MNUFC Lose 4-1 to Sporting Kansas City

September 18, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Minnesota United FC News Release

KANSAS CITY, Kansas — While not exactly the result they were looking for, the Loons were hoping Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with LAFC would be the key to getting their regular season back on track, putting the brakes on a recent three-game skid and building some momentum for the final games of the regular season and run-up to the playoffs. And, with the Western Conference playoffs seedings yet to be set and home-field advantage still a possibility, the boys needed to keep trending back upwards on a season that has had its share of twists and turns. Unfortunately, Saturday night in Kansas City, that road to the playoffs got a whole lot bumpier, as Sporting overwhelmed the Loons with a deflating 4-1 loss.

Sporting showed signs of attack right away, but goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair came up with a massive save in the 6th minute, keeping the home side off the scoresheet. However, a misfortunate ricochet off Michael Boxall opened the scoring for SKC in the 31st minute and misfortune turned into a scoring melee. Two more goals followed in the first half from Kansas City, both by newcomers Erik Thommy and William Agada. The Loons came out in the second half showing signs of life, getting numbers forward and creating chances. A Mender Garcia karate kick goal in the 57th minute – his first in MLS and for MNUFC – looked like it could help turn the tide for Minnesota but Agada put any dream of a comeback to bed in the 81st minute with the striker’s second goal of the game.

Minnesota will look to reset physically and mentally with the international break this week. They will return on Saturday, October 1 at San Jose Earthquakes looking for their regular season prize: securing a home playoff game at Allianz Field. Kickoff at San Jose is set for 9:00 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on Bally Sports North EXTRA and The CW – Twin Cities, with local radio broadcast on 1500 ESPN.

BELL BANK MAN OF THE MATCH: Forward Mender Garcia

LINEUPS:

Minnesota United XI: GK Dayne St. Clair; D Kemar Lawrence, Brent Kallman, Michael Boxall, DJ Taylor; M Joseph Rosales, Wil Trapp (c), Kervin Arriaga; F Franco Fragapane, Luis Amarilla, Mender Garcia

Bench: GK Eric Dick, Fred Emmings; D Alan Benitez, Oniel Fisher, Nabi Kibunguchy; M Jonathan Gonzalez, Niko Hansen; F Abu Danladi

Sporting Kansas City XI: GK John Pulskamp; D Ben Sweat, Andreu Fontas, Nicolas Isimat, Kayden Pierre; M Roger Espinoza, Erik Thommy, Remi Walter;…