Minnesota United came into Seattle looking for a good performance. But two Seattle first half goals scuppered that idea. Anthony Markanich scored before the 60th minute to give the Loons some hope. But Seattle scored a third and final goal with under 10 minutes left to send MNUFC home with no points.
Cameron Knowles made minimal changes for his Minnesota United side coming into Seattle. Michael Boxall returned to the starting eleven after serving his one match suspension. Jefferson Díaz and Tomás Chancalay also jumped into the starting eleven as MNUFC has lost three players this weekend to international duty.
Coming off a midweek match, Seattle manager Brian Schmetzer made four changes to his starting eleven. Those changes included seeing former Loons Caden Clark and Hassani Dotson starting for the Sounders on Saturday night.
Northland Soccer Journal
Seattle started in control of the match, as they have in many matches against Minnesota. Their style and control paid off early with the Sounders opening the scoring in the 16th minute. Albert Rusnák sent a low ball into the box that Jordan Morris picked up and put in on his second touch to put Seattle up over MNUFC.
Jordan Morris 16th minute goal for Seattle Sounders
Just under 20 minutes later the Sounders added a second goal, with this goal stinging Loons fans. Former MNUFC player Hassani Dotson scored Seattle's second goal, also with an assist from Albert Rusnák, to double the hosts lead.
Hassani Dotson's 35th minute goal for Seattle Sounders
Starting the second half Cameron Knowles made a sub, bringing Bongi Hlongwane on to replace Kyle Duncan at wing back. Duncan had gone down twice in the first half, during the first of which he walked off the pitch holding his head. Both teams took early chances. Minnesota's coming with a miss from Anthony Markanich, while Drake Callender made a massive save on Seattle's attempt.
Twelve minutes into the second half, Minnesota got on the board thanks to a goal from Anthony Markanich. Bongi Hlongwane sent a cross over to Markanich and he smashed a goal in off the volley.
Anthony Markanich's 57th minute goal for MNUFC
But the Sounders countered with under ten minutes to play in the match. Albert Rusnák earned himself another goal contribution with an assist on the goal scored by Paul Arriola. That goal proved to be the final goal of the night capping off a 3–1 for Seattle
Paul Arriola's 83rd minute goal for Seattle
Minnesota United now heads into the International break with five losses on the bounce and their last win over a month ago. The break will allow the Loons time to regroup before the final push of seven matches in four weeks to end the season. MNUFC next plays on Saturday 10 October at Allianz Field against Houston Dynamo with a 7:30pm kickoff.
