MNUFC Narrowly Loses 1-0 to Seattle Sounders

April 23, 2023 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Minnesota United FC News Release

SEATTLE, Wash. — Minnesota United dropped their third straight game tonight in their 1-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders. Despite putting more shots on target than their opponents for the second week in a row, the Loons once again found their opposition to be more efficient with their chances.

The first half saw the Loons get back to their early season road strategy, allowing Seattle to keep 68 percent possession and opting for quick strikes on the counter. The return of MNUFC’s defensive solidity saw them allow just a single shot on goal in the opening 45 while managing three of their own at the other end. The best chance of the half came in the 41st minute, when Bongokuhle Hlongwane’s cross resulted in a rebound falling to the feet of Sang Bin Jeong. The Korean forward put the ball over the net as he tried to get his shot past the Seattle defenders looming between him and the go-ahead goal.

The second half began uneventfully, largely continuing the trends of the first half. Neither team really threatened to score until the 79th minute, when a throw-in deep in MNUFC’s defensive third found its way to Albert Rusnák at the top of the box to finally break the deadlock with a low, driven strike. Fredy Montero was credited with the assist.

Though they generated some offense this time out, the Loons attack ultimately was unable to score the equalizer, and MNUFC’s first win at Lumen Field will have to wait at least one season longer.

With this result, Minnesota United’s record moves to 3-3-2 (W-L-D), with 11 points on the season.

BELL BANK MAN OF THE MATCH: Sang Bin Jeong

LINEUPS:

Minnesota United XI: GK Dayne St. Clair; D DJ Taylor, Miguel Tapias, Michael Boxall (c), Zarek Valentin; M Hassani Dotson, Kervin Arriaga, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Sang Bin Jeong, Robin Lod; F Mender Garcia

Bench: GK Clint Irwin, Eric Dick; D Britton Fischer; M Franco Fragapane, Joseph Rosales; Luis Amarilla, Cameron Dunbar

Seattle Sounders XI: GK Stefan Frei; D Jackson Ragen, Yeimar Gomez Andrade, Kelyn Rowe, Alex Roldan; M Joao Paulo, Nico Lodeiro (c), Albert Rusnak, Leo Chu, Obed Vargas; F Heber

Bench: GK Stefan Cleveland; D Xavier Arreaga; M Ethan Dobbelaere, Sota Kitahara, Danny Leyva, Dylan Teves, Reed Baker-Whiting; F Fredy Montero, Jordan Morris

UP NEXT:

MINNESOTA UNITED FC @ DETROIT CITY FC

Keyworth Stadium | Hamtramck, Michigan

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