Loons Come from Behind to Win 2-1 over Dynamo

August 27, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Minnesota United FC News Release

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota United’s Luis Amarilla was knocking on Houston Dynamo’s door the entire afternoon: multiple attempts in the goalkeeper’s box fell just wide, were saved or called offside. But the Paraguayan broke through late and scored the game-winner to give the Loons the 2-1 come-from-behind victory over the Dynamo on Saturday in front of another sellout crowd at Allianz Field.

MNUFC’s afternoon came with many attempts to create chances. Amidst 21 crosses sent in against Houston, the Loons struggled to connect and find the back of the net throughout the game. In the fourth minute, defender Bakaye Dibassy competed for a contested ball and went down with a leg injury. Dibassy left the match in the seventh minute and was replaced by Brent Kallman. Houston then broke the scoreless draw in the first minute of first half stoppage time when Dynamo defender Griffin Dorsey connected a pass to forward Corey Baird, who had found his way past the Loons back line. Baird chipped the shot above Dayne St. Clair to give Houston the 1-0 lead at halftime. Following a number of close chances in the second half for MNUFC, the Loons earned a free kick just outside the 18-yard box in the 79th minute. Midfielder Emanuel Reynoso took the kick, bending it towards goal when Houston’s Fafa Picault deflected the ball into the net while attempting to clear, resulting in the equalizing own goal. The home side continued to press in the attacking third and was duly rewarded in the 84th minute. Reynoso fed defender Alan Benitez a pass before Benitez crossed the ball in open space inside the box to fellow Paraguayan Luis Amarilla, to score the game-winning goal – his ninth of 2022 – and give the Loons three points on the afternoon.

Notably, with the two goals scored against Houston, MNUFC extended its club-record scoring streak to 13 matches dating back to the New England Revolution contest on June 19. Additionally, MVP candidate Emanuel Reynoso provided an assist on Amarilla’s goal, extending his points streak to five matches. The win tonight also marks the most points (44) for MNUFC through 27 games in MLS club history.

Minnesota United has a quick turnaround when it travels to Salt Lake City this Wednesday, August 31 to face Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium. Kick for Wednesday’s contest is set for 8:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on Bally Sports North EXTRA with radio broadcast on…