A fighting effort by Minnesota United wasn’t enough to win them their first U.S. Open Cup, as they fell 2-1 to Atlanta United.
The Loons were already up against it given that the final was being held in Atlanta’s home stadium, and things were looking ominous as Atlanta rushed into a 2-0 lead within the first 16 minutes.
But Minnesota was able to get to half-time without any further damage, and two minutes after the restart struck back with a goal from recent signing Robin Lod.
Lod angled a volley into the far left corner from Kevin Molino’s cross, with the ball going in off the upright.
Look who's back | 🏆@MNUFC pull a goal back right at the start of the second half through Robin Lod from close range.
2-1 | #USOC2019 pic.twitter.com/MrOw7qI4zB
— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) August 28, 2019
United were given a huge chance when Atlanta was reduced to 10 men in the 74th minute, when Leandro Pirez was given his marching orders for a second bookable offense.
A reinvigorated Loons laid siege to the home team, but were ultimately thwarted in their attempts to get the equalizer that would have taken the tie to extra time.
