It looks as though Minnesota’s playoff woes extends to MLS, with Minnesota United falling at the first hurdle with a 2-1 home loss to the L.A. Galaxy.
Two second-half goals in four minutes from Sebastian Lietget and Jonathan Dos Santos were enough to condemn United to an early exit.
Jan Gregus’ 20-yard strike with 4 minutes remaining set up a grandstand finish in front of an as ever vociferous Allianz Field crowd, but ultimately the Loons couldn’t find a leveler.
Loons manager Adrian Heath sprung a surprise by starting the game off with top scorer Darwin Quintero and fellow forward Mason Toye on the bench, opting instead for Angelo Rodriguez – whose last league goal was on June 29 – to lead the United attack.
And Rodriguez had a gilt-edged chance to give the home team the lead in the 56th minute, only to somehow headed Romain Metanire’s cross wide from just 6 yards out and the goal at his mercy.
Quintero and Toye were then brought on, but United would live to rue Rodriguez’s miss, as in the 71st minute Sebastian Lietget finished from close range after Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s shot was blocked.
Just minutes after Galaxy scored, Ibrahimovic had a chance to put the game beyond doubt, only to be thwarted by Vito Mannone after telegraphing his one-on-one chance.
The let-off was shortlived, with Jonathan Dos Santos moments later picking the ball up 25 yards out from goal and curling into the bottom right-hand corner.
Gregus’ sweet strike gave the home faithful hope as the clock dwindled, but Galaxy did enough to hold on.
it ain't my fault that I'm out here gettin' loose…
…gotta blame it on the Goose pic.twitter.com/lW0l0MR7WY
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) October 21, 2019
