Minnesota Draws Kansas City 1-1

July 13, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Minnesota United FC News Release

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota United FC played host to Sporting Kansas City in the 16th all-time MLS meeting between the Western Conference rivals on Wednesday night, where strong showings from both goalkeepers resulted in both sides leaving with a point after a contested 1-1 draw.

The first half of the match was stagnant for the home side. The Loons struggled to find an offensive rhythm in their attacking third, firing off few successful shots on target (one), let alone many shots at all (four). On the other end, MNUFC’s defense held strong as Sporting KC shot off chance after chance. 2022 MLS All-Star goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair made two key saves to keep the score even. In the 44th minute, defender Kemar Lawrence snuck behind the SKC back line, dramatically keeping the ball inbounds while sending it in scoring position. SKC’s defender attempted to clear, but the ball deflected off goalkeeper John Pulskamp, resulting in an own goal that gave MNUFC the 1-0 lead at half. The next 45 minutes saw more scoring chances from both sides. In the 63rd minute, Sporting Kansas City’s Johnny Russell found the back of the next to even the score at 1-1. MNUFC fought back and thought it had the go-ahead goal in the 65th minute from Luis Amarilla, but the play was ultimately ruled offside. Yet another chance by Amarilla in the 84th minute fell just short, as his header was barely saved by SKC’s keeper. Both St. Clair and Pulskamp recorded four saves en route to a well-battled 1-1 draw at final whistle.

On a quick turnaround, MNUFC looks to extend its four-match unbeaten streak when it hosts D.C. United on Saturday, July 16. Kick for Saturday’s interconference contest is set for 7:00 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on Bally Sports North and The CW – Twin Cities with the radio call on MNUFC Radio on 1500 ESPN.

ATTENDANCE: 19,657

BELL BANK MAN OF THE MATCH: Defender Michael Boxall

LINEUPS:

Minnesota United XI: GK Dayne St. Clair; D Kemar Lawrence, Bakaye Dibassy, Michael Boxall, DJ Taylor; M Wil Trapp (c), Robin Lod, Franco Fragapane, Emanuel Reynoso, Bongokuhle Hlongwane; F Luis Amarilla

Bench: GK Tyler Miller; D Brent Kallman, Nabi Kibunguchy, Oniel Fisher; M Jacori Hayes, Justin McMaster, Joseph Rosales; F Abu Danladi

Sporting Kansas City XI: GK John Pulskamp; D Andreu Fontas (c), Nicolas Isimat, Logan Ndenbe, Kayden Pierre; M Uri Rosell, Felipe Hernandez, Cam Duke, Remi Walter; F Daniel Salloi,…