Loons and Austin draw 2-2 for the second time in 2026

For the second time in 2026 Minnesota United and Austin FC left the pitch after drawing 2-2. A first half penalty for Austin put Los Verdes ahead and they stayed ahead after the Loons failed to convert on a penalty. After a pair of second half substitutions the Loons banged in two goals in quick succession and looked to have the match in hand. But a response from Austin's Christian Ramirez leveled the match and secured a draw for the visitors.

With a long week of rest behind them and another tight week ahead Cameron Knowles rolled out mostly the same starting eleven as seen in Columbus. The only change saw Jefferson Díaz replace Kyle Duncan, who was missing from the lineup due to injury.

Northland Soccer Journal (@northlandsoccer.com)

Match 🧵 #MINvATX: Starting XI for #MNUFC looks familiar this evening as do a few of #AustinFC ’s. Only one change tonight for the Loons with Jefferson Díaz replacing Kyle Duncan. Joseph Rosales and “Superman” Christian Ramirez start for Los Verdes. 🕕: 6:00pm ⚽: 6:12pm 🖥️: Apple TV 📻: 1500ESPN

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Around the quarter-hour mark Austin FC caught a lucky break following due to a handball from Nectarios Triantis. Triantis pulled his body in tight to avoid a potential handball, but the officials looked at his wrist snapping back and called it a handball. Myrto Uzuni stepped up to take the penalty kick and put the shot past Drake Callender for what ended up being the only goal of the first half.

Shortly after Austin's penalty, Minnesota was awarded one of their own following a foul in the box from Joseph Rosales. Kelvin Yeboah's shot saved by Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver but ended up being put in by Tomás Chancalay on second rebound. However that goal was called back due to encroachment by both Anthony Markanich & Brad Stuver. On the retake Yeboah cracked the crossbar and the ball shot out far enough a rebound shot was not an option.

But the story of the first half was 17 fouls (11 for MIN) and six yellow cards being handed out by referee Chris Penso. The Loons and Los Verdes were relatively even in first half shots with Minnesota getting seven and Austin six. The big difference came in the fact that Austin put three shots on target and MNUFC did that with only one.

After struggling to really get a chance to score, Minnesota United made a few substitutions in the 63rd minute. Cameron Knowles brought on Wil Trapp and James Rodríguez to replace Nectarios Triantis and Tomás Chancalay. Within minutes the switch paid dividends for Minnesota, not only with more chances created but ultimately with a 69th minute goal.

James Rodríguez floated a cross into the box that none other than Anthony Markanich found and headed through Stuver's hands and into goal for the Loons first goal of the night.

Minnesota United FC (@mnufc.com)

James doin’ what James does and Anthony doin’ what Anthony does

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James Rodríguez continued to show his brilliance, assisting on a second goal this one being a give and go play with Joaquín Pereyra to put the Loons up late.

That lead did not last long for Minnesota United as Austin FC and former Loon, Superman Christian Ramirez scored for El Tree to level the match with ten minutes remaining.

Minnesota United was unable to answer the second goal from Austin FC ending the match with a second 2–2 draw between the clubs this season. Now for the Loons its back to a short week with Minnesota hosting the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday before traveling to Massachusetts next weekend for a match with New England Revolution.