Minnesota United Loses at Vancouver Whitecaps 3-2

May 7, 2023 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Minnesota United FC News Release

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Minnesota United and Vancouver Whitecaps FC battled in a back-and-forth game on Saturday night, but key Minnesota turnovers made the difference, and the home team secured the 3-2 win.

It was an end-to-end start to the match under the roof at BC Place, where both Minnesota and Vancouver exchanged scoring opportunities in quick succession within the first 15 minutes. But it was the Whitecaps who held the edge in chances during the first 45 minutes, which eventually led to the opening goal in the 17th minute. MNUFC midfielder Wil Trapp mishandled a pass, turning the ball over and giving the ‘Caps the ball. It was passed up the field via a through-ball to Brian White, who beat out defender Miguel Tapias and ultimately goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair to give the home side the early 1-0 lead.

The Loons fought back before half time, earning a corner kick in the 33rd minute. Following service into the six-yard box, Vancouver goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka’s punch-out was poorly cleared, giving Minnesota center-back Michael Boxall the opportunity to handle the rebound, where he then finished the shot and scored the equalizing goal. This was notably the first goal for Boxall since he last found the net on September 29, 2019 versus Los Angeles Football Club. The first half didn’t simply fade away, and in the 45th minute, White found space in the Loons’ six-yard box, took the strike but was ultimately saved by St. Clair’s right foot.

Seven minutes into the start of the second half, Vancouver regained the lead when Julian Gressel headed the ball close to the goal, and White was able to get a touch on the ball – just moments before colliding with St. Clair – scoring the go-ahead goal in the 52nd minute. Four minutes later, MNUFC midfielder Robin Lod’s back pass was intercepted by Vancouver, where Ryan Gauld passed the ball off to Simon Becher, who then finished the chance at close range, extending the lead to 3-1.

Minnesota United pulled within one in the 65th minute when Lod connected a pass to attacker Sang Bin Jeong, who had space atop the 18-yard box. Jeong then struck the ball into the lower left corner to make the score 3-2. The South Korean international on Saturday night notably scored his first-ever MNUFC and Major League Soccer goal. In the waning moments of the match, Minnesota fought back to try to equalize the match once more. Jeong, in the fifth minute of…