On a special night in St. Paul, Minnesota United celebrated their history as well as the history of soccer in the North Star State. Many former Loons players and players from the Thunder, Strikers, and Kicks made their way to Allianz Field to watch MNUFC host Atlanta United. But in a similar, albeit less brutal fashion than in 2017, Atlanta United came away from an away match in the Twin Cities with three points.
Cameron Knowles retained much of the squad that earned a draw in Utah, only making two changes. Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Marcus Caldeira got the nod while Kyle Duncan and Mamadou Dieng were available from the bench for the Loons.
Northland Soccer Journal
Unlike the first meeting between Minnesota and Atlanta United back in 2017 that started off all Atlanta, the 2026 contest was much more even keeled. Both sides used the first 10 minutes of football more as a feeling out process than anything else. Just past the 10 minute mark Minnesota got one of their best chances of the half thanks to Marcus Caldeira. Caldeira had a great chance at goal but pushed the shot wide.
Ten minutes later Atlanta got their first real chance of the half, but the shot cracked the post and the flag was shown for a late offside. Tomás Chancalay earned quite a few chances to score for Minnesota United, but just was unable to hit the back of the goal.
Bringing back flashbacks to everyone in the stadium who was at TCF in 2017, Atlanta United scored the match opener. Tomas Jacob was all alone on the near side and picked up a loose ball that he put in the upper 90 to put Atlanta up late in the first half.
Tomás Jacob's first half goal for Atlanta United
Starting in similar fashion to how the first half ended, Atlanta was the one controlling the match. The Five Stripes nearly earned a goal within the first few minutes of the second half, but a foot save from Drake Callender. Seven minutes into the half the Loons nearly got on the board thanks to an Atlanta own goal, but ATL keeper Lucas Hoyos managed to corral the ball before it went into goal.
Just over five minutes later Anthony Markanich scored the first Minnesota goal of the night to level the match in the second half.
Cameron Knowles made his first pair of subs as the match inched towards the 70 minute mark bringing on Mamadou Dieng and a returning AZ Jackson on to the pitch to try and add a second goal to the scoreline and secure a win and three points.
But that level scoreline didn't last too long as Tristan Muyumba scored a go ahead goal for Atlanta just as the clock ticked to 80 minutes played.
Cameron Knowles preceded to go even more offensively after the Atlanta goal to try and once again force the match back to a level scoreline. Kelvin Yeboah and Mauricio González came on with ten minutes to play to put an offensive spark into the match. With the extra attackers the Loons floated into a two at the back and five at the front and had some slight success.
MNUFC earned quite a few chances to score in the final ten minutes of football. Open play and corners brought the Loons shots and close chances. But the Atlanta defence, which countered with going seven at the back, shut down almost every chance. When it wasn't shut down by the defence the Loons sent the shot high over the bar.
Minnesota United now heads to California for a battle with the Earthquakes in San Jose. The 'Quakes sit towards the top of the Western Conference table and are the favourites heading into Saturday night's MLS After Dark match.
