Minty-fresh off an inspiring come-from-behind win in Montreal, Minnesota United met an FC Dallas team in an unprecedented slump in MLS on Saturday. The Loons again conceded early, but came from behind in an impressive and dominant 4-1 win.
Starting lineups
Adrian Heath chose to stick with the same starting XI that earned a late win in Montreal.
#MINvFCD | #MNUFC pic.twitter.com/oX9eRp8KA7
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) September 23, 2017
FC Dallas was missing starting center back Matt Hedges due to yellow card accumulation. He was replaced by Maynor Figueroa.
STARTING XI: It’s back to the 4-4-2 as the team looks to get the offense firing once again. #MINvFCD Lineup Notes: https://t.co/MeR3TjRWA5 pic.twitter.com/p2IYqkxjyG
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) September 23, 2017
First half
In the last three matches, the Loons conceded within 10 minutes. It looked as if that streak might continue as Max Urruti put in a screamer from the top of the box, but the referee ruled that an offside player interfered with Bobby Shuttleworth on the play.
Well, since that Urruti goal didn't count, don't forget to tweet your questions to @SportsSturm and @SteveDavis90 using #FCDTV. pic.twitter.com/VN9HI54esZ
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) September 24, 2017
Bobby Shuttleworth was called into action a couple of times early on, but found himself beat by Tesho Akindele running to the far post in the 14th minute.
The attack started with a long, cross-field pass from Figueroa to Michael Barrios. The right winger easily shifted past Marc Burch and sent a ball across the face of the net to Akindele who drafted in behind Jérôme Thiesson.
"FC Dallas with an early lead. This is a nice change." – @SportsSturm on the @TXA21 broadcast. #MINvFCD | MIN-0, FCD-1 pic.twitter.com/Q0HhBp4vIG
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) September 24, 2017
Once again, a goal conceded roused the Loons from their slow start and once again it was Christian Ramirez who pulled the team back. On a quick counter, Kevin Molino sent in a wonderful pass to put Ramirez through on goal. Superman held his nerve and calmly slotted the ball under Jesse Gonzalez. The goal was a perfect sequence for Minnesota: Francisco Calvo steps in to intercept the ball, then sends it quickly 30 yards forward to Molino. Molino then turns, runs and sends in Ramirez.
After Minnesota’s equalizer, FC Dallas quickly began to wilt and the Loons gained more and more of a foothold. Eleven minutes later, United struck again by tearing open the Dallas defense. Ibson drives forward to the box and passes off to Ramirez, who lobs the ball with his first touch to Miguel Ibarra as he races into the box. Ibarra finishes on the volley to put Minnesota up 2-1.
*Inserts Batman & Superman reference* #MINvFCD | 2-1 | @Migue10Ibarra | @Chris_Ramirez17 pic.twitter.com/Nbzkaea3ZL
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) September 24, 2017
Second half
Both teams came out from the half and had chances on goal, none perhaps closer than Ethan Finlay’s shot off the far post in the 56th minute. However, the turning point of the match was the 67th minute when Collin Martin steamed over Mauro Diaz to give up a penalty that could tie up the match.
Diaz stepped up to take the penalty and for the second match in a row, Shuttleworth stopped a penalty.
I'M THE ONE WHO BLOCKS Part 2 #MINvFCD | 3-1 | ???? pic.twitter.com/odhjsmHtiY
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) September 24, 2017
Minutes later, Finlay made his next strike on goal count as he put the Loons up 3-1. This time the sequence started from Collin Martin who sent a ball in to Ramirez, who again one times it into the box, where Finlay could finish at the far post.
Saucin'#MINvFCD | 3-1 | @EthanFinlay13 pic.twitter.com/QItdf5cV2W
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) September 24, 2017
A minute later Akindele hit the post and then it was substitute Abu Danladi’s turn to hit the woodwork. In the 80th minute, Danladi had a 50-yard counterattack to himself, but he ended it by hitting the far post.
In the 81st minute, Akindele’s night was over as he went into a challenge with Shuttleworth with his studs exposed. He was shown a straight red.
Danladi would get his goal, though, as he was again through on goal in the 88th minute. This time he easily went past the keeper and coolly slotted the ball home to make it 4-1.
Got 'em#MINvFCD | 4-1 | @abudanladi9 pic.twitter.com/zZMDjrEexo
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) September 24, 2017
Scoring summary
14′ – DAL Akindele (assist Barrios)
24′ – MIN Ramirez (assist Molino)
35′ – MIN Ibarra (assist Ramirez)
71′ – MIN Finlay (assist Ramirez)
88′ – MIN Danladi
Discipline
40′ – MIN Calvo (unsporting behavior)
42′ – MIN Finlay (unsporting behavior)
58′ – MIN Martin (unsporting behavior)
75′ – DAL Barrios (unsporting behavior)
78′ – DAL Grana (extra flag to checker)
81′ – DAL Akindele RED (serious foul)
Match ratings
Rate your Loons! #MINvFCD https://t.co/XcT9xQFxrR pic.twitter.com/b5bAkQKQka
— Fifty Five One (@FiftyFiveOne) September 24, 2017
Three stars
Our three stars from a beautiful night in Minneapolis. #MINvFCD pic.twitter.com/GXG48pY1Kk
— Fifty Five One (@FiftyFiveOne) September 24, 2017
Photo gallery
Photos by Dan Mick
FiftyFive.One is now on Patreon. Do you like the independent coverage of soccer news from Minnesota and beyond that FiftyFive.One offers? Please consider becoming a patron.
Leave a Reply