MNUFC2 Falls to Michigan Stars FC

April 2, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Minnesota United FC 2 News Release

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — MNUFC2 fell to Michigan Stars FC, 0-2, in the Second Round of the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup ending the club’s participation in the tournament.

7′ – Minnesota had their first chance on goal after Jordan Adebayo-Smith laid the ball back to Molik Jesse Khan from inside the box. Khan just outside the 18-yard line fired a shot on goal that was pushed over the crossbar by Michigan Stars’ goalkeeper Tatenda Mkuruva for a corner.

9′ – Michigan had two consecutive chances to score early on in the match. MSFC’s long throw into the box was cleared by MNUFC2. The clearance loose on-top of the box allowed Justin Meram a shot on goal that was denied by the Loons’ goalkeeper Clint Irwin. The deflection of the shot landed in Michigan’s favor on the left side of the pitch with a cross into the box for a header that was cleared out by the Twos.

30′ – The Twos found themselves with another chance on goal when midfielder Carlos Harvey in the attacking third laid the ball off to Adebayo-Smith for a one-touch on goal outside the box but missed high.

41′ – Minnesota just minutes before the first half ended was awarded a free kick in the attacking third. Loons’ midfielder Moses Nyeman served the ball over the top into the box where Loïc Mesanvi was short of connecting with a header to goal.

45′ – Michigan Stars found another dangerous chance on goal from a service over the top of the Minnesota defense found Michigan midfielder Hunter Olson. Olson took open space up the pitch into the box for a wide shot on goal that fell short.

54′ – Harvey had his first goal scoring opportunity after he fired off a long shot that was saved by Stars’ keeper Tatenda Mkuruva.

58′ – Twos high pressure almost rewarded them with a goal, the Twos pressured Michigan’s defense forcing them to drop the ball back to Mkuruva. Mkuruva with possession tried to pass out of pressure, passing the ball into open space near the 18. Neyman gained possession and set up Khan for a close shot on goal. Mkuruva off his line, went in for the save and secured the ball.

63′ – Adebayo-Smith had another goal scoring opportunity when Minnesota gained possession in their half, sending the ball up the left flank to Smith. Smith took space on the left side then moved inside for a shot on goal where it was blocked by Stars’ defender Sebastian Capozucchi.

100′ – Michigan Stars scored the first goal of the match. Midfielder Steven…