minutes in by Luis Amarilla. But the real saviour of the match was goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, who made eight saves on the night, including a penalty kick.

A slew of injuries would make some significant changes to the back seven players of Minnesota’s formation. Trapp would slide back to the right side while Kervin Arriaga would take over the LDM spot. DJ Taylor was slotted into the LB spot, replacing Dibassy, who was listed as questionable due to his ankle. Dotson would move from DM against Nashville to RB against NYRB, replacing Oniel Fisher, who was listed questionable due to a thigh injury. Dayne St. Clair would get his first start of 2022 with Fred Emmings rather than Tyler Miller backing him up.

Minnesota nearly started the match on the wrong foot. Just 11 minutes in and after a VAR decision in the 11th minute Hassani Dotson was called for a hand ball inside the box, giving the Red Bulls an early PK. RBNY forward Patryk Klimala would take the PK and send a low roller to his right that St. Clair was easily able to stop, preventing the hosts from taking an early lead.

Six minutes into the start of the second half, Hassani Dotson would send a beautiful cross into the box, allowing Luis Amarilla would send the still airborne ball to the right side of Red Bulls keeper Carlos Miguel Coronel for what would be the lone goal of the match.

Deservedly so Dayne St. Clair would be named MNUFC’s Man of the Match, which is only right after DSC made 8 saves and held a clean sheet in his first start of the 2022 season. St. Clair would also me named to the Week 3 MLS Team of the Week after his performance on Sunday night in New Jersey.

Minnesota United’s next match will be on Saturday night at 7 PM when the Loons host the San Jose Earthquakes at Allianz Field. This match can be seen on Bally Sports North, MLS Live on ESPN+, and heard on SKOR North.