Minnesota United controlled the first half of football and Real Salt Lake controlled the second half. At points RSL dominated the second half with ease and it led to a late goal for the hosts. But MNUFC did not quit and a late goal from Joaquín Pereyra leveled the match and sent the Loons back home with a point.
After three days of rest after a much needed 3–1 win for Minnesota United manager Cameron Knowles made some significant changes to his starting eleven. Only four players were retained from Tuesday's win with seven new players coming in to start for the Loons, including main goalkeeper Drake Callender.
Northland Soccer Journal
On the road for the first time in almost a month it didn't feel like Minnesota was the away side. Within the first ten minutes of play the Loons had two very good chances to open the scoring. First coming on a long distance shot from Tomás Chancalay that skimmed over the bar, then a few minutes later a header from Momo Dieng that also went just over the bar. Play would continue to look very similar for a large portion of the first half, even though Real Salt Lake heavily controlled the possession.
Inside the opening 25 minutes RSL managed three total shots with just 0.09 expected goals (per Fotmob) and they would not add to the total for the remainder of the half. Minnesota on the other hand took their chances both on set pieces and in open play, ending with seven shots. MNUFC's biggest problem of the first half was the fact they were unable to get the ball to drop as many shots skimmed just over the bar.
Coming out of the break Cameron Knowles made a single sub bringing Bongokuhle Hlongwane on to replace Kyle Duncan to try and pull more offence out in the second half. After the change the first ten minutes of play went exactly as the first half had gone. However, right around the 55th minute that momentum swung directly in favour of RSL. Diego Luna, Lineker Rodrigues, and others put chances on target for Real Salt Lake, but were unable to break open the scoreless contest.
Salt Lake's second half efforts proved to pay off when Sergi Solans scored in 82nd minute, getting the shot just over the top of goalkeeper Drake Callender.
Sergi Solans goal for Real Salt Lake against Minnesota United
But the Loons wouldn't say die and just before stoppage time Joaquín Pereyra chipped a shot over the top of Rafael Cabral to level the match at one-all, where the match ended.
Joaquín Pereyra's goal for Minnesota United against Real Salt Lake
Next for Minnesota United the Loons will return home to St. Paul for a Wednesday night match at Allianz Field. MNUFC will host their 10 year in MLS celebration that night as they face Atlanta United, the same club whom they faced in their first ever MLS home match.
