MNUFC breaks the losing streak, but are eight matches without a win

July 15, 2024
|In MLS, MNUFC, MNUFC Match Recaps
|By Ashle Paige
MNUFC draws with Houston Dynamo at Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday, July 13. (Photo courtesy: MNUFC)

Minnesota United finally broke their losing streak this past weekend in Houston, though continued on an eight match drought since their last win. The Loons had chances to break the losing streak against the LA Galaxy before ultimately allowing a late goal and leaving Carson, CA with another loss. MNUFC had the opportunity to break the streak and get a win in Houston, but after allowing another late goal they left Space City with a draw.

Last week Minnesota United headed to SoCal for a clash with the LA Galaxy. Ahead of the match a still shorthanded Loons squad signed Twos goalkeeper Francesco Montali to a short term agreement to back up interim starter Alec Smir.

Los Angeles started the match off dominating play, with Gabriel Pec snapping up the night’s first goal twenty-five minutes into the match. It took almost 50 minutes of play, but Teemu Pukki answered back in the 73rd minute to draw the match level.

But the Loons suffered heartbreak when Gabriel Pec secured himself a brace on a 90′ match winning goal for the hosting Galaxy.

“I can’t pretend it’s anything but gutting for the staff and the players because I feel like today from the perspective of performance was relatively good,” said Eric Ramsey. “Were very competitive against a very good team, in moments we did look like we were nearing, where we were, say, a month or so ago but in really important moments of the game they’ve been able to score with roughly the same number of chances twice, we’ve only been able to score once from.”

Following a tough loss in Southern California, the Loons had another eventful and somewhat news filled week. Michael Boxall was selected as to the New Zealand National Team ahead of the Paris Olympics coming up later this month. In a coaching move announced on Saturday, July 13th MNUFC announced Thomas Fawdry was hired as Head of Goalkeeping. Additionally Francesco Montali signed to an second short term agreement to once again back up Alec Smir.

In Houston the Loons once again looked to break their losing streak and hoped to take three points back to the North Star State. While Dynamo dominated possession for much of the match it was Minnesota who struck first with a Robin Lod 70th minute goal.

Sadly for the Loons the lead did not last lone as just 12 minutes later Sebastián Ferreira put one into goal for the hosts to level the match at 1-1, where it would end. Minnesota broke their six match losing streak, but are now winless in eight.

“I think our zonal players’ position to go and attack the ball probably dropped a touch [too] quick, too concerned with defending the goal and not concerned enough with making sure we get a good first contact and really good pressure on the ball in the box,” said Eric Ramsey.

Heading into a midweek showdown with DC United the Loons will regain a few players as Dayne St. Clair and Tani Oluwaseyi return from International Duty with Canada. “I am not sure of the specifics, but as soon as possible. But for sure they will be back with us and available for midweek,” Eric Ramsey said regarding the player status.

The pair have been missing from the Loons roster for nearly a month due to Canada’s deep run in Copa America. Les Rouges run came to an end with a loss to Uruguay on penalties in last weekend’s third place contest. Both St. Clair and Oluwaseyi started the match, with DSC playing the entire match and ultimately taking the loss in penalties.

Minnesota United will host two matches this upcoming week starting DC United on Wednesday, July 17th at 7:30pm from Allianz Field in St. Paul. The Loons will also host the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, 20th with both matches being viewable via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

Eric Ramsay Houston Dynamo LA Galaxy Minnesota United