MLS

Loons Fall 2-0 to League-Leaders LAFC

Minnesota United FC at Forward Madison Preview

May 2, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Minnesota United FC News Release

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – In a big-time matchup that featured the fifth-place Loons visiting the Supporters’ Shield leaders, it was no surprise to see an LAFC squad holding firm in first place. Taking down a giant on the road is a tall order for any club, but for some reason, this match felt like it could be different. It was an opportunity to prove that the Loons could hang with the upper echelon of the league’s elite.

Unfortunately, the Hollywood ending was not in the cards for the Loons on this West Coast swing. And the 2-0 loss stung just a little bit more with the fact that the effort given by the squad was valiant. Specifically, and in a losing effort no less, keeper Dayne St. Clair stood on his head for most of the match.

From the opening kick, the Loons aggressive defensive pursuits and energetic attack created a frenetic pace of play that moved up and down the pitch. This match would even qualify as somewhat straining to one’s neck , with both offensive attacks striking and counter-striking for the majority of the tilt.

That’s not to say that opportunity never knocked for either squads’ attack. One of Robin Lod’s oh-so-close attempts on the goal came in the 42nd minute of the first half, controlling the ball and spinning to face the goal and shoot a laser that nearly tagged the bottom corner of the net.

Ultimately, the maximum effort and physicality that was given on both sides led to a 0-0 halftime score. That same in-your-face peskiness shown by the Loons didn’t waver after the break, and the second half whistle started off another highly-energetic pace for MNUFC.

In keeping LAFC on their toes for a majority of the game, the Loons hoped to finally wear down the home side and finally convert one of LAFC’s costly turnovers into paydirt. And once again in the 55th minute, Robin Lod came very close to flipping the script on the Loon’s success out west, but ultimately couldn’t put best…

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