With their 16th shot of the second half, and 27th of the game, Minnesota United rescued a draw Saturday night at Allianz Field.
In the third minute of second half stoppage time, the Loons earned a corner kick. Needing a goal to rescue a draw, and keep their six match unbeaten run in league play alive, Minnesota threw caution to the wind and pushed goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair into the New England penalty box to help with the last attack.
Loons star attacker Emanuel Reynoso’s corner kick initially did not find a MNUFC player as the Revs were able to head the ball to the far post where Loons sub Ismael Tajouri-Shradi settled the clearance. Tajouri-Shradi’s shot was deflected off the face of Revs defender Ben Sweat and into the path of Loons midfielder Jan Gregus. Gregus’ shot attempt went off another Revs defender and back to St. Clair, who was able to control the bouncing ball and pass it forward to MNUFC attacker Franco Fragapane.
Fragapane curled his shot through two Revs defenders and into the net for his first goal of the season. Fragapane, and the rest of the MNUFC team, would join Loons fans celebrating in the stands behind the net.
Absolutely electric. This ending is just 🤌#MINvNE | #MNUFC pic.twitter.com/y8FixPvaY8
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) September 10, 2023
The Loons entered the second half down a goal after New England Revolution attacking midfield scored in the 38th minute. Throughout the second New England were content sitting back and forcing Minnesota to try and breakdown their defense. Until the last kick of the game the second half game plan worked, holding off waves of Minnesota attacks.
Minnesota’s point keeps them in seventh place in the Western Conference with just seven games left in the MLS regular season. The Loons sit just four points out of second place in the West, as well as four points from being out of the playoffs.
