MNUFC Defeats Detroit City FC 3-1, Advances in U.S. Open Cup

April 25, 2023 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Minnesota United FC News Release

HAMTRAMCK, Mich. — A tale of two halves defined Tuesday night’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Third Round fixture between Minnesota United and Detroit City FC, where the Loons eventually scored three unanswered goals in the second half to advance past the Michigan side, 3-1.

Detroit City FC started the Third Round match off on the front, controlling possession early and pressing the Minnesota United defensive third. That quick and early pressure proved to be successful, as the home side took the 1-0 lead in the fifth minute when Yazeed Matthews was the beneficiary of three-consecutive passes atop Minnesota’s box. Matthews then had space and his shot hit the far post that deflected into the opposite side of the net.

The remainder of the first 45 minutes saw close scoring chances for MNUFC, including two opportunities in the 38th minute: Kervin Arriaga connected a header from a Franco Fragapane corner kick, but the shot was saved and the rebound hit the side of the net. Then, the following corner service reached the far end of the six-yard box, where a second Loons’ shot at close range missed just right of the post.

Minnesota’s second half was far stronger than its first, and six quick minutes changed the course of the contest in favor of the Loons. In the 60th minute, Joseph Rosales sent a hard-struck ball inside the box that was caught by Cameron Dunbar, whose next shot was blocked, but rolled in front of Franco Fragapane, who then scored the equalizer. Three minutes later, Emmanuel Iwe found space atop the left corner of Detroit’s 18-yard box, taking a shot that deflected off the marking defender and scoring overhead the DCFC goalkeeper, giving Minnesota the 2-1 lead. Finally, in the 66th minute Sang Bin Jeong delivered the ball into the box off a corner kick, where Amarilla gained possession off a failed Detroit clearance, netting the Loons’ third goal of the night.

Though Detroit City fought back in the later moments of the match – including a close-range shot in the 85th minute that was saved by the fingertips of MNUFC’s Clint Irwin – the home side could not catch up, and the Loons held firm to capture the 3-1 victory and advance to the Round of 32.

Notably, Emmanuel Iwe’s goal tonight against DCFC was his first-ever first team goal, all while he made his first start for the senior squad. Devin Padelford additionally made his first-ever start during a first team match on…