In the final match before the 2026 FIFA World Cup break, Minnesota United hosted Real Salt Lake and barely snuck away with a single point against the Utah side. For a majority of the match RSL's 22nd minutes goal appeared to be enough for the visitors to win. But MNUFC scored at the death to eek out a draw in the Loons final match for nearly eight weeks.
For the final match before the World Cup, Cameron Knowles retained most of his eleven from the previous week, making only three changes. Momo Dieng started in place of Kelvin Yeboah, who was held out of the match following a training incident on Wednesday. Owen Gene jumped into Wil Trapp's spot in the midfield while Jefferson Díaz returned to the eleven following his suspension last weekend.
Northland Soccer Journal
Just past the 20 minute mark of the match RSL made it know who was in control of the match, even without controlling possession. Zach Booth hammered a shot from the right side of the box towards the near post and beat just Drake Callender over his head to open the books on Saturday night.
There was no stopping this rocket from Zach 🚀 pic.twitter.com/MxSlhKnWDi
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) May 23, 2026
Late in the first half Minnesota United looked to have answered RSL's goal and taken some much needed momentum into the break. Four minutes into stoppage Momo Dieng slotted in a goal, seemingly drawing the match level But following a VAR review the goal was called back and the Loons went to the dressing room down one goal.
Minnesota dominated the second half of football holding near 60% possession and allowing just two shots from Real Salt Lake in the final forty-five minutes. The problem was the Loons were unable to put on a real chance at goal until near the end of the match. RSL held MNUFC mostly in the midfield and kept the Loons to four shots before stoppage time began.
The Loons only goal of the evening came off a set piece, started with a short throw in by Michael Boxaall. Joaquín Pereyra then whipped a through ball into the box and Mauricio González headed it in to draw the match level at the death
Minnesota United FC
Now for the Loons it's nearly eight weeks off before they take the pitch again in MLS play. The players who are not in the world cup will return in roughly a month for a "mini-camp" style warmup before the Loons play Sporting Kansas City on 22 July. MNUFC's next home match is set for 25 July against Vancouver Whitecaps. That match is the first in a five match home stand that will see the Loons play exclusively at Allianz Field from then through 11 August.
