Recap: MNUFC beats Montréal, takes first home opener win since opening Allianz Field

Minnesota United played their first home match of 2025 on a cold March night against visitors from north of the border in CF Montréal. The Loons came in with a change in formation, a few injuries, and some slight changed to the starting eleven. In an affair with plenty of shots it took nearly seventy minutes for a goal to be made, but it was the Loons who scored, edging out a 1-0 win to secure three points. The first time they’ve done such a thing since opening Allianz Field.

Starting XI for #MNUFC & #CFMTLTwo changes for the Loons with Robin Lod and Anthony Markanich Jr replacing Wil Trapp (bench) and Joseph Rosales (out)The team formerly known as Impact have made four changes. Loturi, Duke, Pearce, and Jabang slot in for Herbers, Opoku, Piette, and Campbell

— Northland Soccer Journal (@northlandsoccer.com) 2025-03-02T01:17:36.709Z

The first half of play saw Montréal control possession, but the Loons controlled the momentum and shots. But just like in Los Angeles though, the Loons struggled to hit the target. Shortly after the hour mark it seemed inevitable that MNUFC was going to score and CF Montréal made a major error to help. Luca Petrasso seemed to foul Kelvin Yeboah right inside the box, leading to an initial foul being called, a penalty awarded, and yellow card to Petrasso. After a lengthy VAR review it was not confirmed but rather completely overturned, with the official stating there was in fact no foul.

“For me it was quite amazing because I go to shoot and he touched me… actually kicked me and then I fell, but after the referee after he watched the VAR [replay] he was also like… I think he also took some minutes because he was not too sure [but he reversed the decision],” Kelvin Yeboah said post match.

Shortly after the reversal of the call, the Loons struck home, with Kelvin Yeboah snapping his first goal of 2025 in the 69th minute with an assist from fellow forward Tani Oluwaseyi.

Oh la vache!

— Minnesota United FC (@mnufc.com) 2025-03-02T03:12:52.887Z

That goal would be the only one of the night and the lone goal Minnesota scored across 26 combined shots in their first two matches of the season.

“I don’t think we will struggle over the course of the season,” said manager Eric Ramsey. “I really trust that we’ve got forward players that can take chances. I think we were very close on a number of occasions today, we obviously have lots of variety in the front line.”

Minnesota United closed the final twenty-plus minutes of the match with another round of very good defensive play. After allowing just a single shot in the first forty-five, they allowed just two in the second half. None of Montréal’s three shots went on target and while the visitors dominated possession, the Loons dominated the night.

“We’re happy, we put together a complete game, 90 minutes, we got the clean sheet so there are things we’re happier about, but for me, I try to be always hard on myself, and there are moments I’m going to watch back and want back again so, we’ll leave positive, but there’s always room for improvement,” said Tani Oluwaseyi.

Minnesota United continue the 2025 season with a visit back to California as they’ll visit the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday the 8th of March. The match is scheduled for 9:30pm CT with first kick set for approximately 9:39pm CT.