Benitez Lifts Loons in 2-1 Victory at Nashville SC

August 15, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Minnesota United FC News Release

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Minnesota United bent but did not break against a relentless Nashville SC attack on Sunday night. The Loons defense held firm while defender Alan Benitez scored his first MNUFC goal – the game-winner – to help capture the 2-1 victory for Minnesota at GEODIS Park.

MNUFC’s defense put in work Sunday at Nashville with goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair making seven saves and the backline fending off 21 NSC shots on the night. Amidst the barrage of shots on the defensive end, midfielder Emanuel Reynoso connected a pass to fellow midfielder Franco Fragapane in the 27th minute, in which Fragapane scored the game’s opening goal – across the end line, past the keeper and into the far corner – giving the Loons the 1-0 lead into halftime. Nashville’s attack was persistent at the start of the second half, and in the 61st minute, NSC midfielder Hany Mukhtar equalized the game at 1-1 off a second chance following a set-piece kick. But, MNUFC continued to find space in runs on transition, particularly in the 75th minute. Reynoso weaved near the edge of the 18-yard box, passing off to midfielder Joseph Rosales who then sent the ball through traffic to the other end of the box where defender Alan Benitez finished the chance and scored the game-winning goal – notably his first Minnesota United goal.

With Fragapane’s 27th-minute goal (his fifth in 2022), the midfielder has now recorded a goal or assist in the last four contests he has appeared in. Notably, the Loons extended their scoring streak and have now found the back of the net in 11-straight MLS matches dating back to the New England Revolution contest (June 19). Additionally, recently acquired midfielder Jonathan Gonzalez made his MNUFC debut in the 84th minute of the match against Nashville. Finally, MNUFC has now won six matches on the road in 2022, the most in a single season in club history.

Minnesota United next returns to the Twin Cities to host Austin FC on Saturday, August 20 at Allianz Field. Kick for Saturday night’s contest is set for 7:00 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on Bally Sports North EXTRA and The CW – Twin Cities, with radio broadcast on 1500 ESPN.

BELL BANK MAN OF THE MATCH: Dayne St. Clair

LINEUPS:

Minnesota United XI: GK Dayne St. Clair; D Kemar Lawrence, Bakaye Dibassy, Michael Boxall, Alan Benitez; M Robin Lod, Kervin Arriaga, Franco Fragapane, Emanuel Reynoso, Bongokuhle Honglwane; F Luis…