By Jeff Croyle
On Saturday, Minnesota United FC took on a good Los Angeles FC team. It was the Loons second home game. A battle between the top 2 teams in the West early in the season. Not like last weekend, the weather was an unforgiving 40 degrees and very windy. Despite the weather, the fans that came out to see the game were rewarded with a great match.
The Loons were attacking right from the very start of this match. The defense shutdown the explosive LAFC squad the entire game. In the 16′ Midfielder Robin Lod scored his 2nd goal of the season to put the United up 1-0. Things got a little chippy after that as Falcons Defender Jesus Murilllo picked up a yellow card in the 22′. Minnesota’s Midfielder Caden Clark also picked up a yellow card in the 32′.
Both this year’s and last year’s team started strong, but the difference this season (so far) is the coaching from new coach Eric Ramsay and the resilience of the Loons defense (particularly in the second half of matches). Minnesota continued their defensive dominance in the second half and would not let up. The match win was secured in the 88′ as fan favorite Bongokuhle Hlongwane scored his 2nd goal of the season to put the Loons up 2-0 and that was the final score from Allianz field.
The Loons stayed undefeated and took over sole possession of first place in the West. Minnesota has a friendly on Wednesday vs St. Patrick’s Athletic FC and then will go on the road to face the Philadelphia Union on 3/30.
